Problem Solving & Decision Making

Problem Solving & Decision Making
Duration - 1 Day
Introduction

Recognise This Behaviour?
Maybe Today - Maybe Not!
You keep putting it off, moving it aside, and reassigning it to the bottom of the pile. It nags you. It bugs you to the point of frustration. You' put it off until the last minute, and then have to do it anyway. Stop procrastinating and start doing! Don t put off this opportunity to learn how to overcome your hesitation and make smarter critical decisions
Now Make an Effective Decision!
Course Aim
The effective manager must be able to manage complex issues and difficult decisions. This Programme will deliver a Toolkit of techniques that are applicable in virtually every problem solving and decision making situation that you will encounter in your management role
Learning Objectives
► You will learn valuable techniques and methodologies to expand your critical thinking ability
► You will know how to accurately define a problem
► You will be sure you are working on the problem itself - and not the symptoms
► You will Mind the Gap or the common pitfalls encountered when problem solving
► Recognise whole brain thinking
► Work through the steps of problem solving and decision making
► Recognise the need to consult and involve others in the process
► Share information to achieve the desired outcomes
► Suggest alternative ways to generate solutions
► Adopt a more creative approach
► Utilise appropriate and useful techniques such as Mind Mapping , Brainstorming, Ishikawa Diagrams, Lateral Thinking Techniques, Evaluation Techniques, SWOT analyses
► Overcome barriers to effective problem solving and utilise group problem solving techniques
► You will sell credible solutions to stakeholders
► You will utilize all of your intelligences in the decision making process
Method & Approach
The programme will be highly participative and consist of tutor input, group discussion, group activities, case study, self analysis questionnaires, examination of personal case study, action planning and experiential learning to allow participants to practice their skills, knowledge and understanding. The programme will conclude with all learners preparing their own personal action plans to transfer the learning back to the workplace. Programmes can be adapted to meet individual organisational requirements.
Course Content
►Gathering Evidence - Heart or Mind Strategy?
►An understanding of a variety of approaches to effectively collecting information. How your emotions can influence your reactions
►Understanding Thinking Patterns
►Do you go towards  or Away from  Your Goal?
►The Way We See the Problem
►Avoiding Positive/Negative Generalization
►Making Decisions - Your Experience of Yesterday
►What did you learn then to apply to today or tomorrow?
►The Decision Making Model
►Apply the Six Step Approach
►A Toolkit of Techniques - Weighting Criteria, PROVE, Brainstorming, Mind Mapping, New Shoes, SWOT,
►Mind the Gap! - Traps to avoid! The Anchoring Trap. The Status Quo Trap, The Sunk Cost Trap, The Confirming Evidence Trap, The Framing Trap, The recent Event Trap. Lateral Thinking, Reversal, Pareto Analysis, Force Field Analysis, Six Hats
►Creative and Innovative Decision Making What is a catawompus? How your brain works. Using VHF! Create positive neural pathways. Use multiple intelligences - everyone s a genius!
►Make an Informed Decision and Sell It!
►The quickest route to market! - What are the power and influence sources in your organisation?
Section Two M