Session Two: Solving Business Challenges

The second training session in the Emerging Leader Certificate Program, Solving Business Challenges takes participants through a series of step models that can be applied in any scenario to overcome organizational adversity. By understanding the elements of business process you will be able to solve problems more easily and make better business decisions.

You will learn to:

  • solve problems efficiently using contemporary models, tools and techniques;
  • make better decisions;
  • balance risk and opportunity; and
  • focus on your customers (external and internal) to always keep them satisfied.

Key take away: How to weigh the potential impact of business decisions you are considering and to map outcomes based on multiple scenarios.

Session Modules

Module 1: What Makes a Business Work?

  • Understanding your process
  • What the customer wants and needs

Module 2: Business Problem Solving

  • Problem-solving model
  • Problem-solving approach
  • Business process improvement
  • Business problem-solving tools

Module 3: Decision Making

  • Key process steps in decision making
  • RED Critical Thinking Model
  • Decision making biases and pitfalls
  • Decision making methods

Module 4: Managing Risk in Decision Making

  • Balancing risk vs. opportunity
  • Effort/impact matrix
  • Opportunity cost
  • Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA)
  • Controls and risk mitigation planning

Pre-session Assignments

  • Read articles, summaries and/or cases
  • Listen to podcasts
  • Watch videos

Estimated Time Commitment: 2 – 4 hours

Post-Session Action Planning and Instructor-Facilitated Coaching Session

  • Meeting with manager to review what was learned in the session and updated action plan
  • Group Coaching Forum #2

Estimated Time Commitment: 2 hours