Solving Problems Using Critical Thinking and Creativity

Traditional Classroom: 1-day
Virtual Instructor-led: Two 3-3.5 hour sessions; Three 2-hour sessions

The ability to think both creatively and critically is an invaluable skill set at the heart of effective problem solving. While at first glance creating and critiquing may seem like opposites, they are in fact deeply connected... and part of an ongoing generative cycle. To solve challenging problems, we need to explore them holistically — to unleash our imaginations while also applying structure and discipline to our thought processes.

In this highly interactive course, participants will examine the dynamic interplay between critical and creative thinking. They will actively experiment with various problem-solving approaches and techniques for generating alternative solutions. In pairs and small groups they will investigate their own mental models and biases, testing ideas against a selection of critical thinking standards. At the end of the workshop, they will synthesize what they have learned and create their personal action plan.

Target Audience

This course is designed for:

Anyone who wants to refine their critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills and abilities.
Anyone who wishes to grow their ability to innovate, solve problems based on critical thinking, and generate creative solutions and new ideas.

Learning Objectives

Articulate the intimate connection between critical thinking and creative thinking.
Recognize the importance of defining the right problem.
Apply a variety of problem-solving approaches to real-life challenges.
Leverage different techniques to generate divergent and convergent thinking.
Employ selected intellectual standards to improve critical thinking capabilities.
Integrate creative and critical thinking to create a personal action plan specific to problem solving.

Pre-Course Work

Listen to the Harvard Business Review IdeaCast podcast “Improve Your Critical Thinking at Work” and be prepared to discuss it in class.

Course Outline

Opening Activities

Module 1: Problem Diagnosis and Definition

Overcoming a Bias for Action
- Checking Your Mindset
- Tolerating Ambiguity and Uncertainty
Defining the Right Problem
Problem Solving Framework
Root Cause Analysis
- The 5 Whys Technique
- Ishikawa (Fishbone) Diagram

Module 2: Creative Thinking — Generating Alternatives

Breaking Through Functional Fixedness
Divergent and Convergent Thinking
- Brainstorming
- The “Brain Swarming” Technique
Exploring de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats^®
Design Thinking: Empathy and Perspective Taking
Pixar’s Brain Trust and Catalytic Questions

Module 3: Critical Thinking — Evaluating Alternatives

What Clouds Our Thinking?
Walking Down the Ladder of Inference
Employing Intellectual Standards
- The Gateway Standard of Clarity
- Accuracy and Precision
- Logic and Relevance
The Power of Inquiry: Asking “A More Beautiful Question”
Exploring Mental Models
Synthesizing What You’ve Learned
Creating Your Action Plan

Post-Course Work

Watch: Watch TED Talk “Got a Wicked Problem? First Tell Me How You Make Toast” (Tom Wujec)

MDV1477 Course Code

For more information on this topic, as well as how Corporate Education Group can help power your organization’s performance, contact us via email or call 1.800.288.7246 (US only) or +1.978.649.8200. You can also use our Information Request Form!