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

Foundation Concepts

Course Goal and Learning Objectives
Opening Activities
- Kick-off Question
- Large Group Spectrogram
Key Definitions
Framework for Problem Solving
Class Activity: Introductions by the Numbers

What Gets in the Way of Us Thinking Critically?

Internal Obstacles to Thinking Critically
Daniel Kahneman’s Two Thinking Modes
Common Cognitive Biases
Class Activity: Cognitive Bias Scenarios
Interruption Science and Switch-Tasking
Tips for Countering Internal Obstacles

Problem Solving and Diagnosis

Einstein on Problem Solving
Class Activity: Solving the Wrong Problem
Defining the Right Problem
Problem Solving Framework
Root Cause Analysis
- The 5 Whys Technique
- Ishikawa (Fishbone) Diagram
Breakout Group Activity: Apply Root Cause Analysis to a Real-Life Problem

Creative Thinking — Generating Alternatives

Obstacles to Problem Solving
Overcoming Functional Fixedness
Class Activity: Alternative Uses
Divergent and Convergent Thinking
Breakout Group Activity: “Lost at Sea”
The “Brain Swarming” Technique
Class Activity: Brain Swarming Problem — “The Stuck Truck”
Asking Different Questions
Breakout Group Activity: A Better Question

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
Exploring de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats^®
Pairwise Comparison Technique
Kepner-Tregoe Method: KT Decision Model
Breakout Group Activity: Leverage a Decision Making Model in a Real-World Scenario
Review of Key Tools and Techniques

Group Critical and Creative Thinking Challenge

Verbal Intelligence Problems
Logical Intelligence Problems
Pattern Recognition Problems
Lateral Thinking Problems
Visual/Spatial Intelligence Problems
Class Activity: Workplace Application Scenarios
Course Summary and Personal 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!

Practice Area

Management and Leadership