Program Overview:
In today’s fast-paced operational environment, effective problem-solving is not just a skill – it’s a necessity. Every day, operational staff face decisions that impact efficiency, customer satisfaction, and bottom-line results. Whether streamlining processes, reducing timeframes, or enhancing service quality, the ability to make informed decisions and solve problems systematically is crucial for operational success.
This program equips participants with a structured approach to problem-solving, combining critical thinking with practical tools and techniques. We focus on real-world application, enabling participants to identify issues, analyze data, generate solutions, and implement effective decisions in their operational environment.
By the end of this course, you’ll:
- Master different approaches to problem-solving and understand their application in operational contexts
- Apply a systematic problem-solving and decision-making process to operational challenges
- Utilize specialized tools and techniques for data gathering and analysis in operations
- Develop enhanced creative and critical thinking capabilities for complex problem resolution
- Generate and evaluate alternative solutions using structured methodologies
- Implement a structured approach to decision-making and solution selection
- Create effective implementation plans and communication strategies for solution deployment
- Measure and evaluate the success of implemented solutions
This course is ideal for:
- Managers and supervisors in operational roles
- Front-line staff seeking to enhance their problem-solving capabilities
- Team leaders responsible for process improvement
- Anyone involved in operational decision-making and problem resolution
Level of the course: Intermediate level, suitable for professionals with basic operational experience
Training Methodology: Our approach combines theoretical understanding with extensive practical application:
- Instructor-led interactive sessions
- Real-life operational case studies and exercises
- Role-playing scenarios
- Group discussions and collaborative problem-solving
- Hands-on practice with problem-solving tools
- Integrated learning approach focusing on operational contexts
Course Outline
Day 1: Foundations and Frameworks
- Course introduction, logistics, and ground rules
- Overview of learning objectives and schedule
- Sharing participant expectations and goals
Understanding Operational Problems
- What makes a problem operational?
- Common barriers to effective problem solving
- Categorising problems in day-to-day operations
- Participant examples from the field
- Case study and facilitated group discussion
The Structured Problem-Solving Process
- A step-by-step approach: Identify → Analyze → Generate → Select → Implement → Evaluate
- Defining success: Setting clear criteria
- Making decisions with structure and clarity
- Hands-on exercise using the full process
Problem-Solving Styles and Thinking Approaches
- Exploring personal problem-solving styles
- Introduction to Debono’s Six Thinking Hats
- Shifting perspectives through structured thinking
- Interactive role play: applying the hats to real scenarios
Day 2: Thinking Critically and Choosing Solutions
Critical Thinking for Operational Challenges
- Defining and applying critical thinking
- Enhancing problem solving through analysis and reflection
- Techniques: mind mapping, root cause exploration, reframing
- Practical exercise: spotting thinking traps
Working with Data
- Turning data into insight
- Finding relevant operational data
- Visual tools for analysis: charts, scatter plots, tally sheets
- Best practices for presenting data clearly
- Group activity using real-world examples
Selecting the Best Way Forward
- Creating solution criteria that reflect operational priorities
- Generating, comparing, and refining options
- Balancing risk, feasibility, and impact
- Communicating a well-reasoned recommendation
- Applied decision-making exercise
Day 3: Tools, Implementation & Evaluation
Practical Tools for Operations Problem Solving
- Overview of the 7 basic quality tools
- Cause & effect (fishbone) diagrams
- Flowcharts
- Histograms
- Control charts
- Pareto diagrams
- Tally sheets
- SWOT analysis
- When to use what: choosing the right tool
- Introduction to advanced methods
- Group-based tool application exercises
From Decision to Action
- Communicating decisions with clarity and confidence
- Planning for implementation and assigning accountability
- Monitoring progress and tracking success through KPIs
- Using feedback to refine and improve outcomes
- Final wrap-up exercise and personal action planning
Tools deployed:
- Slide presentations
- Interactive worksheets
- Problem-solving templates
- Analysis tools (Fishbone diagrams, Flow charts, etc.)
- Case study materials
- Role-play scenarios
Results: By the completion of this three-day program, participants will have:
- Mastered a structured approach to operational problem-solving
- Developed practical skills in using various problem-solving tools
- Created their own problem-solving toolkit for immediate workplace application
- Built confidence in decision-making and solution implementation
Our Delivery Promise: We maintain small group sizes to ensure personalized attention and maximum interaction. All content is customized to your industry context, incorporating relevant examples and scenarios. Participants leave with practical tools they can implement immediately in their workplace.
Duration: 3 days face to face
Delivered: London, Leeds, Edinburgh or on site
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Accreditation:
Course participants can showcase their expertise with our industry-recognized certificates, complete with shareable LinkedIn digital badges and verified CPD points – demonstrating their commitment to professional excellence.