Problem Solving and Decision Making

Course Information

We make decisions and solve problems continually. We start making decisions before we even get out of bed (shall I get up now or not?). Sometimes, we will make as many as 50 decisions by the time we leave for work. Despite all the natural decision-making that goes on and the problem-solving we do, some people are very uncomfortable with having to make decisions. You may know someone who has a hard time making decisions about what to eat, never mind the internal wrestling they go through in order to take on major decisions at work.

Likewise, we have probably all looked at a solution to something and said, “I could have thought of that.” The key to finding creative solutions is not just creativity, although that will certainly help. The answer rests in our ability to identify options, research them, and then put things together in a way that works. Having a process to work through can take the anxiety out of problem-solving and make decisions easier. That is what this two-day workshop is all about.

This two-day workshop will help you teach participants how to:

Apply problem-solving steps and tools
Analyze information to clearly describe problems
Identify appropriate solutions
Think creatively and be a contributing member of a problem-solving team
Select the best approach for making decisions
Create a plan for implementing, evaluating, and following up on decisions
Avoid common decision-making mistakes

1. Definitions

Defining Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
Problem Identification
Eight Essentials to Defining a Problem
Problem-Solving in Action

2. Making Decisions

What it Means
Types of Decisions
Facts vs. Information
Eight Ingredients for Good Decision-Making
Decision-Making Traps

3. Getting Real

Pre-Assignment Review

4. The Problem-Solving Model

Model Overview
Real Problems
Phase One
Phase Two
Phase Three
Solution Planning Worksheet

5. Case Study

The Truck Case Study

6. The Problem-Solving Toolkit

The Basic Tools
Legitimizing Problems and Positions
The Fishbone
Degrees of Support
Creative Thinking Methods
Brainstorming and Brainwriting
More Methods

7. Aspirinia

Decision Information
Individual Action Steps

8. Swotting Up

SWOT Analysis
Individual Analysis

9. Making Good Group Decisions

Working Toward the Decision
Avoiding Fatal Mistakes
Other Decision-Making Tools

10. Analyzing and Selecting Solutions

Selecting Criteria
Creating a Cost-Benefit Analysis

11. Planning and Organizing

Introduction
Follow-Up Analysis
Evaluate
Adapt, Close, and Celebrate
Personal Action Plan

Private Courses

We can arrange your own private Human Resources course.

Tailored

Have us build a custom private course tailored to your needs.

Cost Effective

If you are looking to training a group of people private courses can be very cost effective.

Post Course Support

Unlimited post course email support on the course topics.

Delivery Options:

At Your Offices

Virtual Online

Training Centres

What Our Clients Think

The trainer did a fantastic job of delivering the course and providing understanding

Niall Simmons - Haven Power

Cannot fault the content & delivery of the course at all. A brilliant service from start to finish. Thank you Systematix.

Claire Mitchell - Denbighshire County Council

The trainer was fantastic and very knowledgable!

Harriet Woollam - Galloping Gourmet

The trainer was an excellent tutor. He did check all of the group was able to keep up and if there were any problems or questions of the attendants, he was always willing to help.

Marianne Seager - Wincanton

Fantastic tutor. Great course! Thank you.

Joel Weaver - Science Ltd

Really enjoyed this course. It delivered exactly what I wanted out it.

Malkit Singh - Regatta Ltd

Building Better Teams

Managing Customer Service

Stress Management

Problem Solving and Decision Making

2 Day Instructor-led