When approaching problems, we tend to have pre-conceived notions of what can and cannot be done. We often limit ourselves even before exploring all the various options. We create a “box” based on our knowledge and past experiences as well as our perceived limitations. We then put ourselves in that box and discount our creativity. We tend impose limits on ourselves, often relying on “the way we’ve done it before”, or “the way it’s always been done”. If the problem still persists, that way obviously didn’t work!

Effective problem solving often needs creativity. Dealing with new problems needs new ideas, and sometimes, old problems can be addressed in better, more creative ways. This takes practice, and a willingness to escape our comfort zone…our box, but it can be learned. As with all things, the more you practice, the better you become.

It’s time we trained ourselves to think outside the box and consider ALL options to solving a problem; it’s time to get creative.

This program will introduce participants to various tools and techniques to develop options for solutions to problems. The tools essentially encourage creativity and can be used to develop new ideas, not just to solve problems.

Objective

By the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental concept of a problem
• Recognise the limitations we place on ourselves/thought patterns
• Develop a mindset that applies creative thinking to problem solving
• Practice/Use creative problem solving tools to ideate
  • Brainstorming
  • Braindumping
  • Brainwriting
  • Brainwalking

Outline

Chapter 1: Introduction and Icebreaker
• Getting to know fellow participants
• Self reflection on creativity

Chapter 2: Problems
• Learning About Problems
• Defining Problems
• Thinking about existing solutions to existing problems

Chapter 3: The Box
• Recognising the “boxes” we place ourselves in
• Learning to see beyond the box

Chapter 4: Practice
• Practicing, as a group, thinking outside the box

Who should attend

All Levels of Management, People Managers, Team Leaders, Supervisors, HR Professionals, Anyone that works in or leads a team. The program is extremely relevant to, but not limited to, supervisors and managers, especially those faced with dynamic work environments where a variety of issues constantly need to be addressed.

Anybody who is interested in developing solutions or generating new ideas. The tools and techniques are generic and can apply to all aspects of life, but would be extremely beneficial for those

Methodology

• Presentation
• Group Activities
• Exercises
• Discussion
• Hands-on practice

Sean OHara's Profile

Mr. OHara is currently the principal trainer and principal consultant in local company. Previously, he was the consultant Group General Manager for listed company and vice president at local education Institution and training program manager to manage multi-million dollar training program. He was also engaged to conduct corporate training and share his best practices which were implemented worldwide. He also conducted training on cross-cultural management within the Pacific area and the United States and was even invited to train students from Europe and Africa.

He has developed and delivered programs on Cross-Cultural Management and conducted corporate training for the Ministry of Defence's (MINDEF), the Singapore General Hospital and a Singapore retail giant, Club 21 and etc, covering the areas of culture, EQ, Negotiation, communication, Servant Leadership and change management. He has also conducted train-the-trainer sessions in Creative Thinking, Design Thinking & systems thinking.

He currently also lectures at the Curtin University Campus in Singapore, Victoria University (VU), Australia as an adjunct lecturer for Bachelor's and Master's degree programs. He focuses on management subjects and social psychology, which he leverages on when training managerial staff.

As a former regular Army Officer and Sword winner in the SAF he has always held leadership positions. He has a Master's degree in International Relations awarded by the prestigious Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy (Tufts University) as well as a Bachelor's degree in Management (with honours) awarded by the London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London). He also has an Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA) and is a certified "6 Seconds" (TM) EQ practitioner & coach as a well as a certified trainer in the Enneagram Personality Spectrum. He is also a certified Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centred Coach.