Managerial Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

1. Introduce a structured model for systematically addressing problems and decisions.
2. Practice the use of key decision-making and problem-solving tools and techniques.
3. Demonstrate the use of several disciplines in decision-making.
4. Effectively use the global benchmark tools for problem-solving such as PDCA, Appreciation Inquiry, the Simplex Process and the Straw Man approach.
5. Identify various creative idea-generating tools which can be practically applied at the workplace.
6. Apply influencing techniques to enable better decision-making and implementation.

Team leaders, department managers and supervisors who are involved in leading and participating in solving their teams’ problems, as well as making and implementing decisions.  

Structured Problem-Solving: 

• Definitions, Principles and Overview
• Problem-Solving  Mindsets and Attitudes
• Problem Ownership
• Drilling Down Complex Problems into Progressively Smaller Parts
• The 6-Step Problem-Solving Method
• Classifying and Prioritizing Problems

Understanding and Analyzing Problems: 

• Techniques  of Recognizing Problems
• Isolating the Causes from the Symptoms
• Data Collection and Analysis
• The Pareto Analysis
• SWOT Analysis

Root Cause Analysis: 

• Root Cause Analysis – The Interrelation
• Root Cause Analysis – The Process
• Cause and Effect Analysis: The Process – Key Points

Problem-Solving Tools: 

• The Eight Disciplines of Problem-Solving
• Plan-Do-Check-Act
• Appreciation Inquiry: The 5D Approach
• The Simplex Process: From Problem Finding to Action
• The Straw Man Concept and Approach

Decision-Making: 

• Principles of Decision-Making
• Using Critical Thinking as an Aid to Decisions
• Different Tools for Decision-Making
• Subjective versus Objective Decision-Making
• The Uncertainty Problem

Creativity and Problem-Solving: 

• The Role of Creativity in Problem-Solving
• Brainstorming: Different Techniques
• Opposite Thinking/What Ifs
• Mind Mapping

Problem-Solving and People: 

• Leading the Problem-Solving Effort
• Solving People-Related Problems
• Team Problem-Solving: Ensuring Participation, Agreement, and Implementation of Solution
• Behaviors that Influence or Block Problem-Solving
• Convincing Stakeholders with your Solutions

• The Training lectures.
• The Group discussions.
• The Training Workshops.