Further Details
Course Outcomes/Benefits of Attending:
In this course we will explore options, develop essential skills, and practice different techniques associated with effective client-centred problem solving, at the same time building your confidence and capability in using the Problem Solving Discipline (PSD). By the end of this course you will be able to:
Stimulate the creative potential of your client team members by the creation of an environment suitable for problem solving
Maximise your performance as a problem solver (through developing a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of a consultant as problem solver)
Maximise the performance of your client team members in problem solving by leading them through the Problem Solving Discipline (PSD)
State the benefits of following the PSD and be able to use the PSD to solve problems alone and in client teams
Use tools and techniques within the framework of the PSD to assist in solving problems including:
- Checksheets
- Problem Definition Sheet
- Flowchart/Deployment Flowchart
- Cause and effect diagrams
- Brainstorming and CRT
- Pareto Diagrams
- Scatter Diagrams
- Solution Matrix
- Solution Effect Diagram
Effectively attend to the the key planning areas required for a group problem solving session
Deliver the required outputs of each PSD stage
Build rapport and trust, establish your credibility and psychological contracts with the members of the group you plan to lead through problem solving
Plan, carry out and review the effectiveness of your problem solving interventions
Equip client team members to carry out and review the effectiveness of their own problem solving interventions
The Learning Experience:
A highly participative course where participants will experiment with a range of approaches and draw on each others' experiences. With a mixture of tutor input, plenary discussions, syndicate exercises and a self-assessment questionnaire, used to develop deeper understand of the issues facing consultants operating as problem solvers.
The learning experience centres around a series of practical problem solving exercises each focusing on different tools and techniques appropriate to the situations and levels of experience and motivation and stage of the PSD. Extensive use is also made of a course workbook.
Problem Solving skills and the PSD are introduced through tutor led discussion and learning through practice, observation and feedback. Participants will also have the opportunity to monitor the changes in their skills and behaviour - towards effective problem solving - during the course.
Barriers to creativity are reduced through the use of a series of games, quizzes and mind openers - to get participants to view problems and potential solutions differently.
There is an emphasis on participative exploration. A handbook of best practice guidelines together with a set of 'learning helpcards' supplement this course and are also provided.
Programme Outline:
The majority of the programme is structured around the use of the course workbook. Other sessions can be varied to meet the particular needs of the group. The most effective structure is a modular one based on the principles of action learning. In outline the course programme consists:
Setting the Scene: What constitutes effective problem solving
The role of the consultant as problem solver and other vital roles for successful problem solving
What is creativity and why be creative when solving problems with clients?
How creative are you (creativity exercises and mind openers)
Reducing the impact of barriers to creativity
Understanding Problem Solving & Using the Problem Solving Discipline (PSD)
Making a Good Start: Key problem solving planning activities
Planning a problem solving session - purpose, product and process
Gaining Entry - Objective Setting and Contracting, Developing Client Trust, Establishing Rapport and Your Credibility
Practical Problem Solving using the PSD
How to increase group participation
How to maintain group focus
Action Planning the application of the programme learning
Establishing follow-up learning needs.
Who Should Attend:
Anyone new to consulting together with those who wish to be able to optimise the performance of groups of client staff in problem solving.
Course Duration:
The programme is of three day’s duration.
Number of Participants:
At OTT Consulting we believe in providing a suitable ratio of 'trainers to participants' to maximise everyone's ability to learn. We have therefore designed all our courses to accommodate 6 participants as the optimum number of participants. Where required we are happy to alter the course to accommodate more or less participants.
Guide price
£100 per candidate per day |
