Problem-solving

Overview
This fun, activity-based, half-day session is designed to equip participants with a set of tools for tackling various
types of problems they may face. These will be illustrated using worked examples and group challenges.

Learning objectives
The aim of this programme is to help participants:
• Identify the processes involved in systematic problem-solving
• Distinguish different types of problems and approaches
• Use both analytical and creative techniques
• Overcome thinking limitations and blockages

Who should attend?

This workshop is appropriate for all levels of staff.

Course format
This intensive half-day ‘energiser’ session is based on a series of short formal presentations interspersed with
practical exercises, giving all participants the opportunity to apply the key principles learnt through a range of
activities. The emphasis is very much on experiential learning through fun and creativity.
 
We recommend a maximum of 8 people per group.

Special features
The flexible half-day format gives clients the option of running just a single session, or two sessions on the same
day, or combining it with another ‘energiser’ session (whether for the same or for a different group). Feel free to call
us to discuss the permutations.

The expert trainer

Will has twenty years’ experience as an independent consultant and trainer, specialising in management,
communication and team skills: ‘helping people work together'. A psychologist by background, he began his career
as a Training Officer with GEC-Marconi, recruiting and organising the training of students and graduates. He joined
Texas Instruments as Personnel Officer for a 24/7 high-tech production site, and later became UK Training Manager
for the 1,300 employees. He then moved to Mercedes-Benz, providing an internal training and consultancy service
for staff and dealerships, before setting up his own consultancy in 1992.

Much of Will’s consultancy work involves designing and facilitating team and leadership development programmes,
and he is expert at using experiential team tasks as a vehicle for addressing effectiveness issues. He often creates
and runs Away Day events to help re-focus teams following restructuring, downsizing or merger.

www.tihtc.co.uk 1 Tel: 01582 714285

 
 Will’s clients range from major private sector organisations such as HSBC, Unilever, AstraZeneca, Anglian Water,
Barclaycard, DaimlerChrysler, Jaguar Racing, Mercedes-Benz, RBS, Royal & Sun Alliance, Texas Instruments, Volvo,
to government and local authorities, to sixth form colleges and the Guide Association. He is a visiting lecturer in
Leadership and Teamwork at University of Bedfordshire Business School and at the University of Mannheim
European MBA Programmes.

Course outline

1 Welcome and introduction

2 ‘Stargate’ activity – a logical problem requiring a creative approach

3 Identifying the steps used in the problem solving process

4 Four different problem types

5 ‘On the Ball’ activity – finding ways to improve process efficiency

6 Analysing root causes

7 ‘Four Letter Words’ activity – meeting the problem of ever increasing demands

8 Recognising solutions and opportunities

9 ‘Going for a stroll’ activity – priming your mind

10 Looking at problems in different ways

11 ‘Boxes’ activity – finding new perspectives

12 Conclusion

© The In-House Training Company / the trainer

www.tihtc.co.uk 2 Tel: 01582 714285