Thinking Mastery Problem Solving

Thinking Mastery

Creative Thinking, Problem Solving & Decision Making

This professional learning program focuses on effective problem solving and decision making through the use of the Double-Diamond framework. Participants will learn how to identify and overcome their assumptions and mental barriers that limit their ability to view situations objectively. They will also gain a deeper understanding of the Kipling Method and 5 Why technique. The program includes brainstorming strategies, developing a problem statement and solution presentation, as well as understanding stakeholders’ needs and assessing risk. The program concludes with a feedback session and post-test to measure participant growth and learning. With hands-on activities and real-life case studies, participants will leave equipped with the tools to tackle challenges and make informed decisions in the workplace.

Learning Outcome:

Master holistic issue understanding, scenario investigation, root cause analysis, propose varied solutions, and choose optimal ones aligned with stakeholder needs.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the program, participants would be able to;

Understand the Double Diamond framework as an effective problem solving tool.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of a situation through the Kipling Method and applying it in real-life case studies.
Utilise converging and diverging thinking tools to identify root causes and generate new ideas and solutions.
Make effective decision-making through stakeholder analysis, priority matrix and risk assessment.
Present solutions, receiving feedback and creating individual action plans for improvement.

Learning Methodology

An interactive face to face or online facilitated workshop where participants work in small groups to tackle issues that they face on daily basis in their workplace.

Delivery Method

Mixture of lectures, skill practices, and discussions, to integrate the learning.

Learning Evaluation:

Level 2 of Kirkpatrick Learning Evaluation Model

Target Audience

Managers, Executives or any team members.

Program Duration

2 days (09:00 to 17:00)

AI Tool List - Sample

Category	Tools
Text Generation & Summarization	ChatGPT, Claude.ai, Microsoft Copilot
Slide Creation	Gamma.app
Application Creation	Lovable.dev
Video Narration / Visuals	Synthesia.io, Canva AI Presenter
Document Processing (PDFs)	Claude.ai, ChatGPT + plugins
Data Interpretation	Excel Copilot, ChatGPT w/ tables, Tableau AI (demo), Excel formulas via AI

Program Outline

Introduction

Pre-test
Course overview.
Setting session goals and understanding expectations.

Part 1: The Double-Diamond framework

Introduction to Double Diamond framework as an overall tool for effective problem solving and decision making.
Learn how our assumptions and mental barriers limit our ability to view a situations objectively and come out with an effective solutions.
Experience the impact of our thinking barriers through the space shuttle activity, video presentation and debriefing.

Part 2: Discovery stage

Learn how not to jump into conclusions which is usually is an emotional reaction by always referring to data.
Introduction to the Kipling Method to have a comprehensive understanding of the situation at hand. Have deeper understanding of this framework by applying it in the IT Department case study.

Part 3: Define stage

Using 5 Why method as a converging thinking tools to dive deep into the issue and understand the root cause the matter.
Applying this tool in a real-life business simulation exercise.
Understanding that only tackling the root cause will not resolve the issue; one has to resolve all the other causes that happened along the way.

Part 4: Problem statement

Learn that this is a clear and concise description of an area of concern that we would need to find a solution for.
Realise that clearly defining the area of concern is like solving half of the problem.
Use the Situation+Complication framework to develop a problem statement for a work related issue and getting feedback from the class.

Part 5: Develop stage

Introduction to SCAMPER framework as a divergent thinking tool to generate ideas and solutions by looking at a problem or product from different perspectives.
Learn to generate ideas and solutions by looking at a problem or product from different perspectives.
Utilise this framework to look for various solution in a work related case study and develop new ideas and solutions that might not have been considered otherwise.

Part 6: Brainstorming

Understand the basic rules of effective brainstorming o create a positive atmosphere, encourage imaginative thinking, and avoid criticism.
Become more strategic by learning mind mapping techniques as a powerful tool to address real-life issues, consider problems from multiple perspectives and make informed decisions.
Introduction to Six Thinking Hats method where participants learn a powerful tool to address issues and consider problems from multiple perspectives.

Part 7: Deliver stage

Understand the needs and requirements of stakeholders, identify stakeholders, assess their needs and requirements and evaluate the impact on decision making.
Make effective decisions by utilising the Priority Matrix technique that helps to identify tasks and objectives, evaluate importance and urgency, plot on the matrix, and make informed decisions.
Assessing the risk of the decision by rating it on the probability and seriousness, and propose a mitigation solution

Part 8: Solution presentation

Develop a short group presentation that clearly states the problem solution, the root cause, solution and the risk mitigation factors.
Getting a feedback from the audience and use their input as a learning platform too further improve our solutions.
Making individual action plan and commitment to the rest of the class on specific improvement points that they will undertake when the return to work.

Program summary and close

Practice reflection on the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program, identifying key takeaways and areas of personal and professional growth.
Develop actionable steps for personal improvement by identifying specific behaviours to stop, start, or continue doing based on the insights gained through the program.
Feedback session Post-test and close