Creative Problem Solving & Decision Making in 45 Minutes
Learn practical techniques for solving problems and making better decisions quickly, confidently, and effectively.
Every day, we face problems that need solving and decisions that need making. Some are small and routine, while others have significant consequences for our teams, projects, businesses, and personal lives. Yet many people tackle problems too quickly, focus on symptoms rather than causes, or make decisions based on incomplete information.
This course provides a practical introduction to two of the most valuable professional skills: problem solving and decision making. In just 45 minutes, you'll learn a proven framework for identifying the right problem, generating better solutions, and choosing the most effective course of action.
You'll discover why many solutions fail because they address the wrong problem, and how techniques such as root cause analysis, questioning assumptions, and first-principles thinking can reveal what's really going on. Rather than rushing to conclusions, you'll learn how to step back, clarify the situation, and focus effort where it creates the greatest impact.
The course also explores a range of creativity techniques that help generate fresh ideas and alternative solutions. You'll learn how to use brainstorming, mind mapping, diverse perspectives, analogies, and random prompts to expand your thinking and avoid getting stuck on obvious answers.
Once you have options, the course shifts to decision making. You'll explore practical tools for evaluating alternatives, balancing risk and reward, using probabilities, considering long-term consequences, and combining data with experience and judgement. You'll also learn when simplicity is often the smartest choice and how to avoid common decision-making traps.
Whether you're a manager, project leader, entrepreneur, professional, student, or anyone looking to make better decisions, this course will help you approach challenges more systematically and with greater confidence.
By the end of the course, you'll have a practical toolkit that helps you solve problems creatively, evaluate options intelligently, and make decisions that stand up to scrutiny.
The course overview includes:
- Identifying the real cause of problems rather than treating symptoms
- Using structured frameworks to solve problems more effectively
- Applying first-principles thinking to simplify complex challenges
- Challenging assumptions that limit progress and innovation
- Recognising patterns and opportunities hidden within problems
- Generating creative solutions through brainstorming and mind mapping
- Using diverse perspectives to uncover better ideas
- Applying practical creativity techniques to everyday challenges
- Evaluating options using risk, probability, and expected outcomes
- Balancing data, logic, intuition, and experience in decision making
- Avoiding common decision-making mistakes and biases
- Building confidence in your ability to solve problems and make sound decisions quickly and effectively
