Why this artefact was Included
After learning about the connection between critical and creative thinking I decided to take a short course to understand how this two thinking processes are interlinked in problem solving. Additionally, I wanted the tools on how to do this which this short course offered me.
Introduction
Why do you need to focus on solving problems?
Welcome to the course on solving problems with critical and creative thinking. People constantly deal with a wide range of problems in their lives and work. You need to solve problems whether they are internal or for a client, large or small, simple or complex. Learning better ways to solve problems can benefit your work and performance at your workplace. Given the agile way of working, you need to get over hurdles quickly and move on. In this course, you'll learn how you can solve problems using a five-step problem-solving process. You face different kinds of problems on a daily basis, some of which you can influence and resolve and some that you have no control over, which can be frustrating. This concept, which is widely known as the circle of concern and the circle of influence.
When faced with these two types of problems, it isn't the best use of your time to focus your attention on problems that fall outside your circle of influence. Things that you have no control over, such as traffic, the economy, or organizational changes. What does make sense is to focus on things that you can control.
Highly effective people prefer to focus their time and energy on issues where they can actually make a difference and we should do the same. In this course, you'll focus on work-related problems that you can influence, Control, and resolve with a view to helping you be more proactive and effective at work. Let's begin by exploring what kind of thinking would help you solve problems.
Critical and creative thinking are required to solve problems
The problem-solving process
How can you solve problems in an agile way?
Topic 1: What's the Problem
Let’s begin with the first topic
To arrive at an effective solution, you have to first correctly identify the problem. While this might seem obvious, many people do not take the time and effort to do so. You'll find that problem solving is much more effective, if you begin with clarity and the right focus. Hence, it's important not to rush to the solution process. In this topic, you'll learn how you can gain clarity on the problem.
A problem might arise from a goal that’s difficult to achieve, and it might revolve around something that needs more attention. But it always has the potential of leading to a negative outcome. If there is no negative outcome, then it is not a problem. This is an important distinction, and it’s one of the first things to consider when you start to solve a problem.
The problem-solving process-Identify
Write a problem statement
Practice Quiz: What do you think?
How do you find out if a problem is worth solving?
Topic 2: What's really going on?
Let’s move to the second topic
The most common mistake in problem-solving is jumping to a solution immediately after you realize you have a problem. That's where most people go wrong, because they try to put the solution at the beginning of the problem-solving process. But problem-solving works better if you wait until after you've fully investigated what is going on. To find the best solution, start with multiple ideas to solve the problem from which you can pick the one that might work best. How do you get to a point where you have several options to choose from? You examine the problem carefully, and then think of different ways to solve it.
You need to start by learning everything you can about the problem, gathering facts, so you can work with knowledge rather than supposition and interviewing stakeholders as well as teammates or collaborative partners. You should not assume that you understand a problem just because you defined it with a problem statement.
The problem-solving process: Analyze
How do you use “The 5 Whys”?
Practice Quiz: What do you think?
Practice Quiz: The “5 Whys” for Georgia
The root cause!
Many tools can help with root cause analysis
Topic 3: What are my options
Let’s move to the third topic
You've reached a stage where you need to think about how to solve the problem.
Should you stick to one best solution or mull over several possible solutions?
The problem-solving process: Explore
Brainstorm to get plenty of ideas
Brainstorming rules
Topic 4: What is the best solution
Let’s move to the fourth topic
To choose the right solution, you'll often find yourself weighing several factors, including the solutions, cost, and effectiveness. What other important factors might be considered when selecting the best solution? Selecting the best solution depends on hard work and adherence to processes. Don't select a solution because it is easy or quick to implement. You have to look for a solution that's apt for the problem. How do you do that?
The problem-solving process: Select
Practice Quiz: Which type of solution will work for Georgia?
Use these factors to identify who should choose a solution
Practice Quiz: Who should choose the solution in each case?
Practice Quiz: Who should choose a solution to Georgia’s problem?
Use the Ease and effectiveness matrix to select the best solution
Practice Quiz: Using the Ease and Effectiveness Matrix
Practice Quiz: Let’s use the Ease and effectiveness matrix for Georgia’s problem
Topic 5: What will success look like?
Let’s move to the fifth topic
You've identified effective and easy to implement solutions, now there's only one thing left to do and that is implement your solution. The world is full of complexities, so even the best solution may not work perfectly.
What will success look like?
Practice Quiz: What do you think success will look like?
How will you measure a solution’s effectiveness?
Practice Quiz: What do you think?
If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it
Build an implementation plan
Course-end Assessment
Practice Quiz: Solving Problems with Critical and Creative Thinking
Graded Assignment: Graded Quiz: Solving Problems with Critical and Creative Thinking
COURSE COMPLETED!
Short Reflection On Its Value
This short course helped me understand that critical thinking is part of the structural process of problem solving. It provides a logical and accurate way of finding the best solution. Creative thinking on the other hand is the way that innovative solutions are generated. Both are equally important in problem-solving.
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