“Problem Solving and Decision Making ” is an advanced training program tailored to equip senior leaders and executives with the skills and frameworks necessary to address complex organizational challenges and make strategic decisions. This course emphasizes analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, and strategic decision-making processes, ensuring that executives can navigate their organizations through uncertainty and change effectively.
Target Audience
- Senior Executives: Top-level leaders responsible for strategic decision-making and problem-solving in their organizations.
- Mid-Level Managers: Managers looking to enhance their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Business Leaders: Entrepreneurs and business owners facing complex business challenges.
- Aspiring Executives: Individuals preparing for senior leadership roles who want to build advanced problem-solving and decision-making competencies.
- Consultants and Advisors: Professionals who provide strategic guidance and solutions to organizations.
Objectives
- Enhance Analytical Thinking: Develop advanced analytical skills to evaluate complex problems and situations.
- Master Problem-Solving Techniques: Learn and apply various problem-solving frameworks and methodologies.
- Improve Decision-Making Processes: Understand and implement effective decision-making models and tools.
- Foster Creative Thinking: Encourage innovative and creative approaches to problem-solving.
- Strengthen Strategic Thinking: Build strategic thinking capabilities to align decisions with organizational goals.
- Navigate Uncertainty and Risk: Learn to manage uncertainty and risk in decision-making.
- Implement Solutions Effectively: Develop plans to implement and monitor solutions successfully.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Analyze Complex Problems: Use advanced analytical techniques to dissect and understand complex problems.
- Apply Problem-Solving Frameworks: Utilize various frameworks and methodologies to approach and solve problems.
- Make Informed Decisions: Implement decision-making models that enhance the quality and effectiveness of strategic decisions.
- Think Creatively and Innovatively: Apply creative thinking techniques to generate innovative solutions.
- Align Decisions with Strategy: Ensure decisions are aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives.
- Manage Risk and Uncertainty: Develop strategies to assess and mitigate risks associated with decision-making.
- Execute and Monitor Solutions: Create effective implementation plans and monitor the outcomes of decisions.
Course Content
- Introduction to Executive Problem Solving and Decision Making
- The Role of Executives in Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Characteristics of Effective Problem Solvers and Decision Makers
- Analytical Thinking for Executives
- Advanced Analytical Techniques
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Case Studies on Analytical Problem Solving
- Problem-Solving Frameworks and Methodologies
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
- SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
- The McKinsey 7S Framework
- Six Sigma and Lean Problem Solving
- Decision-Making Models and Tools
- Rational Decision-Making Model
- The Vroom-Yetton Decision Model
- Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Decision Trees and Scenario Planning
- Creative and Innovative Thinking
- Techniques for Enhancing Creativity (Brainstorming, Mind Mapping)
- Design Thinking for Problem Solving
- Encouraging a Culture of Innovation
- Strategic Thinking and Alignment
- Linking Decisions to Strategic Goals
- Long-Term vs. Short-Term Decision Making
- Balancing Strategic Priorities
- Managing Risk and Uncertainty
- Identifying and Assessing Risks
- Risk Mitigation Strategies
- Making Decisions Under Uncertainty
- Implementing and Monitoring Solutions
- Developing Actionable Implementation Plans
- Change Management Principles
- Monitoring and Evaluating Outcomes
- Continuous Improvement Processes
The course employs a combination of lectures, case studies, interactive workshops, and real-world simulations to provide a rich learning experience. Participants will engage in group discussions, problem-solving exercises, and decision-making scenarios to practice and refine their skills. The program also includes peer feedback and coaching sessions to support continuous learning and improvement.