Introduction and Background
A road map for quick and effective solutions.
Most problems in organizations fall into six general categories. Particularly knotty problems involve some combination of the six. When managers are unable to diagnose the problem, they are likely to use the wrong problem-solving approach. This leaves them frustrated and exhausted - and no further along in fixing the problem.
This course is designed to help you identify which category your toughest problem falls into. Once you understand the problem type you can select the best problem-solving method for your specific problem, and follow a straightforward roadmap to a lasting solution. The objective is to dramatically improve your problem solving abilities for all types of problems, and to make you a better business thinker and decision maker.
The main feature of this clinic is to address, analyze and solve your toughest problems. You will also learn how to classify other problems, and use the best approach to solving each problem type.
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Key Learning Objectives
"I had an "ah-ha" moment when determining a solution to a tough problem. Thank-you for the tools to make this happen." – Darla Mitchell, University of Saskatchewan
- Identify the six general categories of problems and problem-solving processes
- Evaluate the nature of the problem, and discover what type (or combination of types) it is
- Apply the correct problem-solving approach for each problem type
- Build skills in major leadership and problem-solving competencies
- Quickly solve or know how to solve your toughest problems
- Nip emerging problems in the bud
- Get a roadmap for solving future problems
- Know when to exit a problem that is unsolvable
- Analyze your decision-making strengths and weaknesses, and build skills in the seven solution areas
- Recognize and avoid the eight pitfalls of decision making
- Influence those in positions of authority, and create an impact on your "higher-ups"
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Who Should Attend?
"It raised my awareness to a much higher level of competency. My problem solving skills have increased exponentially." – Pearl McNevin Williams, North Ridge Development Corporation
This course is designed for those who want hands-on experience in solving tough problems in a business context. Such as:
- Department heads, managers and supervisors
- Executives
- Teams, committees and task force groups
- Consultants
For more information, contact
Rebecca Schweighardt
Learning and Development Specialist
306-966-7956
Email Me
Course Outline
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How Problems are Typically Solved
- How to change a belief
- Influencing and getting buy-in from your boss and other senior-level managers
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Describing and Analyzing the Toughest Problems
- Do enough stakeholders agree that it is a problem?
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Making Cause and Effect Visible
- The role of experts
- The right tools and methodology
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Stakeholders with Vested Interests
- Interests versus positions
- Creating a win-win
- Compromise
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Multiple Priorities
- Politics and jockeying for resources
- What does our strategy tell us
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Future Related Problems
- The four levels of uncertainty
- Crafting scenarios
- Early warning indicators
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Large Groups, Unpredictable Actions
- Learning from the past
- Getting the players together
- Trying small changes and seeing what happens
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Conflicting Goals
- Identifying a dilemma
- How do we know that we have gone too far on one side of the dilemma
- Structural ways to manage a dilemma
- The clean sheet approach to a breakthrough
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Eight Traps of Decision Making
- Balancing advocacy and inquiry
- Exploring organizational dysfunctions and politics
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Check out the funding opportunities available through the Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant.*Multi-course certificate program; participants must enroll in two or more courses in the Operational Excellence Certificate to meet time requirement for the Job Grant. |
Instructor Profile
Daniel Madison, MBA, CFA
Dan Madison has been a consultant and university instructor for over 25 years. He is currently Principal of Value Creation Partners, an organizational consulting and training firm. He helps clients increase value through operational improvement, organizational redesign and leadership development. An expert in process mapping and improvement, he is the author of the number one selling book on Amazon Process Mapping, Process Improvement, and Process Management.
Prior to his current activities, Dan was a professional money manager, interviewed over 100 corporate officers (CEO’s and CFO’s) of the Fortune 500, and extensively analyzed hundreds of publicly held companies. He has an MBA in Finance (with honors) and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. Dan received his Lean Office Certificate from the University of Michigan.
Cancellation
University of Saskatchewan's liability is limited to reimbursement of paid tuition fees.
Cancellations received at least ten (10) business days in advance of the course commencement date will receive a full refund. Cancellations received less than ten (10) business days prior to the course commencement date will be subject to a $200 administration fee. Cancellations received less than three (3) business days prior to the course commencement date will be subject to full course tuition cost.
Non-attendance will incur full course tuition cost.
Fees subject to change without notice.
Program Transfers
Alternate program transfers may be approved dependent on course availability. Transfer requests must be scheduled within six (6) months of the initial purchase.
Applicants will be responsible for any price difference in program fees at the time of the request. Each subsequent transfer request will be subject to $200 administration fee.