Decision-making and problem-solving

This programme provides an interactive experience in understanding the dynamics of decision-making and how to be decisive and enable decisions with confidence.

Level 

Programme is appropriate for learners at entry, intermediate and advanced levels.

Objectives

  • To develop insight in DM and PS
  • To identify the key steps in the problem solving process
  • To clarify diverse styles of DM and their impact
  • To appreciate the effect of the human element on DM and PS
  • To build capability in influencing and leading others in PS and DM
  • To develop a range of tools and techniques
  • To build confidence in DM and PS through a range of experiential exercises

Process

Exercise – Lost at Sea – Team based exercise to get learners thinking about DM and PS as individuals and teams. Discuss experiences and highlight observations.

Your Experiences – Partners to exchange recent DM & PS experiences. Share experiences with group. Discuss and identify common themes.

Understanding Problems & Decisions – DM and PS in a work context. Definitions. Typical attitudes and their effect. Power of positive attitude. Impact of problems on individuals, teams. Effective PS and DM. Impediments.

Problem Solving Process – PS as a systematic process. Syndicate exercise to design a PS process. STOP IT process – situation, target, options, planning, implementation and test. Practical applications.

Decision Making – Logic vs. Intuition. Five Styles of DM – avoidant, telling, consultation, collaboration, consensus. Self-assessment of personal style.

Risk aversion – awareness of risk, consequences and contingency planning.

Human Element – Appreciate human factors in DM and PS. Effect of emotional states. Emotional Intelligence (EI) competencies to enhance DM and PS. Impact of relationships on DM & PS. How to influence this – Transactional Analysis (TA).

Personal Styles – Impact of personal style on DM & PS. Four styles – driver, amiable, expressive, analytical. Self-assessment. Flexing and managing style of self and others.

Exercise – Toxic Waste – Fun experience to practice solving a problem in a group context. Feedback and discussion. Identify insights and themes. Awareness of personal style.

Leading Others – Awareness of personal style. Managing expectations – DM Ladder. Stakeholder analysis. Facilitative approach to PS and DM.

Influencing others – styles and preferences. Power and politics. Building trust and credibility. Learning and continuous improvement. Appreciating and harnessing diversity.

Tools & Techniques – Cause / effect diagram, SWOT, probability vs. impact risk analysis, six questions, mind maps, flow charts, solution / effect, importance vs. urgency grid, effort vs. impact analysis, scenario planning, decision tables, etc.

Thinking Styles – Creative thinking, systems thinking, divergent vs. convergent thinking. De Bono’s six Thinking Hats – factual, emotional, pessimistic, optimistic, growth, blue-sky. Dealing with limiting beliefs.

Exercise – Forest Fire – Experiential exercise to raise awareness of the impact of our values and beliefs on how we make decisions and what decisions we make. Discuss observations and identify key themes.

Options

Programme is suited as a 1 day workshop for 8 to 10 learners.