Creative Problem-Solving: Applying Nonlinear Thinking to Solve Difficult Project Management Problems with Lisa Hammer and David Newman
What You Will Learn
Upon completion of this training, learners will be able to:
- Define and implement a structured approach to problem-solving that leads to creative solutions during any phase of an ongoing or planned project.
- Explain the six-step Osborn-Parnes creative problem-solving process, and why each step is important.
- Demonstrate the use of nonlinear thinking methods to provide tools and techniques that will be immediately applicable to facilitate solving the most difficult and complex problems.
Description
Whether it's finding resources in a matrix management structure or balancing stakeholder expectations as scope creep challenges your planned schedule, the ability to find creative solutions is paramount to success in today's challenging environment. Creative problem-solving involves the ability to come up with a solution that was not obvious or apparent. Often referred to as “thinking outside the box,” finding creative solutions to difficult problems is a learned skill, and we can all improve our abilities in creative problem-solving by applying and practicing the methodologies.
This Creative Problem-Solving (CPS) training is structured around the principles of the Osborn-Parnes model, with emphasis placed on the most difficult and pressing problems that a project manager is likely to face! The process, created by Alex Osborn and Dr. Sidney Parnes back in the 1950s, which gave birth to the term “brainstorming,” has been refined to accommodate our fast-paced environments. However, the original concept of applying a process in order to find creative solutions is as valid today as it was then, especially as we are constantly asked to do more with less!
This interactive training will take you through the six-step process as well as introduce several useful brainstorming methods to enable you to facilitate more interesting problem-solving sessions and provide flexibility and variety to the meetings, resulting in ever-increasing creativity. As we are tasked with more responsibility and less resources, the out-of-the-box thinking methods become an essential component of the project management toolbox. Through application and practice you will flex and grow your creative muscles, enabling you to face challenges head-on and work toward a more creative and motivational environment!
AGENDA
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- A Structured Approach
- Why use a structured approach?
- What is the Critical Problem-Solving (CPS) process?
- How does CPS lead to better solutions?
- Brainstorming
- Alternative techniques
- Typical brainstorming issues
- Practicing idea generation
- The Six Stages of CPS
- Defining the steps
- Focus on problem definition
- Using the process
- Critical Thinking
- Linear and nonlinear thinking
- Applying reason
- Remaining humble
- A Structured Approach
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- Adaptability and Resilience
- Emotional intelligence
- Active listening
- Impacting the organization
- Solution Generation and Selection
- Evaluation and assessment
- Separating fact from intuition
- Refining the short list
- Applying the Process
- A well-defined problem
- The power of the people
- Taking an answer home
- Positivity and the Importance of Happiness in the Workplace
- Happiness and productivity
- Can we be happier?
- Putting the theory to practical use
- Adaptability and Resilience
PDU Allocation Table
| Ways of Working | Power Skills | Business Acumen | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAPM® / PMI-CP™ / PMP® / PgMP® | 0 | 14 | 0 | 14.00 |
| PMI-ACP® / Agile* | 0 | 14 | 0 | 14.00 |
| PMI-SP® | 0 | 14 | 0 | 14.00 |
| PMI-RMP® | 0 | 14 | 0 | 14.00 |
| PfMP® | 0 | 14 | 0 | 14.00 |
| PMI-PBA® | 0 | 14 | 0 | 14.00 |
 |  |  |  |
Instructor(s)
Lisa Hammer DASSM, PMP
Lisa has significant experience specializing in project management and staff development. She has managed the implementation of several multi-million-dollar programs, achieving client goals while maintaining budget and cost controls. Her executive career has been highlighted by a broad range of qualifications, including proven leadership and analytical skills, collaboration with outside groups, along with a reputation for accountability, flexibility, and resourcefulness. Lisa understands that people who are satisfied with their employment experience are more engaged, which leads to improved quality, productivity and happiness. Her passion for professionalism shines through in her presentations on a wide range of project management topics. Using her broad and in-depth field experience she not only stands behind her training, she expects success!
David B. Newman PMI-ACP, PMI-RMP, PMI-SP, DASSM, PMP, PMO-CP, GPM-b, LSSBB, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, ITIL
David has a diversified background in engineering and product development. He is a certified trainer for leadership seminars and loves to share his experience and extensive background with others. Project teams have excelled under his leadership as he has emphasized that the key to building a high-performance team is to integrate management skills with a collaborative philosophy to motivate teams. Audiences eagerly engage with David’s interactive presentation style. Through a mix of personal experience, hands-on activities, and touches of PMBOK® Guide formality, David’s seminars are entertaining and educational. His passion and humor make them fun while his focus on results drives attendees to reach for practical solutions to real challenges.
Leadership Techniques, LLC
David B. Newman and Lisa Hammer are co-founders and principals of Leadership Techniques, LLC and are PMI Authorized Training Partners (ATPs). They have the honor of being part of an elite group of instructors selected to deliver multiple courses for PMI Training, a series of professional seminars held monthly across the country and virtually. Additionally, they were selected to present a session on Artificial Intelligence at the PMI Global Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Los Angeles, CA in September, 2024.
Lisa and Dave have recently published The Engagement Matrix: Actionable Options for Supervisors and Project Managers, where they have combined basic human resources principles with a process that one can easily and quickly use to assess current behavior and performance to compare with the desired results and manage, rather than react to, the gap between desired performance and actual results, and lead your team to continual improvement and success! While often asked to intervene in challenging scenarios, Lisa and Dave always try to inject positivity and happiness into the environment and look to reduce stress for employees while driving results.