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 Hammer, DASSM, PMP, is a co-founder and principal of Leadership Techniques, LLC, a training and consulting firm specializing in project management and leadership development. She is an engaging and entertaining presenter with over 30 years of experience in project management and staff development for both large and small firms.
Lisa has managed the implementation of several multi-million-dollar programs, which included coordination of staff, consultants and subcontractors to achieve client goals while maintaining budget and cost controls across all activities. Her executive career has been highlighted by a broad range of qualifications, including proven leadership and analytical skills, and collaboration with outside groups, along with a reputation for accountability, flexibility, and resourcefulness. Lisa continues to be a project management practitioner, working with clients to improve their ability to execute against demanding deliverables in dynamic environments. Her client base includes many state and local agencies, and non-profits, as well as public and private companies.
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, but she also expects success!
David B. Newman PMI-ACP, PMI-RMP, DASSM, PMP
David B. Newman, PMI-ACP, PMI-RMP, DASSM, PMP, GPM-b, SHRM-SCP/SPHR, ITIL, is a co-founder and principal of Leadership Techniques, LLC, a training and consulting firm specializing in project management and leadership development. Along with his PMI credentials, he holds a master’s degree in Technical Management from Johns Hopkins University. He has also earned two senior human resources credentials from the Society of Human Resources. His unending curiosity has led to a number of leadership-related micro-credentials and certifications in Green Project Management as well as the ethics and application of generative Artificial Intelligence within our profession.
David has a diversified background in engineering and product development 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 influence and 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 makes them fun while his focus on results drives attendees to reach for practical solutions to real challenges.