Critical Thinking & Innovation
Creative Problem Solving Strategies
Define problems clearly, separate facts from assumptions, and generate creative options you can evaluate and implement.
Standard version
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Every challenge offers an opportunity to think differently. Creative Problem-Solving Strategies helps participants break out of routine patterns and uncover innovative solutions to complex workplace issues. This course emphasizes curiosity, experimentation, and collaboration to spark original thinking. Through hands-on activities, participants learn to reframe problems, generate imaginative options, and transform creative ideas into actionable results.
What you'll learn
- Define problems clearly and distinguish facts from assumptions.
- Recognize how creative and analytical thinking complement each other.
- Use idea-generation tools and divergent thinking techniques to produce fresh
- Evaluate potential options using balanced, real-world criteria.
- Develop implementation plans that encourage adaptability and follow-through.
What you'll be able to do
- Analyze problems systematically to uncover core issues.
- Generate innovative and practical solutions to complex challenges.
- Collaborate effectively with others to refine and select best approaches.
- Implement structured plans that ensure accountability and follow-through.
- Adapt problem-solving strategies to new or recurring situations.
Complex agency challenges rarely have obvious answers. This course helps federal employees break out of routine patterns, define problems clearly, and develop practical solutions that work within policy and resource constraints. It supports the problem-solving competency within OPM's Merit and Competence Executive Core Qualification.
What you'll learn
- Define problems clearly and distinguish facts from assumptions.
- Recognize how creative and analytical thinking complement each other.
- Use idea-generation tools to produce a range of possible solutions.
- Evaluate options against mission needs, policy, and available resources.
- Develop an action plan for implementing a chosen solution.
What you'll be able to do
- Frame problems in ways that lead to better solutions.
- Generate multiple options before deciding.
- Select solutions that are practical within agency constraints.
- Involve the right stakeholders in solving problems.
- Follow through on solutions and measure results.