Courses/Thinking & Performance/Problem-Solving in the Workplace
Problem-Solving in the Workplace
One-day training course on a structured approach to workplace problem-solving
Overview
Covers a seven-step approach to solving workplace problems, from identifying the issue through implementing and reviewing a solution. Participants reframe problems as opportunities, examine common obstacles, and apply techniques such as fishbone diagrams, brainstorming and weighted decision matrices to a real problem from their own job. The pack gives a trainer everything needed to deliver the session: scripted notes, slides, workbook, handouts and certificates, all editable.
Format. One day (about 8 hours including breaks); can also run as a two-day workshop or online in 2-hour lessons. Designed for classroom delivery and adaptable to live online sessions.
Who it is for. Open level: anyone who wants to solve workplace problems in a structured way, with no prior training assumed.
What delegates take away
- Explain what problem-solving is and why it matters to individuals, teams, leaders and organisations
- Recognise the obstacles that get in the way of effective problem-solving
- Apply a seven-step process from problem identification through implementation and review
- Select the right technique at each step, including fishbone diagrams, brainstorming, affinity diagrams, mind maps and weighted decision matrices
- Work a real problem from their own job through the full process during the session
- Plan how to approach future problems differently after the training
Course outline
An opening ranking exercise that surfaces how participants approach problems alone and in groups, referenced throughout the day.
Definitions of a problem, shifting perspective from avoidance to opportunity, and why problem-solving matters in the workplace.
Identifying the barriers that stop individuals and teams from solving problems well.
Overview of the structured process that frames the rest of the session, and how different problem types affect the approach.
Problem identification techniques and goal-state visioning, with participants selecting a real problem from their own work.
Situation assessment using what-who-where-when-how questioning, fishbone diagrams and why-why diagrams.
Idea generation through brainstorming guidelines, a creative warm-up exercise, affinity diagrams and mind maps.
Selecting between options using pros and cons analysis and a weighted decision matrix.
Implementation and review tips, then reflection on each participant's future problem-solving approach with take-away points and a recap.
What is in the kit
Slide deck
56 editable PowerPoint slides with speaker notes
Trainer notes
89-page facilitator guide with a fully scripted session, activity instructions, timings and suggested wording
MIZAN Edition field guide
Updated research with sources, two GCC-context case studies, three new activities, an AI-era section and a 30-day transfer plan
Participant workbook
61-page workbook with prompts and space for notes and activities
Handouts
Five handouts: Lost at Sea exercise and answer sheet, problem scenarios, weighted decision matrix template, and a future problem-solving approach worksheet
Certificates
Four templates: attendance certificates in digital-signature and printable formats, plus a CPD completion certificate template with a completed example
Feedback form
End-of-course participant feedback form
Sign-in sheet
Attendance record sheet for course delivery
Online teaching guide
10-page guide to delivering the session over Zoom or similar platforms, with tool suggestions and tips for running activities online
Pre-course preparation guide
Orientation document explaining the pack contents and how to use the trainer notes
Editable and PDF formats
Every document supplied in both editable Word/PowerPoint and PDF versions
Editions
The license in one sentence
Buy once, deliver the course as often as you like to as many delegates as you like, edit anything, add your own branding — you only may not resell or redistribute the materials themselves. Every download is stamped with your name, tier and order number. Full license terms
More in Thinking & Performance
View allAdaptability Skills
A ready-to-deliver half-day course on adapting to change at work.
Critical Thinking: A Practical Guide to Thinking Clearly
A complete one-day critical thinking course pack for trainers.
Decision-Making in the Workplace
A one-day course on making informed decisions at work