Problem Solving through Strategic Analysis

Why Attend this Training?

• When facing turbulence in the operating environment, issues can quickly arise that need to be strategically analyzed, key issues identified and actions prioritized.

• Managers and their teams need to have this ability to ensure timely and effective handling of issues on an ongoing basis.

Training Objectives

This training and workshop is designed to help participants to:

• Quickly identify key issues, problems, and opportunities in a complex situationLeverage experience to develop strong recommendations

• Cultivate a culture of creativity and reward out-of-the-box thinking

• Guide others in promoting and supporting a problem solving culture

What is it Like?

The course provides a challenging and engaging simulation with highly realistic problem scenarios to be addressed. This is not a boring lecture environment focused only on theories. Participants will be challenged to work together as teams, learning key tools and operating processes that can be readily applied to their assigned problems. The workshop is fast-paced, demanding and fun.

Key Elements for Learning and Practice (group process)

• Issue mapping / stakeholder analysis
• Gap Analysis
• Force Field Analysis
• Prioritization / Decision Making
• Key Message Development

The Agenda / Flow

• Create 3-4 teams of Strategists
• Overview of workshop approach, agreements and expectations
• Lecture: Introduction to strategic thinking mindsets, tools and processes
• Issue Scenario One: medium challenge
• Team presentations, discussion, debrief, coaching
• LUNCH: 1 hour (12pm)
• Issue Scenario Two: high challenge, new teams, more pressure
• Team presentations, discussion, debrief
• Final wrap up with Q&A
• Note: scenarios to be developed and fine-tuned in discussion with client to ensure maximum applicability.
• Following each scenario, teams will present their analysis and strategic recommendations and receive coaching / feedback.

How Does it Work?

• The lead facilitator, a veteran of crisis and issue training and a seasoned crisis consultant will introduce the key principles and tools of strategic thinking and problem solving.

• The lead facilitator will introduce a series of tools and processes for the teams to apply under pressure of time.

• Participants will then be thrown directly into problem situations to gauge their response.

• Each team will present their solutions / recommendations to the other teams. Finally there will be a debrief to reinforce key learnings and provide feedback on the solutions developed.

Who Should Attend?

• Senior managers
• Mid-level staff

What Will this Training Do for You?

• Participants will be encouraged to critically analyze scenario-specific triggers and to determine the initial priorities that their team/organization needs to focus on.

• This process will be followed by a thorough analysis on the impact that those triggers have upon internal and external stakeholders.

• Each participant will be challenged to evaluate strategic options available to them before making decisions that drive specific actions plans with maximum value and minimal risks.

Your Facilitators