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Identify Root Causes. Implement Solutions. Prevent Recurrence.

Problem Solving Training 1 day

This course will help you develop problem-solving skills. Problem solving is the ultimate life skill. We all need to solve problems. You will be successful to the degree to which you can solve your problem, (or other people’s problems). Problem solving is learning how to close the gap between the situation you have, and the situation that you want.

Available as live online training via Microsoft Teams, or as bespoke in-house training tailored to your organisation.

★★★★★
"This course has made me think of my management skills in a different way and has given me a great formula to achieve company goals. The trainer's presentation was great and it was very easy to understand and take in." - Suzie Murphy, Swatch Group
Quality Training
Established 1997
6 CPD Hours
Delivery Options Upcoming Dates

Course Overview

What is Problem Solving Training?

We begin by establishing a precise definition of the word "problem": the gap between the current state and the desired state. Problem solving is the systematic process of closing that gap. This simple but powerful framing ensures delegates are solving the right problem rather than addressing symptoms or secondary effects.

The morning session concentrates on analytical problem solving. We introduce structured tools including problem-cause-solution mapping and problem-implication-countermeasure analysis. These techniques ensure that every solution addresses a verified root cause rather than a surface symptom, and that the implications of each decision are considered before action is taken. Unlike a broader critical thinking course, this programme focuses entirely on practical diagnostic and resolution tools that managers can apply the day after training.

The afternoon shifts to creative problem solving: redefining the problem itself, thinking laterally, and transforming apparent obstacles into opportunities. We also cover the mastermind principle, showing how to harness the collective thinking of a group to arrive at solutions that no individual would reach alone.

The course concludes by addressing problem prevention. Combining analytical and creative approaches with a continuous improvement mindset, delegates learn how to anticipate and neutralise potential problems before they occur. They leave with a personal action plan and the confidence that comes from having a reliable, structured method for handling whatever problems arise at work.

Core Skills

The Key Skills Covered

This course develops six complementary problem-solving competencies. Together they form a complete toolkit for diagnosing, resolving and preventing workplace problems of any type or complexity.

  1. 1

    Problem Framing and Definition

    Define any problem precisely as the gap between the current state and the desired state. Correct framing is the most critical step in problem solving: a well-defined problem is already half solved, whereas a poorly defined problem guarantees wasted effort regardless of how much energy is applied.

  2. 2

    Analytical Problem Solving

    Break complex problems down into their component parts and address each one systematically. Analytical problem solving is scientific, logical and methodical: it removes guesswork and replaces it with a structured sequence of investigation, diagnosis and action.

  3. 3

    Problem-Cause-Solution Mapping

    Use visual mapping to trace every problem back to its root causes and identify targeted solutions for each. This technique reveals that most problems have multiple contributing causes, ensuring that solutions are comprehensive rather than partial fixes that allow problems to re-emerge.

  4. 4

    Problem-Implication-Countermeasure Analysis

    Anticipate the implications of a problem before acting, then design countermeasures that neutralise each implication. This structured approach prevents reactive decision-making and ensures that the response to a problem does not introduce new problems elsewhere in the system.

  5. 5

    Creative Problem Solving

    Reframe intractable problems by changing the way they are perceived. Creative problem solving, sometimes called lateral thinking, reveals solutions that purely analytical methods cannot generate, transforming apparent obstacles into opportunities and opening lines of approach that conventional thinking overlooks.

  6. 6

    Problem Prevention Planning

    Apply the principle that prevention is better than cure. Using both analytical and creative techniques, identify potential problems before they occur, assess their likelihood and impact, and put preventive actions in place. This proactive approach reduces the total volume of problems over time and builds organisational resilience.

Who Is This Course For?

Who Should Attend This Problem Solving Training Course?

Designed for anyone who needs a reliable, structured method for diagnosing, resolving and preventing workplace problems.

Managers and Team Leaders

Resolve recurring team and operational problems at the root rather than addressing symptoms repeatedly.

Project Managers

Diagnose and resolve project problems quickly using structured analytical and creative tools.

Problem Owners

Anyone responsible for fixing a persistent issue who needs a reliable method rather than trial and error.

All Levels of Staff

Build a repeatable problem-solving framework that makes you more effective and confident at every level.

Also valuable for technical specialists who face complex diagnostic challenges, continuous improvement practitioners seeking additional structured tools, and newly promoted managers who want a repeatable framework for handling issues confidently.

Course Agenda

Problem Solving Training Course Details

AM

Morning Session • Problem definition, analytical methods and root-cause mapping

Establish a precise working definition of what a problem is, learn why correct framing is the most important step in problem solving, and develop the analytical skills to map root causes and construct targeted solutions.

We open by defining a problem precisely: the gap between the current state and the desired state. This definition is deceptively simple but practically powerful. It shifts attention from vague dissatisfaction to a clear, measurable discrepancy, which makes every subsequent step, diagnosis, planning and action, more focused and productive. Delegates examine real examples from their own workplaces and apply the definition to clarify what they are actually trying to solve.
Problem solving training is the systematic development of skills to identify the causes of problems and implement effective solutions. This course also addresses a second objective: problem prevention. Rather than waiting for problems to occur and then reacting, we develop the skills to anticipate potential problems and put preventive measures in place in advance. Both capabilities, reactive resolution and proactive prevention, are taught and practised throughout the day.
Framing is the act of defining the boundaries, context and nature of a problem before any solution is attempted. In healthcare, the saying is 'proper diagnosis is the first step to the cure'; the same principle applies to every workplace challenge. We cover the key questions that frame a problem accurately: What exactly is happening? What should be happening instead? What is the size of the gap? What are the constraints? Delegates practise framing problems they bring from their own roles, often discovering that they have been solving the wrong problem.
Problem solving techniques fall into two major categories: analytical and creative. Analytical problem solving is based on breaking a problem down into its component parts and addressing each step by step; it is scientific, logical and methodical. Creative problem solving is based on approaching problems from a different angle, redefining the terms by which a problem is perceived, in order to arrive at an innovative solution. Both types are learnable and both are necessary; this course teaches both. Knowing which method to apply in a given situation is itself a key skill.
Analytical problem solving begins with fact gathering: collecting objective data about the current state, the desired state, and the gap between them. We introduce a step-by-step analytical framework that guides the problem solver from observation through to verified root cause without skipping logical steps or jumping to premature conclusions. Delegates work through structured exercises using problems drawn from their own experience, applying the framework under guidance and receiving feedback on their reasoning.
Problem-cause-solution mapping is a visual technique that lays out the problem at the top, branches out into all the probable causes beneath it, and then identifies targeted solutions for each cause. The map makes the full causal structure visible at once, prevents the common error of addressing only the most obvious cause, and produces a comprehensive solution set rather than a single partial fix. We work through a complete mapping exercise in small groups, so delegates leave with both the understanding and the practical experience to apply the technique immediately.
One of the most important insights of this course is that almost no significant problem has a single cause. The tendency to identify one cause and fix it, without examining what else contributed, is one of the main reasons problems recur. We examine several case studies in which single-cause thinking produced solutions that appeared to work briefly before the problem returned, and contrast them with multi-cause analyses that produced durable resolutions. This module equips delegates to ask the right diagnostic questions and resist the temptation of the first plausible explanation.
PM

Afternoon Session • Creative methods, problem prevention and action planning

Move from analytical diagnosis to creative transformation: learn lateral thinking techniques, the mastermind principle, and how to prevent problems from arising in the first place.

This tool extends problem-cause-solution mapping by adding an additional layer of analysis: before implementing any solution, we map the implications of the problem and design countermeasures for each. The technique ensures that solutions are not only targeted at root causes but also address the downstream effects that the problem has already set in motion. It is particularly valuable for complex, long-running problems where the effects have compounded over time and a simple point-solution would leave significant damage unaddressed.
Good questions are the engine of effective problem solving. We introduce a structured sequence of diagnostic questions that guide the problem solver from initial observation to verified root cause without relying on assumption or guesswork. The questions cover: what is actually happening? What should be happening? What is the evidence? What caused this? What would prevent it recurring? Delegates practise using the question framework on real problems, developing the habit of disciplined inquiry that separates reliable problem solvers from those who rely on intuition.
Creative problem solving begins where analytical thinking reaches its limits. Sometimes a problem cannot be solved within the current frame of reference; it requires a different way of seeing. We introduce several creative methods including assumption reversal (questioning the assumptions embedded in the problem definition), random stimulation (using unrelated concepts to generate new associations), and analogy (asking how a similar problem was solved in a different context). Each method is demonstrated with worked examples and then practised by delegates on their own challenges.
Lateral thinking is the deliberate use of indirect, non-linear approaches to problems that resist conventional analysis. The phrase 'thinking outside the box' describes the process of stepping outside the established frame of reference to find solutions that are invisible from within it. We examine real examples of lateral thinking in business: situations where the apparent problem turned out to be the solution to a different problem, or where removing a constraint rather than working within it produced a breakthrough. Delegates apply lateral thinking to a problem they currently face.
Many of the most significant business innovations were solutions to problems that were first perceived as threats. Re-framing is the skill of asking: if this problem contains an opportunity, what would that opportunity look like? We show multiple examples of where problems were transformed into competitive advantages through deliberate re-framing, and guide delegates through a re-framing exercise applied to challenges in their own work. The goal is not to deny that problems are difficult but to expand the range of responses available.
The mastermind principle holds that a group of minds working together in focused collaboration produces thinking that no individual member would reach alone. Two or more minds focused on the same problem produce a combined intelligence that exceeds the sum of its parts. We examine how to structure a mastermind session to maximise creative output: how to frame the problem for the group, how to manage the contribution of different thinking styles, how to evaluate ideas without suppressing creativity, and how to convert the output into a coherent action plan.
The distinction between an amateur and a professional problem solver is the possession of a reliable, repeatable method. Amateurs rely on intuition, experience and good fortune; professionals follow a systematic process that produces consistent results regardless of the nature or scale of the problem. In this module we consolidate the day's learning into a complete personal problem-solving system that delegates can apply immediately and develop further over time. We discuss the habits and practices that distinguish consistently effective problem solvers in professional environments.
The course closes with a structured action-planning session. Each delegate identifies the three to five changes they will implement on returning to work, specifying what they will do, by when, and how they will measure the result. The trainer reviews each plan to ensure it is specific and realistic. Delegates leave with a written commitment that serves as both a personal reminder and an accountability tool during the weeks that follow.

Availability and Pricing

Delivery Options

Choose the delivery format that best fits your schedule and team.

All options deliver the same high-quality content.

Online Live Training

£350 +VAT

per delegate

Interactive live sessions delivered via Teams using our superior green-screen technology.

  • Same content as face-to-face
  • Learn from home or office
  • Delivered via MS Teams
  • Laptop or tablet with webcam
View Online Dates

Bespoke In-House

£2250+VAT

per training day

We come to you. Training delivered at your premises, tailored to your team's specific needs.

  • Your premises or online
  • Tailored to your organisation
  • Dates to suit your schedule
  • We can train in your timezone
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All Our Training Includes

Full 1 day of expert training delivered by an experienced trainer
CPD-endorsed course: 6 CPD training hours (plus 2-3 additional hours via post-course online learning)
Full digital interactive course notes
Official training certificate
Access to free additional training material via our post-course portal
3 months of free telephone coaching while you implement your learning

Questions? Call 020 3856 3037 or 01452 856091

Upcoming Dates

Next Available Course Dates

No upcoming dates are currently listed.
Please get in touch to enquire about availability.

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Course FAQs

You can book directly online via our course dates page, call us on 020 3856 3037, or make an enquiry and we will call you back. We accept payment by BACS, cheque or credit card. Once booked, you will receive a confirmation email with full joining instructions.
Yes. We can deliver this course exclusively for your team at your premises or online, on dates to suit you. Bespoke in-house training is priced per day rather than per delegate, making it cost-effective for groups of four or more. We can also tailor the content to address your organisation's specific challenges.
Effective problem solving is a learnable skill, not an innate talent. Improvement comes from three things: first, learning a structured method so that you approach every problem in the same disciplined way rather than improvising; second, practising the method on real problems until it becomes a reliable habit; and third, reviewing outcomes to extract learning from both successes and failures. This course provides the structured method and the initial practice. The post-course portal and three months of free telephone coaching support the implementation phase.
The structured problem-solving sequence taught on this course has five stages: (1) define the problem precisely as a gap between current and desired states; (2) gather facts about the current state and the gap; (3) identify all contributing root causes using problem-cause-solution mapping; (4) design and evaluate solutions for each root cause; (5) implement the chosen solution, monitor results and adjust as necessary. A sixth stage, prevention, asks what changes would stop similar problems arising in future. The course covers all six stages in depth.
Yes, the training is highly interactive. Sessions include group discussions, exercises, case studies and individual action planning. The trainer actively teaches expert content rather than simply facilitating discussion, so delegates leave with structured knowledge they can apply immediately. The style is engaging and practical throughout.
A workplace problem is any situation in which there is a measurable gap between how things are currently working and how they need to work. Identification begins with observation: what specific results are below standard? What should they be? How large is the gap? Once the gap is measured, the next step is diagnosis: what is causing it? Common indicators of unidentified problems include recurring complaints, repeated errors, bottlenecks that slow output, customer dissatisfaction and staff frustration. The course teaches a structured approach to surfacing and diagnosing problems before they become crises.
The course attracts managers, team leaders, project managers and problem owners from a wide range of industries including manufacturing, finance, healthcare, retail, logistics and the public sector. Delegates share a common need: a reliable, structured method for diagnosing and resolving the problems they face at work, rather than relying on intuition or trial and error. The course is equally valuable for those who face technical operational problems and those who deal primarily with people and process challenges.
Open courses run from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Delegates are welcome to arrive from 8:45 am; tea and coffee are available from that time. The course includes mid-morning and mid-afternoon breaks plus a lunch break.

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On This Page

  1. 1 Course Overview
  2. 2 Key Skills
  3. 3 Who Should Attend
  4. 4 Course Agenda
  5. 5 Delivery Options
  6. 6 Upcoming Dates
  7. 7 FAQs

Book This Course

Online Live Training £350 +VAT
Bespoke In-House £2250 +VAT/day
Book Open Course Enquire About In-House

Questions? Call us on

020 3856 3037
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Customer Reviews

What Delegates Say About This Course

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Read Our Customer Reviews
★★★★★

"An excellent and well presented course. A lot to learn, but kept the flow going. Very informative and gave sound and varying ideas. The trainer got the group to participate, was fun as well as informative."

Steve Hulbert

CLASSEQ

★★★★★

"The course was well structured and it opened my eyes to the potential causes of failure, within both the company projects and my personal projects. It also taught me things that I will definitely apply to make myself and my team way more productive! The Trainer was very personable, and did well keeping the group engaged and the content interesting."

Nick McVroom

Product Madness

★★★★★

"The course content was very clear, explained well and addressed the areas that I hoped it would. Gave time management a structure which will enable me to move into the 'box'. The trainer's presentation was clear, well controlled. Helpful to get us all to be involved and explain ideas to each other."

Chris Langley

The Bell Surgery

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Ready to Solve Problems More Effectively?

Enrol on our next open course, join a live online session from anywhere in the UK, or speak to us about tailored in-house delivery for your team.

Book Open Course Enquire about In-House

Or speak to a member of our team directly:

020 3856 3037 01452 856091