Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving Course

Introduction

In an ever-evolving global marketplace, innovation and creativity are essential drivers of organizational success and competitive advantage. The Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving course is designed to unlock participants’ creative potential and equip them with practical tools and methodologies to tackle complex challenges innovatively.

This course explores the mindset, processes, and techniques behind creative thinking and effective problem-solving. Participants will learn how to identify opportunities for innovation, generate novel ideas, evaluate solutions critically, and implement changes that deliver measurable impact.

Through interactive exercises, brainstorming sessions, and real-world case studies, learners will develop skills in divergent and convergent thinking, design thinking, lateral thinking, and collaborative innovation. The course also addresses common barriers to creativity, such as cognitive biases and organizational constraints, and offers strategies to overcome them.

This course is designed to empower participants with a comprehensive toolkit for unleashing creativity and driving innovation at both individual and organizational levels. It covers foundational concepts such as the innovation lifecycle, creativity theories, and the psychology behind creative thinking. Participants will explore structured methodologies including Design Thinking, TRIZ, Six Thinking Hats, and brainstorming techniques that stimulate both divergent and convergent thinking.

Participants will leave the course confident in their ability to foster a culture of innovation within their teams and organizations, driving continuous improvement and breakthrough results.

Duration:

5 days

Who should attend?

The course is designed for:

·       Business leaders and managers aiming to drive innovation within their teams and organizations.

·       Product developers and designers seeking structured approaches to creative problem-solving.

·       Entrepreneurs and startup founders looking to develop innovative solutions and competitive advantages.

·       Project managers and team leads responsible for facilitating collaboration and breakthrough ideas.

·       Consultants and change agents focused on transformation and continuous improvement.

·       Employees from any function eager to enhance their creativity and contribute innovative ideas.

Course objectives

By the end of the training, participants will:

·       Understand the principles and importance of innovation and creativity in organizational success.

·   Apply various creative thinking techniques such as brainstorming, lateral thinking, and mind mapping to generate ideas.

·       Use structured problem-solving frameworks including Design Thinking and Six Thinking Hats to address complex challenges.

·      Identify and overcome common barriers to creativity and innovation within teams and organizations.

·       Facilitate collaborative innovation sessions that leverage diverse perspectives and foster creative teamwork.

·       Evaluate and select innovative ideas based on feasibility, impact, and alignment with strategic goals.

·       Develop actionable innovation plans to implement creative solutions effectively.

·       Cultivate an innovation mindset characterized by curiosity, experimentation, and resilience.

·       Leverage technology and tools that support creative problem-solving and innovation management.

·       Promote and sustain a culture of innovation within their teams or organizations.

Course content

Module 1: Foundations of Innovation and Creativity

• Defining innovation and creativity
• The role of innovation in business success and competitive advantage
• Types of innovation: incremental, disruptive, radical
• The innovation lifecycle

Module 2: Understanding the Creative Mindset

• Characteristics of creative thinkers
• Overcoming mental blocks and cognitive biases
• Developing curiosity, openness, and resilience
• Encouraging risk-taking and experimentation

Module 3: Creative Thinking Techniques

• Brainstorming and brainwriting
• Lateral thinking and reverse thinking
• Mind mapping and visual thinking
• SCAMPER technique (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse)

Module 4: Problem-Solving Frameworks and Methodologies

• Introduction to Design Thinking
• Six Thinking Hats for structured thinking
• TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving) basics
• Applying divergent and convergent thinking

Module 5: Generating and Evaluating Ideas

• Techniques for idea generation and expansion
• Criteria for idea evaluation (feasibility, desirability, viability)
• Prioritization methods (impact-effort matrix, voting)
• Prototyping and testing early concepts

Module 6: Collaborative Innovation and Team Dynamics

• Leveraging diversity for creative outcomes
• Facilitating effective ideation workshops
• Building psychological safety in teams
• Managing groupthink and encouraging constructive conflict

Module 7: Overcoming Barriers to Innovation

• Organizational resistance and cultural barriers
• Managing risk and uncertainty
• Dealing with resource constraints
• Strategies to foster continuous learning and adaptability

Module 8: Innovation Implementation and Scaling

• Developing innovation action plans
• Change management principles for innovation adoption
• Measuring innovation impact and success
• Scaling innovative solutions across the organization

Module 9: Leveraging Technology for Innovation

• Tools and platforms supporting innovation management
• Digital collaboration and ideation tools
• Data-driven innovation and analytics
• Emerging technologies and their impact on innovation

Module 10: Sustaining an Innovative Culture

• Leadership’s role in fostering innovation
• Building systems and processes to support creativity
• Recognizing and rewarding innovative behaviors
• Continuous improvement and innovation mindset cultivation

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808

Terms of Payment: 

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better.

Online/ On-site (Nairobi, Kenya) Training Schedule