Introduction

Whether in personal or professional sphere, problems happen, and they can impede one’s achievement of the desired outcome. Problems can come from various sources, and if poorly managed, more problems could ensue. It is important to identify the problem well so that the best possible solution can be identified and consequently, implemented. In coming up with the best possible solution, critical and creative thinking need to be applied, and team members need to be open to different perspectives.

The overall outcome of the module is designed to achieve the terms of the skills and knowledge that participants will be able to demonstrate upon completion:

• Describe what is a “problem”
• Explain the consequences of unresolved problems to the organization, and eventually, to them at professional and personal levels
• Describe the different types of problems and why they happened
• Explain the impact of one’s mindset in thinking and solving problems
• Describe the characteristics of left-brain vs. right-brain, and the whole-brain power to resolve problem

•  Describe the barriers to creativity and ways to overcome them
• Describe the processes or steps in effective problem-solving
• Describe the characteristics of an effective goal, and the importance of goal-clarity in effective problem-solving
• Explain the key mistakes in decision-making and apply relevant criteria or techniques to make the best possible decisions