Description:

In business, as in life, there are always problems. The challenge is to accurately identify the root cause of an issue in order to creatively solve the correct one, which saves time, money, and frustration.

In the Strategic Thinking and Creative Problem-Solving segment of the three-part Leading in the Academic Enterprise® series, you will discuss strategies and challenges for successful problem solving, as a leader, an individual, and as a team. On day one, using case studies, explore tools to systematically undergo problem identification and resolution processes. You will learn how to diagnose the core problem while avoiding potential traps that can derail achieving the optimum solution.

The focus of day two is creativity and the incorporation of strategic thinking. You will explore the creative process while learning how to strengthen your understanding and competence by using team exercises. Once you have a firmer comprehension on methods for encouraging creativity, you will merge all that you have learned into a comprehensive strategy for problem identification and creative resolution.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand how to fundamentally change or advance strategic thinking capabilities individually and within teams, departments, and school-wide
  • Learn facilitation and communication skills to help lead the thinking of committees and teams more effectively
  • Understand why people solve the wrong problem and learn how to ask the right questions
  • Increase your creative thinking ability
  • Discover opportunities in your daily life where incorporating creative and strategic thinking can be vital to the outcome

Who Should Attend:

Administrators and faculty members interested in undertaking a leadership role in their school, such as department chair, assistant dean, associate dean, program director, etc.