About this course: In a very competitive workplace, demonstrating your ability to turn challenges into opportunities is an important to way stand out to hiring managers and to your existing management/leadership. In this course, you will learn how to utilize the knowledge and skills needed to leverage left- and right-brain thinking, analyze problems, spur creativity, and implement innovative ideas for your workplace. Using the power of design thinking and Creative Problem Solving models you will work toward data-driven solutions to workplace challenges. You will engage in an active process of identifying/defining a specific challenge, generating a plan to address the challenge, collecting and analyzing data/information in order to sell your solution to your leadership, implementing your data-driven solution, and evaluating success of the solution. Course Outcomes: 1. Understand Design, out-of-the box, whole brain thinking, Your workplace strengths 2. Apply Qualitative and scientific research method for workplace problems, Setting priorities and analyzing for outcomes 3. Apply Creative problem solving and creative thinking, using creative techniques to overcome challenges and bring about innovation 4. Create Action plan, Learn to implement innovative ideas and present ideas
Who is this class for: This course is for anyone looking to advance and standout in their organization by learning practical skills to solve problems through both a creative and critical problem solving lens.
Taught by: Drew Dougherty
Taught by: Josh Shapiro, PhD, Director of Research
UC San Diego Extension
| Level | Beginner |
| Commitment | About eight hours of video lecture, readings, learning activities |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
- Video: Welcome
- Video: Welcome to the Course and Introduction to Module 1
- Reading: Understanding Your Strengths
- Reading: Exercise: Social Style Self-Assessment Self Reflection
- Video: Interaction Styles
- Reading: Interaction Styles Framework
- Reading: Exercise: Journey Line
- Reading: Exercise: Character Strengths Self Reflection
- Video: SWOT
- Reading: Exercise: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Self Reflection
- Reading: Exercise: Heroes Reflection
- Reading: Using “Whole Brain” Thinking
- Video: Importance of “Soft Skills” and Looking at Grid and Managing Weaknesses
- Reading: Exercise: Grid Assessment
- Reading: Pushing Yourself to Think and Act Differently
- Reading: Exercise: Stress Signals
- Reading: Pushing Yourself to Think and Act Differently
- Reading: Unlocking Your Professional Potential
- Video: Introduction to Module 2
- Reading: Exercise: Identify two problems
- Reading: Problem Solving Using Scientific and Other Research Methods
- Reading: Other Problem Solving Methods
- Reading: Avoiding Fatal Flaws and Setting Priorities
- Reading: Overview of Research Methodologies
- Discussion Prompt: Exercise: Solving problems using method(s) learned
- Video: Introduction to Module 3
- Reading: Approaches to problem solving
- Video: Innovative Mindsets
- Reading: Innovative Thinking
- Reading: Overcoming Assumptions and Barriers
- Reading: Using Prototyping for Innovation
- Discussion Prompt: Exercise: Solve Problems Using Techniques Learned
- Video: Introduction to Module 4
- Reading: Translating Your Idea into Practical Application
- Reading: The Art of Good Storytelling
- Reading: Unlocking Your Professional Potential
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
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| Audit | Purchase Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Not available | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Not available | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Not available | Available |
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