Problem Solving course: Develop Solution Oriented Mindset

Are you constantly facing challenges and obstacles in your personal or professional life? Do you find yourself struggling to come up with creative solutions to problems? If so, it's time to unlock your problem-solving potential and take charge of your life. In today's fast-paced world, problem-solving skills are more valuable than ever. Whether you're a student, an entrepreneur, or a professional, thinking critically and finding innovative solutions is a must-have skill. But how can you develop and improve your problem-solving skills? This course will explore effective strategies and techniques to help you become a better problem solver. From cultivating a growth mindset to practising active listening, we will delve into the key steps you can take to enhance your problem-solving abilities. Get ready to unleash your creative genius and tackle any challenge that comes your way!

🕒 Course Duration: 20 to 40 Hours

(Flexible for 1-day workshop / 7-day intensive / 30-day challenge / corporate or classroom program)

🎯 Course Objective:

To equip participants with practical tools, creative frameworks, and critical thinking strategies to identify, analyze, and solve real-world problems effectively and confidently.

✅ Course Outcomes:

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand different types of problems and how to approach them
• Break down complex issues using strategic thinking
• Apply structured problem-solving frameworks
• Think critically, creatively, and collaboratively
• Develop a problem-solving mindset for life and work

Ideal Audience:

Students | Professionals | Entrepreneurs | Teachers | Leaders | Coaches | Corporate Teams | Innovators | Creatives

Module 1: Introduction to Problem Solving

Key Lessons:

• What Is a Problem? — Types: Simple, Complex, Wicked
• Importance of a Solution-Oriented Mindset
• Common Thinking Errors & Mental Blocks
• From Reaction to Response

Tools & Activities:

• Quiz: “What’s My Problem-Solving Style?”
• Journal Prompt: “What Problem Do I Keep Avoiding?”
• Group Brainstorm: List 10 Real Problems in Daily Life

Module 2: The Problem Solving Process

Key Lessons:

• 6-Step Model:
1. Define the Problem
2. Analyze the Root Cause
3. Generate Solutions
4. Evaluate & Select
5. Plan & Execute
6. Review & Reflect
• Why Most People Jump to Solutions Too Fast

Tools & Activities:

• Case Study: Solving a School, Work, or Social Issue
• Practice: 6-Step Template on a Personal Problem
• Journal: “What Happens When I Pause Before Solving?”

Module 3: Root Cause Analysis

Key Lessons:

• Symptoms vs Root Cause
• Tools:
• 5 Whys Technique
• Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa)
• Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule)
• Diagnosing, Not Guessing

Tools & Activities:

• Worksheet: “5 Whys” Drill
• Draw: A Fishbone Diagram for a Current Issue
• Practice: Identify Root Cause in a Team Disagreement

Module 4: Creative Thinking & Solution Generation

Key Lessons:

• Divergent Thinking for Idea Generation
• Brainstorming Rules That Work
• Lateral Thinking, SCAMPER, Random Word Technique
• Quantity First → Quality Later

Tools & Activities:

• Activity: 20 Ideas in 5 Minutes Game
• Practice: SCAMPER an Everyday Object
• Journal: “When Was I Most Creative Under Pressure?”

Module 5: Decision-Making & Risk Management

Key Lessons:

• Decision-Making Models (Pro-Con, PMI, Eisenhower Matrix)
• Biases That Sabotage Good Decisions
• Opportunity Cost Thinking
• Balancing Data vs Intuition

Tools & Activities:

• Create: A Decision Matrix for a Real Choice
• Case Study: Famous Poor vs Great Decisions in History
• Practice: Role Play Real-World Dilemmas

Module 6: Implementation & Execution

Key Lessons:

• From Planning to Action
• Barriers to Execution
• Getting Buy-In from Stakeholders
• Monitoring Progress & Staying Agile

Tools & Activities:

• Design: My Problem Execution Plan
• Worksheet: Obstacles & Backup Plan
• Journal: “What Holds Me Back from Acting on Ideas?”

Module 7: Reflect, Improve, Innovate

Key Lessons:

• Mistake → Feedback → Growth
• Continuous Improvement Thinking
• Learning from Failure Without Shame
• Documenting Solutions for Future

Tools & Activities:

• Practice: Post-Problem Reflection Sheet
• Activity: Innovation Challenge — Solve a Community Problem
• Journal: “What Did I Learn from My Last Failed Solution?”

Final Project:

“My Problem Solving Success Blueprint”

Participants will create:

• My Personal Problem-Solving Style Map
• One Real Problem Fully Solved Using the 6-Step Method
• My Creative Thinking Strategy List
• My Go-To Tools for Everyday Challenges
• My Life Problem-Solving Manifesto

🎁 Bonus Toolkit for Trainers / Coaches:

Ready-to-Use Tools:

• Problem-Solving Step-By-Step Templates
• Root Cause Analysis Worksheets
• Brainstorming Cards & Idea Generator Tools
• Decision-Making Matrices
• Team Collaboration & Idea Voting Sheets
• Visual PPT Slides with Metaphors (Bridge, Puzzle, Lens, Maze, Torch)
• Real Indian Case Studies of Smart Solutions (e.g., Arvind Eye Care, Paper Pencil Innovation)
• Printable Participant Workbook + Daily Reflection Journal

Suggested Delivery Style:

• Real-World Case Studies + Group Simulations
• Reflection-Based Activities + Journaling
• Visual Tools + Problem-Solving Maps
• Storytelling + Emotional Triggers
• Hands-On Labs & Challenges
• Self + Team Based Learning
• Printable Tools + Ready-to-Use Worksheets

Bonus:-

• What is a problem?
• Psychology and science behind a problem
• Type of problems
• 5 Step process to identify the cause of the problem - “The formulation of the problem is often more essential than its solution, which may be merely a matter of mathematical or experimental skill.” ― Albert Einstein
• 5 Step process to find out best and out-of-the-box alternatives
• 5 Step process for analysing best available solutions - Solution verification and evolution  - “It is better to solve one problem five different ways than to solve five problems one way.” ― George Póly
•  5-Step process on how to implement best solutions in real-time - 15 Easiest and effective methods to develop a solution-oriented mindset - “We can not solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them”  - Albert Einstein

Are you tired of being stuck id, one-size-fits-all courses? Do you crave flexibility and freedom in your learning experience? Look no further than Pragya Institute's revolutionary Self-Design Course.

At Pragya Institute, we understand that every individual is unique. That's why our Self-Design Course allows you to create a learning experience that suits your needs and preferences. Whether you're passionate about a specific field or want to explore a wide range of subjects, our course can be customized to cater to your interests.
Need-Based: Each individual is unique; according to age, needs are different; according to occupation, requirements are different; according to dreams, conditions are different; according to situations, needs are different. So here, you can customize the course according to your needs. Unlike a fixed menu– A ALA Carte – discuss and decide according to your taste.

With our Self-Design Course, you will unlock a personalized learning experience like no other. Unlike traditional courses, where you are bound to follow a fixed curriculum, our course gives you the freedom to choose the topics and subjects that interest you the most. This keeps you engaged and motivated and helps you develop critical skills such as research, analysis, and decision-making.

Imagine delving deep into the subjects that genuinely captivate your curiosity. Whether you're passionate about leadership, a positive attitude, time management, or communication skill, our Self-Design Course allows you to create your own path and explore your interests to the fullest.

You can choose to learn according to your "Needs and Wants" – In mass courses, you are bound to go with the flow, but here you can easily escape – where you don't want to be. We understand that nowadays, everyone has a busy life. That's why our Self-Design Course offers flexible duration options. You can complete the course in several days or extend it over several years. The power is in your hands, allowing you to adesign a learning journey that aligns with your availability and commitments.