Agenda
The course tutors will work to the below framework, adopting a flexible approach to tailoring the content to ensure optimum relevancy for the delegates in attendance.
*The agenda is for a guide only and is subject to change
** The delivery of this programme via the virtual classroom may differ to ensure the optimum learning experience within this environment. However, the learning outcomes will remain the same.
The virtual course would be 4 x 90-minute sessions per day, with breakouts and tasks leading to the next session. The course is highly interactive and fully recorded for future reference. Please prepare for your virtual classroom course by reading our virtual classroom information guide.
*** If government restrictions, advice or social distancing prevent us from running any scheduled face to face course dates, In Professional Development may opt to deliver the scheduled course date via our Virtual Classroom platform. Please click here for more details about our virtual classrooms.
“Problems are situations where people must consciously reorganise an aspect of reality by following a set of rules and overcoming obstacles. Wicked problems, however, refuse to adhere to rules and therefore require a strategic mindset and a determined approach”
Alexander Firmin, Organisational psychologist
Delegates will be asked to share a real-world problem or situation they are aware of. Those problems will then be defined into one or two of the categories below:
- Routine problems – a clear, tested solution exists
- Non-routine problems – skills must be applied for the first time
- Well defined problems – clear parameters exist
- Ill-defined problems – limited or no parameters, and difficult choices need to be made
- Wicked problems – problems that probably don’t have solutions, and don’t conform to typical rules. These problems require creativity and persistence
Problems might be defined as any of the following ‘problem types’. Once the problem has been the defined, the right strategy to solve it can be chosen and applied.
Different approaches to solving problems will be discussed and delegates will choose the best suited approach to their real-world situation.
Methods will include:
- Associate learning – using the law of cause an effect, or trial and error, to overcome problems. This method underpins continuous improvement
- Insight strategies – an inner process of observation and reflection, enabling solutions to be developed
- General problem solving (GPS) – a step-by-step progression, as one condition is gradually transformed into a new one. This is represented by the scientific method
- Creative problem solving – unconventional or original thought is required. Questioning strategies to support and provoke creative thinking will be practiced with the group
Delegates will work collaboratively through their own problems, in action learning groups.
This will be an opportunity to apply and take ownership of the methods, strategies and tools taught over the course of the session.
An engaging, consultative session that ask delegates to reflect on their strategic leadership identity; foxes respond to their environments, and adapt, hedgehogs control their environments through their unique defence mechanism.
This exercise serves as a useful metaphor, through which strategic leadership and decision making will be explored and be supported by a range of historical and current examples.
From this conversation we will ask participants to consider the strategy of the organisation and identify a BHAG using Jim Collins’ framework.
An intuitive strategic approach that will ask delegates to consider the required method in order to inform decisions, affecting the long-term plan.
Firstly, we will teach the concept and then ask delegates to apply it to their professional role. The process starts with consolidating ambitious goals (identified in the previous exercise), then moving into 4 stages of strategic working:
- Analysis
- Choices
- Change Management
- Implementation
Although this may be a hypothetical approach at this stage, the exercise will provide a framework to establish a clear vision and begin to identify challenges, opportunities, options and initial steps. This will form the basis of long term strategic thinking.
The session is highly consultative and will result in a real-world plan to discuss with the participants’ own leadership teams.
In a coaching environment, we will ask delegates to consolidate their learnings and develop a structured action plan that will support the implementation of learning into their real-world context.
This session will focus on putting learning into practice.
- Developing an action plan
- Implementation and execution
- Evaluation and effectiveness
Tutors
James Willerton -
With over 10 years of business consulting and professional service experience, James has developed a well-rounded and practical perspective on strategic development and human capital development at all levels and cross-industries both nationally and internationally. With a focus on innovation in strategy development, James is a certified Exceptional Trainer. With a diverse background in business management, innovation, strategy development, organisational development, recruitment and operations.
During his role in recruitment, James applied advanced psychometric techniques and personally assessed over 1000 candidates for his own and his client’s businesses. Combined with coaching, this has given him an advanced experience of dealing with the human psych and obtaining optimal results for human capital and organisational development.
James has a very approachable manner, with valuable real-world experience as an employer and a senior consultant to a wide-range of industries and organisations
Alex Firmin -
Alex is a qualified occupational psychologist and specialises in leadership development. He is also a highly experienced educational consultant and executive coach. Alex is the Associate Director for Programmes at INPD, and routinely teaches on MBA programmes for York, Chester, and Robert Gordon Universities.
For 12 years, Alex was an army officer (Major) and undertook several tours of Afghanistan. He supported the development and delivery of the Army’s Global Security, Leadership and Strategy programme at Sandhurst. Alex's hard work led to him successfully establishing the first Afghan officer training academy, in Kabul.
Alex has over 20 years’ experience of designing and delivering strategic training programmes as well as being a business consultant and manager. Making him an accomplished Leadership Consultant with cross-cultural experience and the ability to succeed in the most challenging environments. He has become well respected for delivering high impact, strategic Leadership and Management training for large scale commercial corporations. He uses proven techniques combined with innovation to provide creative and successful solutions for businesses
Accreditation
The sessions are designed to support the delegates to achieve a recognised leadership qualification (accredited by CMI) should they wish to and will incorporate the assessment criteria to meet Level 7.
Assessment
The CMI Level 7 award in Strategic Decision Making and Problem Solving is designed for directors and senior managers, who have the authority and personal inspiration to translate organisational strategy into effective performance. This qualification requires senior and aspiring senior leaders to build on their skills in strategic management and leadership and to focus on the requirements of strategic decision making.
Delegates will be required to complete 1 3000 - 4000 word written assignment that requires taught theory to be applied to the strategic organisational context. The assignment is focused towards creating an organisational strategy to achieve a business objective:
- Developing organisational strategy
- Personal development as a strategic manager
- Reviewing organisational strategy plans and performance
You can read more about our accreditations on our qualifications page.
You can read impartial reviews of the CMI Level 7 - Strategic Decision Making and Problem Solving Programme on Trustpilot.