Kardelen Training

1. Structured Thinking

• How to benefit from structured thinking: solution of complex or vague problems; focus of effort; allocating work; and communicating reasoning
• Tools for structured thinking (clustering, logic trees, hypotheses) and the role of each in the problem solving process
• Using clustering for early clarification of problems
• Using logic trees and problem hierarchies for further clarification
• Introduction to different forms of reasoning: inductive and deductive logic
• Heuristics to test completeness of thinking: MECE, and its limitations
• Different ways of breaking down problems: numerical, issue, and process structures
• Using structured thinking to generate a problem solving scope or proposal

2. Hypothesis Development

• Problem framing to agree context and priorities
• Using hypotheses to resolve problems and draw robust conclusions
• How best to use hypotheses to focus effort, increase problem solving rigour, allocate work, communicate progress and conclusions
• Using key tools to generate and test hypotheses: analytical hierarchies, and MECE testing; inductive and deductive reasoning; and, testing key factual assumptions
• Scientific method and the importance of challenging and changing hypotheses
• Using hypotheses in work planning
• Typical problem solving frameworks and their limitations, including practice in using some common tools
• Important dos and don’ts in hypothesis development and testing
• Using hypotheses to solve a vague and complex business case

3. 80:20

• Common examples of 80:20
• Using 80:20 to prioritise effort, allocate work, raise quality and communicate more effectively
• Recognising and averting dangers associated with 80:20
• Specific applications of 80:20 in problem solving: simplifying hypotheses; prioritising analysis; and communicating results
• Practising using 80:20 communication in short, important meetings

4. Structured Presentations

• Preparing for brief, targeted presentations
• Key components of well structured presentations
• Creating summaries and setting objectives
• Designing and laying out a clear argument or story line
• Synthesising relevant insights
• Designing clear slides and graphics, and creating blank slides to visualise and allocate work
• Minimising redundancy and focusing on germane issues
• Communicating succinct conclusions and next steps
• Practising developing a short presentation to convey critical and complex information