Converting Challenges into Opportunities

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.

Created by:  University of California, San Diego

• 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. Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

Help from your peers

Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.

Certificates

Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.

University of California, San Diego UC San Diego is an academic powerhouse and economic engine, recognized as one of the top 10 public universities by U.S. News and World Report. Innovation is central to who we are and what we do. Here, students learn that knowledge isn't just acquired in the classroom—life is their laboratory.

Syllabus


WEEK 1


Design Your Work



5 videos, 13 readings expand

1. Video: Welcome
2. Video: Welcome to the Course and Introduction to Module 1
3. Reading: Understanding Your Strengths
4. Reading: Exercise: Social Style Self-Assessment Self Reflection
5. Video: Interaction Styles
6. Reading: Interaction Styles Framework
7. Reading: Exercise: Journey Line
8. Reading: Exercise: Character Strengths Self Reflection
9. Video: SWOT
10. Reading: Exercise: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Self Reflection
11. Reading: Exercise: Heroes Reflection
12. Reading: Using “Whole Brain” Thinking
13. Video: Importance of “Soft Skills” and Looking at Grid and Managing Weaknesses
14. Reading: Exercise: Grid Assessment
15. Reading: Pushing Yourself to Think and Act Differently
16. Reading: Exercise: Stress Signals
17. Reading: Pushing Yourself to Think and Act Differently
18. Reading: Unlocking Your Professional Potential

Graded: Understanding and Amplifying Strengths Quiz
Graded: Amplifying Your Strengths And Getting Out Of Your Own Way Quiz

WEEK 2


Problem Solving/Critical Thinking



1 video, 5 readings expand

1. Video: Introduction to Module 2
2. Reading: Exercise: Identify two problems
3. Reading: Problem Solving Using Scientific and Other Research Methods
4. Reading: Other Problem Solving Methods
5. Reading: Avoiding Fatal Flaws and Setting Priorities
6. Reading: Overview of Research Methodologies
7. Discussion Prompt: Exercise: Solving problems using method(s) learned

Graded: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Quiz

WEEK 3


Creative Thinking



2 videos, 4 readings expand

1. Video: Introduction to Module 3
2. Reading: Approaches to problem solving
3. Video: Innovative Mindsets
4. Reading: Innovative Thinking
5. Reading: Overcoming Assumptions and Barriers
6. Reading: Using Prototyping for Innovation
7. Discussion Prompt: Exercise: Solve Problems Using Techniques Learned

Graded: Approaches to Problem Solving Quiz
Graded: Innovative Thinking and Overcoming Assumptions Quiz

WEEK 4


Putting Ideas Into Action



1 video, 3 readings expand

1. Video: Introduction to Module 4
2. Reading: Translating Your Idea into Practical Application
3. Reading: The Art of Good Storytelling
4. Reading: Unlocking Your Professional Potential

Graded: Analyze and Present Your Problem/Ideas