Home
»
Problems! Problems!™ | Problem-Solving Training Activity
Problems! Problems!™ | Problem-Solving Training Activity
In stock
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Identify and evaluate a range of problem-solving techniques with this fun, hands-on activity.
to define a problem clearly before trying to solve it
to use a structured approach
to avoid making assumptions
to utilise some common problem-solving techniques
Regular price
$508.00
Couldn't load pickup availability
Product details
- Type Training Activity
- Timing 1 hour + debrief
- Use F2F & Virtual
- Target Audience All Levels
- Min Participants 3
- Max Participants* 24
- *More delegates? Contact Us
- Computer Required No
- Printer Required No
- Supply Format Hard & Digital Copy
Product downloads
- Factsheet Download
Northgate says...
"We are faced with problems all day, every day! It’s always a valuable exercise to make teams aware of the range of strategies they can use to solve problems - at work and in the wider world."
- Define a problem clearly before trying to solve it
- Use a structured approach
- Avoid making assumptions
- Utilise some common problem-solving techniques
- Be logical and objective
Ideally suited to:
Any level and any course on problem-solving. Identifies different approaches and when to use them.
Ten problems and 60 minutes means teams have just six minutes per problem. They are a mixture of work-based issues and conventional conundrums that together highlight some key approaches to problem solving.
For each problem teams identify a specific problem solving approach or rule: lateral thinking, brainstorming, step-by-step logic and ‘fish-boning’ can all be used.
- Do teams assess the difficulty of each problem?
- Do they use special skills within the group?
- Do they have a strategy?
- Do they complete all ten problems?
And do they make the best use of the limited time? The lessons at the end – fully laid out in the Trainer’s Guide (along with all the solutions and explanations) - can all be related to what happens at work when problems arise.
Observer’s Forms and Team Assessment Forms provide for in-depth assessment of the problem solving competencies. Handouts on Key Points give participants something tangible to use for reference back at work.
Problems! Problems! provides a valuable opportunity to think about different theories of problem solving and put them to the test.
- Introduce the activity.
- Issue Team Briefs and Solutions Sheets.
- Allow 60 minutes for teams to try and accomplish their objective of solving all ten problems.
- Observe the teams in action. Observer’s Forms are included.
- Lead a Debrief on the issues raised and relate back to the workplace.
Full guidance supplied in the Trainer’s Notes.
Hard & Digital Copy
- ☑️ Hard copy pack supplied
- ☑️ PDFs supplied
Digital Copy
- ☑️ PDFs supplied
Contents
- Trainer’s Notes
- Team Briefs
- Solutions Sheet
- Handout 1: Initial Ideas
- Handout 2: Observer's Form
- Handout 3: Observer's Review Form
- Handout 4: Team Review Form
- Handout 5: Key Points
- Handout 6: Action Plan
This activity is for face-to-face classroom and virtual classroom use. The digital files are supplied via the Northgate Trainerhub.
Our licence offering is designed to provide exceptional value and flexibility for your organisational training needs.
Upon purchase, each Northgate activity includes a five-year licence for repeat use, with up to a maximum number of delegates per training session. The maximum number of delegates permitted for this activity is 24. This grants you the freedom to use the activity repeatedly, with the specified maximum number of delegates, for five years.
All Learning and Development (L&D) professionals based at the same site (or ‘remote hub’) as you are granted access to these resources, including to the digital files on the Trainerhub via your site-specific Trainer Dashboard, fostering a collaborative spirit within your immediate team.
Should you wish to make this activity available to a wider audience within your organisation, additional licences are required. We understand the varying needs of different organisations and aim to provide flexible options to suit your requirements.
For further information on our licence terms, please contact us. We are here to assist you in enhancing your training initiatives and ensuring a seamless and hassle-free licensing experience.
To use with more than 24 or for multiple site licences please contact us for a quote.
D
Dr Evangelos Kitsos, Senior Teaching Fellow, WMG, University of Warwick 'Problems! Problems!' is an excellent activity to promote creative thinking and a structured approach to problem definition.
R
Rachel Clayton, Consultant, Oman I have used 'Problems! Problems!' as an icebreaker and the activity has been well received. I can also use it to reinforce that a team/group is made up of diverse individuals who bring their individual skills and strengths to the team.
S
Steve Laing, Consultant, QC Training International Problems! Problems! is an enjoyable, worthwhile exercise – and feedback from delegates was great. All in all, an excellent experience.
P
Patrick Harlington, ANSA Business Development 'Problems! Problems!' is a very good catalyst to incorporate into existing problem-solving programmes.
D
D. Hopkins, KBR Ltd Problems! Problems!' is a well constructed and presented exercise to develop team problem-solving skills in a fun and interesting way. Can be used flexibly to allow other learning skills such as teamworking and communication.
-
Anti-boredom Guarantee
If you are not delighted with your purchase or 100% happy, we offer a no-quibble returns service on unused goods.
-
Fast Global Delivery
We offer next day delivery courier delivery in the UK, 2-6 days elsewhere and same day delivery on our digital products.
-
Easy Ordering
To order you can add this activity to your basket and proceed through secure online checkout, or request an invoice.
-
Trainerhub Access
Benefits include easy access to your library, instant upgrades, Trainer Forum, team collaboration tools and free activities.
Northgate Trainerhub
Get everything at your fingertips with our FREE online resource library. Get instant access to games, upgrades, peer-support and even free activities. Simply sign up or purchase any game.

