In Creative Problem Solving, you'll journey from identifying problems to brainstorming and implementing creative solutions. Through engaging lessons and real-world examples, you'll transform data into actionable insights, visualize issues compellingly, and foster team alignment around effective problem statements. By the end, you'll have a robust toolkit for tackling complex challenges and driving meaningful change in your organization (and personal life). Empower yourself and your team to think outside the box and achieve exceptional outcomes with strategic, innovative solutions that ensure swift and effective action.
Begin your journey by understanding why merely identifying a problem isn't sufficient—learn how to challenge assumptions and ensure your problem solving begins on solid ground and proof.
Learn how to streamline your data collection process, equipping yourself with strategies to sift through noise, identify crucial metrics, and turn them into meaningful insights for creative problem-solving.
Discover how to convert complex data into simple, visually appealing stories that capture attention and drive action.
Learn how to measure and define UDEs, demonstrate their impact, and rally your team around the need for swift, creative solutions.
Explore strategies to evoke emotional investment, shifting stakeholder skepticism into proactive commitment to change.
Learn how to leverage "Poka-Yoke" (mistake-proofing methodology) by asking the "Five Whys" and drilling down to the core of issues.
Master the art of writing clear and concise problem statements that address root causes, bypassing superficial "Band-Aid" fixes.
Discover how solution specs can challenge you and your team to think outside the box, inspired by examples like the creation of the space shuttle and crisis turnarounds.
Break free from traditional A vs. B solution thinking by mastering creative brainstorming techniques to generate and combine diverse, innovative ideas.
Ensure successful solution implementation by using the FMEA tool to simplify risk assessment and proactively address potential challenges.
Speaker bio
John Murphy is the founder (1988) and CEO of Venture Management Consultants, Inc., a firm specializing in leadership development, operational excellence, high-performance teamwork, and transformational culture change.
As a business consultant, John has delivered services to some of the world’s leading organizations, including ADP, AlliedSignal (Honeywell), BMW, Chase, the CIA, GE, GM, GSK, Hilton, Lockheed Martin, Merck, the Michigan State Senate, Perrigo, Prudential, Raytheon, Spectrum Health, Target Stores, Teva, and the US Navy.
As an educator, John has trained thousands of people from over 50 countries, including Fortune 500 executives, project leaders, military leaders, managers, and black belts. He has also mentored dozens of project teams in Organizational Development, Operational Excellence, Business Process Innovation and Lean Six Sigma applications.
As a speaker, John has delivered keynotes and seminars throughout North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Among those he has shared the stage with are General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, Zig Ziglar, Denis Waitley, Rocky Bleier, and Anthony Robbins.
As a critically acclaimed authority on peak performance, transformational leadership and healthy mind-body-spirit, John has appeared on over 500 radio and television stations and his work has been featured in over 50 newspapers nationwide.
John is an award-winning author of 20 books and dozens of articles. His books include Sage Leadership, Agent of Change, Miracle Minded Manager, Zentrepreneur, Half-Full, The How of Wow, Pulling Together, Habits Die Hard, Stepping Up, Reinvent Yourself, Leading with Passion, and the 2010 Editor’s Choice (Allbooks Review) Best Inspirational Book of the year, Beyond Doubt: Four Steps to Inner Peace.
Among those endorsing John’s books are Dr. Ken Blanchard (co-author, The One-Minute Manager), Dr. Denis Waitley (author, The Psychology of Winning), Richard DeVos (co-founder, Amway Corporation), Peter Secchia (former Ambassador to Italy), General Ed Robertson (retired communications officer, Desert Storm), Dale Dauten (syndicated columnist) and Rocky Bleier (four-time Super Bowl champion).
Prior to consulting, John served as corporate director of human resources for Paulstra CRC, an international automotive division of Hutchinson SA in Paris, France. In this role, John led numerous Operational Excellence projects, resulting in multi-million-dollar improvements and significant culture change.
John is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame (BBA Finance) and the University of Michigan’s Human Resource Executive Program. He is also a former quarterback for Notre Dame.
