StretchLearn Course

Solve Any Problem — Not Just the Obvious Ones

Learn the frameworks behind elite problem solvers and apply them to your toughest workplace challenges.

Beginner9 hrSelf PacedRegistered

Course Overview

What this course is designed to develop

Most people treat problem solving as an innate talent — either you have it or you don't. In reality, the world's best problem solvers use systematic frameworks that can be learned and practised. This course walks you through three complementary methods: root-cause analysis (5 Whys, fishbone, fault trees), design thinking (empathize–define–ideate–prototype–test), and first-principles decomposition. You will apply each to realistic workplace scenarios, learn when to use which framework, and build habits that turn reactive firefighting into proactive, structured thinking.

Learning Outcomes

What the learner should be able to understand, build, or execute.

Apply the 5 Whys and fishbone diagram to identify root causes rather than symptoms

Frame problems precisely using a problem statement template before jumping to solutions

Generate and evaluate a wide solution space using structured ideation techniques

Select the best solution using a weighted decision matrix with explicit criteria

Build and test low-fidelity prototypes or pilots to validate solutions before full commitment

Conduct a structured after-action review to extract lessons and prevent recurrence

Curriculum Preview

Inside the curriculum: a structured path from fundamentals to execution.

Preview the course structure, see how the modules build on one another, and understand the path this program is designed to take you through.

Module 1

Module 1: Diagnosing the Real Problem

Most problems are misdiagnosed because we treat symptoms as root causes. This module teaches you to see beneath the surface using structured diagnostic tools.

3 lessons

Why We Solve the Wrong ProblemContent · 45 min

Preview Enabled

5 Whys: Drilling to Root CauseContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Fishbone Diagrams: Mapping Multi-Cause ProblemsContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Module 2

Module 2: Framing and Scoping the Challenge

A correctly framed problem is already half solved. This module teaches design thinking's empathise–define phases and the SCQA framework for airtight problem scoping.

3 lessons

Empathy as a Problem-Solving ToolContent · 45 min

LMS Access

The Define Phase: Writing a POV StatementContent · 45 min

LMS Access

First Principles: Breaking Problems Down to BasicsContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Module 3

Module 3: Generating and Selecting Solutions

With the problem correctly defined, this module teaches structured ideation techniques, a weighted decision matrix, and the pre-mortem method to choose the best path forward.

3 lessons

Structured Ideation: Beyond BrainstormingContent · 45 min

LMS Access

The Weighted Decision MatrixContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Pre-Mortem: Killing Bad Solutions Before They Kill YouContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Module 4

Module 4: Implementing, Learning, and Preventing Recurrence

Solutions only count when implemented and sustained. This module covers rapid prototyping, structured after-action reviews, and building problem-solving habits into daily work.

3 lessons

Rapid Prototyping and PilotsContent · 45 min

LMS Access

The After-Action ReviewContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Building a Problem-Solving PracticeContent · 45 min

LMS Access

Built for Application

A complete learning path, not a one-off inspiration hit.

This program is designed around progression: focused lessons, structured modules, applied resources, assessments, and a course rhythm that turns information into usable capability.

problem solvingroot cause analysisdesign thinkingfirst principlesdecision makingcritical thinking5 whysfishbone diagram