46 Innovation courses in Sheffield

Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving: In-House Training Two critical skillsets for the future of work are critical thinking and creative problem solving. These modes of working and thinking intersect and overlap; both are necessary and both can be taught. Having the ability to exercise creativity while at the same time applying structure and discipline to the thinking process is a key competency in the twenty-first century workplace. This course explores the interplay between critical and creative thinking, and the necessity of each to effective problem solving and decision making. Participants will learn a variety of techniques to apply critical thinking to real-life scenarios. They will experiment with different problem-solving approaches and will learn about cognitive influences on our decisions and choices. The course delves into the business value of creativity and involves participants in actively integrating criticality, creativity, and problem solving. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Explain basic concepts of problem solving Infer types of cognitive biases that impact decision making Utilize types of root cause analysis Differentiate among obstacles to sound decision making Apply a variety of problem-solving approaches / processes to existing challenges Evaluate alternative solution methods using various techniques Analyze real world problem scenarios to determine the lateral thinking type needed to address them Foundation Concepts Definitions Thinking modes and cognitive bias Basic problem-solving framework Problem Definition and Solution Generation Root cause analysis Basic problem-solving obstacles Generating alternative solutions Evaluating Alternatives Critical thinking guidelines Obstacles to sound decision making Tools for evaluating alternatives Exploring Lateral Thinking Problem-solving challenge Workplace application

This course will provide delegates involved in tackling the financial underpinning of corrupt behaviour with the knowledge, concepts and practices necessary to understand and mitigate illicit financial flows.

Course Duration: Full-day program (or two half-day modules), with options for virtual delivery or leadership retreats Target Audience: Mid to senior-level leaders, team managers, project leads, or high-potential employees who are responsible for leading through disruption, complexity, or organisational transformation. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the principles of adaptive leadership and why it's essential in unpredictable environments. Recognise the difference between technical and adaptive challenges. Build the mindset and behaviours needed to lead with resilience and flexibility. Engage and empower teams in the face of uncertainty and resistance. Apply practical tools to lead through change, conflict, and complexity. Course Outline Module 1: Understanding Adaptive Leadership What is adaptive leadership? Origins (Harvard Kennedy School, Ronald Heifetz model) How adaptive leadership differs from traditional leadership The link between complexity, uncertainty, and the need for adaptability Module 2: The Nature of Change and Challenge Technical vs adaptive challenges Why some problems can’t be solved with expertise alone Common leadership traps during crisis or disruption Adaptive work: reframing problems and shifting mindsets Module 3: The Core Principles of Adaptive Leadership Get on the balcony – seeing the bigger picture Regulate distress – maintaining productive tension Maintain disciplined attention – keeping teams focused Give the work back – empowering others to lead Protect voices of leadership from below – enabling diverse input Module 4: Leading Yourself Through Uncertainty Developing personal resilience and emotional agility Navigating ambiguity, setbacks, and pressure Identifying your leadership default style under stress Reflection: What kind of leader does your team need now? Module 5: Engaging Others in Times of Uncertainty Building trust and psychological safety during turbulence Managing resistance to change with curiosity and empathy Tools for courageous conversations and adaptive dialogue Creating shared purpose and distributed leadership in teams Module 6: Adaptive Tools and Techniques Scenario planning and sensemaking Stakeholder mapping in dynamic environments Using inquiry over advocacy Holding space for experimentation and learning Leading with both confidence and humility Module 7: Action Planning and Application Identify one adaptive challenge in your role/team Map your adaptive leadership response Peer coaching conversations Build a 30-day Adaptive Leadership Plan Delivery Style Workshop-style, highly interactive Case studies, breakout discussions, and guided self-reflection Scenario-based practice and small group exercises Option to include pre-work, post-session coaching or check-ins Course Materials Provided Adaptive Leadership workbook Reflection tools and leader self-assessment Conversation guide for adaptive challenges Change resistance diagnostic Personal Leadership Development Plan template Optional Add-ons Executive coaching package 360 feedback or team diagnostic on adaptive capacity Integration with change management or innovation programs Customisation for specific industries (e.g., public sector, healthcare, education, finance)

Course Duration: Full-day program (or two half-day modules), with options for virtual delivery or leadership retreats Target Audience: Mid to senior-level leaders, team managers, project leads, or high-potential employees who are responsible for leading through disruption, complexity, or organisational transformation. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the principles of adaptive leadership and why it's essential in unpredictable environments. Recognise the difference between technical and adaptive challenges. Build the mindset and behaviours needed to lead with resilience and flexibility. Engage and empower teams in the face of uncertainty and resistance. Apply practical tools to lead through change, conflict, and complexity. Course Outline Module 1: Understanding Adaptive Leadership What is adaptive leadership? Origins (Harvard Kennedy School, Ronald Heifetz model) How adaptive leadership differs from traditional leadership The link between complexity, uncertainty, and the need for adaptability Module 2: The Nature of Change and Challenge Technical vs adaptive challenges Why some problems can’t be solved with expertise alone Common leadership traps during crisis or disruption Adaptive work: reframing problems and shifting mindsets Module 3: The Core Principles of Adaptive Leadership Get on the balcony – seeing the bigger picture Regulate distress – maintaining productive tension Maintain disciplined attention – keeping teams focused Give the work back – empowering others to lead Protect voices of leadership from below – enabling diverse input Module 4: Leading Yourself Through Uncertainty Developing personal resilience and emotional agility Navigating ambiguity, setbacks, and pressure Identifying your leadership default style under stress Reflection: What kind of leader does your team need now? Module 5: Engaging Others in Times of Uncertainty Building trust and psychological safety during turbulence Managing resistance to change with curiosity and empathy Tools for courageous conversations and adaptive dialogue Creating shared purpose and distributed leadership in teams Module 6: Adaptive Tools and Techniques Scenario planning and sensemaking Stakeholder mapping in dynamic environments Using inquiry over advocacy Holding space for experimentation and learning Leading with both confidence and humility Module 7: Action Planning and Application Identify one adaptive challenge in your role/team Map your adaptive leadership response Peer coaching conversations Build a 30-day Adaptive Leadership Plan Delivery Style Workshop-style, highly interactive Case studies, breakout discussions, and guided self-reflection Scenario-based practice and small group exercises Option to include pre-work, post-session coaching or check-ins Course Materials Provided Adaptive Leadership workbook Reflection tools and leader self-assessment Conversation guide for adaptive challenges Change resistance diagnostic Personal Leadership Development Plan template Optional Add-ons Executive coaching package 360 feedback or team diagnostic on adaptive capacity Integration with change management or innovation programs Customisation for specific industries (e.g., public sector, healthcare, education, finance)

Course Duration: Half-day or full-day (can also be delivered as a 3-part virtual workshop series) Target Audience: Professionals in non-technical roles (e.g. executive assistants, HR, marketing, project managers, operations staff, trainers, and admin support) who want to use generative AI to enhance their work—without needing coding skills. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand what generative AI is and how it works in plain language. Identify use cases relevant to their role or industry. Use popular generative AI tools (like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot) confidently. Write effective prompts to get better, more relevant results. Apply AI ethically and responsibly in the workplace. Course Outline Module 1: Demystifying Generative AI What is generative AI? (Plain language explanation) How AI models like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini work Examples of what generative AI can (and can’t) do Myths, risks, and benefits of AI in non-tech roles Module 2: Everyday Use Cases for Professionals Time-saving applications: Drafting emails, reports, meeting summaries Creating checklists, plans, or SOPs Enhancing creativity: Brainstorming ideas for events, campaigns, or training Writing social media posts, newsletters, or job ads Organising information: Summarising documents Structuring spreadsheets or creating templates Supporting communication: Improving tone and clarity Translating or simplifying content Module 3: Prompting Essentials What is a “prompt” and why does it matter? How to write clear, specific, and effective prompts Prompting frameworks (e.g., “Role–Task–Goal” method) Live practice: transforming a vague prompt into a powerful one Troubleshooting: when AI gives poor answers and how to improve them Module 4: Hands-On Exploration Try-it-yourself exercises using ChatGPT or Gemini (guided) Real workplace examples and team challenges Create an AI-generated email, checklist, or idea list Optional: use industry-specific examples (e.g., HR, admin, events, comms) Module 5: Responsible AI Use at Work Understanding AI limitations and biases Protecting privacy and sensitive data When not to use AI Workplace policies and guidelines (customisable for your organisation) Ethical use: attribution, transparency, and human review Module 6: Getting Started in Your Role Tools overview: free vs paid options (ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini) Building your own AI toolkit Tips for staying up to date as tools evolve 30-day challenge: how to build AI into your daily workflow Delivery Style Highly interactive, practical, and low-jargon No coding or tech background required Hands-on demos, guided practice, and scenario-based activities Group discussion and peer learning Course Materials Provided Quick-start guide: Top 10 prompts for non-tech roles AI Prompt Library for your job type Do’s and Don’ts for ethical use of AI at work “AI in Action” workbook with examples and checklists Personal AI Action Plan Optional Add-ons Team-based AI hackathon (mini workplace challenge) Tailored follow-up webinar for Q&A and deeper use cases Co-branded playbook for organisational AI use Integration with digital transformation or innovation initiatives

Course Duration: Half-day or full-day (can also be delivered as a 3-part virtual workshop series) Target Audience: Professionals in non-technical roles (e.g. executive assistants, HR, marketing, project managers, operations staff, trainers, and admin support) who want to use generative AI to enhance their work—without needing coding skills. Course Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand what generative AI is and how it works in plain language. Identify use cases relevant to their role or industry. Use popular generative AI tools (like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot) confidently. Write effective prompts to get better, more relevant results. Apply AI ethically and responsibly in the workplace. Course Outline Module 1: Demystifying Generative AI What is generative AI? (Plain language explanation) How AI models like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini work Examples of what generative AI can (and can’t) do Myths, risks, and benefits of AI in non-tech roles Module 2: Everyday Use Cases for Professionals Time-saving applications: Drafting emails, reports, meeting summaries Creating checklists, plans, or SOPs Enhancing creativity: Brainstorming ideas for events, campaigns, or training Writing social media posts, newsletters, or job ads Organising information: Summarising documents Structuring spreadsheets or creating templates Supporting communication: Improving tone and clarity Translating or simplifying content Module 3: Prompting Essentials What is a “prompt” and why does it matter? How to write clear, specific, and effective prompts Prompting frameworks (e.g., “Role–Task–Goal” method) Live practice: transforming a vague prompt into a powerful one Troubleshooting: when AI gives poor answers and how to improve them Module 4: Hands-On Exploration Try-it-yourself exercises using ChatGPT or Gemini (guided) Real workplace examples and team challenges Create an AI-generated email, checklist, or idea list Optional: use industry-specific examples (e.g., HR, admin, events, comms) Module 5: Responsible AI Use at Work Understanding AI limitations and biases Protecting privacy and sensitive data When not to use AI Workplace policies and guidelines (customisable for your organisation) Ethical use: attribution, transparency, and human review Module 6: Getting Started in Your Role Tools overview: free vs paid options (ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini) Building your own AI toolkit Tips for staying up to date as tools evolve 30-day challenge: how to build AI into your daily workflow Delivery Style Highly interactive, practical, and low-jargon No coding or tech background required Hands-on demos, guided practice, and scenario-based activities Group discussion and peer learning Course Materials Provided Quick-start guide: Top 10 prompts for non-tech roles AI Prompt Library for your job type Do’s and Don’ts for ethical use of AI at work “AI in Action” workbook with examples and checklists Personal AI Action Plan Optional Add-ons Team-based AI hackathon (mini workplace challenge) Tailored follow-up webinar for Q&A and deeper use cases Co-branded playbook for organisational AI use Integration with digital transformation or innovation initiatives