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Course Description

Have you ever known a very intelligent person who made a very bad decision? If so, you know that having a high IQ does not guarantee that you automatically make critically thoughtful decisions. Critically thoughtful problem-solving is a discipline and a skill—one that allows you to make decisions that are the product of careful thought, and the results of those decisions help your team and organization thrive.

In this course you will practice a disciplined, systematic approach to problem solving that helps ensure that your analysis of a problem is comprehensive, is based on quality, credible evidence, and takes full and fair account of the most probable counterarguments and risks. The result of this technique is a thoroughly defensible assessment of what the problem is, what is causing it, and the most effective plan of action to address it. Finally, you will identify and frame a problem by assessing its context and develop a well-reasoned and implementable solution that addresses the underlying causes.

Faculty Author

Risa Mish

Benefits to the Learner

  • Assess the context of the problem
  • Determine the current and desired states and confirm this with decision makers
  • Identify and articulate the questions that must be answered to bridge the gap between current state and desired future state
  • Determine root causes and distinguish symptoms from problems
  • Brainstorm a range of possible solutions to address each significant underlying cause
  • Assess each option for the extent to which it bridges the gap between current and future state, whether it is implementable, and if it is ethical

Target Audience

  • Leaders in any industry with 2-10+ years experience
  • Mid-level professionals looking to improve and expand their influence and move into leadership roles
  • Managers who make or request investments in resources, improvements in processes, or changes in priorities
  • VP or C-level executives interested in continuing to grow as leaders
  • Consultants or analysts who make recommendations
  • Engineers and designers leading projects
  • Anyone whose work involves devising, proposing, and defending evidence-based solutions to problems

Accrediting Associations

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in
Type
2 week
Dates
Nov 06, 2024 to Nov 19, 2024
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Nov 20, 2024 to Dec 03, 2024
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Dec 04, 2024 to Dec 17, 2024
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Dec 18, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Jan 01, 2025 to Jan 14, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Jan 01, 2025 to Jan 14, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Jan 15, 2025 to Jan 28, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Jan 15, 2025 to Jan 28, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Jan 29, 2025 to Feb 11, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Feb 12, 2025 to Feb 25, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Feb 26, 2025 to Mar 11, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Mar 12, 2025 to Mar 25, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Mar 26, 2025 to Apr 08, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Apr 09, 2025 to Apr 22, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Apr 23, 2025 to May 06, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
May 07, 2025 to May 20, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
May 21, 2025 to Jun 03, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Jun 04, 2025 to Jun 17, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Jun 18, 2025 to Jul 01, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Jul 02, 2025 to Jul 15, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Jul 16, 2025 to Jul 29, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Jul 30, 2025 to Aug 12, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Aug 13, 2025 to Aug 26, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Aug 27, 2025 to Sep 09, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Sep 10, 2025 to Sep 23, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Sep 24, 2025 to Oct 07, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Oct 08, 2025 to Oct 21, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Oct 22, 2025 to Nov 04, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Nov 05, 2025 to Nov 18, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Nov 19, 2025 to Dec 02, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Dec 03, 2025 to Dec 16, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Dec 17, 2025 to Dec 30, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Dec 31, 2025 to Jan 13, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Contract Fee $0.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes a year of free access to Symposium! These events feature various live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing leadership topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

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