Clarity Under Pressure: Diagnosing the Right Problem

Leaders are often expected to move quickly, but speed can come at the expense of clarity. In complex organizational environments, the greatest risk is not simply failing to solve a problem—it is solving the wrong one.

This course helps leaders strengthen their ability to diagnose, evaluate, and address complex challenges with greater discipline and insight. Participants will learn how assumptions, bias, and incomplete information can distort problem definition—and how structured thinking can uncover the deeper issues that matter most.

What You Will Learn

• How to define and diagnose complex organizational problems before moving to solutions
• The role of assumptions, bias, and incomplete information in problem framing
• A structured process for analyzing complex issues step by step
• How analytical and creative thinking contribute to stronger diagnosis and innovation
• Approaches to uncovering root causes in high-stakes situations

Key Benefits

Participants will:

• Identify and articulate complex organizational problems more clearly
• Improve decision quality by clarifying the real problem before acting
• Develop structured thinking habits that support better judgment under pressure
• Recognize and reduce the impact of cognitive bias in problem-solving
• Guide teams toward more effective and sustainable solutions
• You will leave with a practical framework for diagnosing complex challenges, testing assumptions, and ensuring you are solving the right problem before committing to action.

Who Should Attend

• Leaders responsible for solving complex business challenges
• Managers operating in fast-moving or high-stakes environments
• Professionals seeking to improve decision quality and structured thinking
• Individuals responsible for diagnosing problems across teams or functions

Instructor
Markus Baer

Professor of Organizational Behavior, & Vice Dean of Degree and Non Degree Executive Education

WashU Olin Business School

Location & Modality
In-Person, Charles F. Knight Center on WashU's Danforth Campus


For more information, contact:

Email Registrar: execed@wustl.edu

Phone: 314.935.9494

Register