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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
Oct 22, 2025 to Nov 04, 2025
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 14, 2026 to Jan 27, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 28, 2026 to Feb 10, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 11, 2026 to Feb 24, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 25, 2026 to Mar 10, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 11, 2026 to Mar 24, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 25, 2026 to Apr 07, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 08, 2026 to Apr 21, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 22, 2026 to May 05, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 06, 2026 to May 19, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 20, 2026 to Jun 02, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 03, 2026 to Jun 16, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 17, 2026 to Jun 30, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 01, 2026 to Jul 14, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 15, 2026 to Jul 28, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 29, 2026 to Aug 11, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 12, 2026 to Aug 25, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 26, 2026 to Sep 08, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 09, 2026 to Sep 22, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 23, 2026 to Oct 06, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 07, 2026 to Oct 20, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 21, 2026 to Nov 03, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 04, 2026 to Nov 17, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 18, 2026 to Dec 01, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 02, 2026 to Dec 15, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 16, 2026 to Dec 29, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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 30, 2026 to Jan 12, 2027
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00
Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

This course includes two years 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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