What the Training Is Like
The training is an exciting and fun, two-day (back-to-back preferred), hands on experience for up to seven (but not less than three) participants.
It is effectively an on-the-job-training experience, which is the only way it can be learned; sort of like learning how to ride a bike. We are not talking about cognitive learning here - there are no lectures given or books to be read.
In the training, the Test Tubes of Paper^® method for problem analysis and decision making is applied to actual matters currently impacting the company. Solutions to reality based issues afford valuable gain.
Pre-existing impediments to proper group form functioning are identified without offense and effectively removed during the two day workshop. The trained group itself thereafter functions as its own watchdog.

"Tempora Mutantur, Nos Et Mutamur In Illis" [L]:
The times are changing, and we are changing with them.
As to the current economic circumstances, the first part of the above expression certainly is true. But what about that second part?

Brainstorming
Training in realistic and proven effectual brainstorming methodology is included in the two day workshop. That is so for a number of reasons.
One of the common errors in problem solving and related decision making is referred as the flaw of Socratic Analysis. Brainstorming – that is when one has learned the right way to brainstorm - helps to overcome that flaw.
As a result of auditors being given greater responsibilities in the area of fraud detection, one of their newer obligations is to use brainstorming. Hal published an article for CPAs on brainstorming that you may find informative.

Is the Training Psychologically Based?
The answer is, no. Although various issues at play during group form decision making sessions well may be psychologically based, I do not believe that psychology-based training approaches produce prompt business results at as great a level as does Test Tubes of Paper^®.

Team Selection
Services provided by the trainer include advice on the selection of who shall be included as training participants. The decision is primarily based upon the intended goals of the group or groups to be trained.

What’s With the Paper?
Paper, as in organized flip charts, lists and block diagrams - lots of them - are used in accordance with a format that expands in conjunction with the problem analysis and resolution process. Instead of merely thinking or believing that a point is covered, the participants can actually see whether or not it is.

One might ask, "Why not use a computer program instead of physical sheets of paper taped to the wall of the conference room?" It would reduce the level of the attendees’ active participation, attention and focus.

When Should the New Tool Be Used?
The workshop training program includes how to identify into which of the key decision making categories a particular problem fits, and the associated response level. Certain response levels include the use of a Test Tubes of Paper^® work session, others do not.

Metrics
A company’s capacity to enhance its problem solving, decision making and planning results can be impeded by undue reliance upon the expanding field commonly referred to as Metrics.
Major decisions generally require appropriate multi-departmental input. When properly obtained and evaluated, such interaction offers more accurate direction regarding the need and usage of metrics than that which may occur when metrics are independently controlled within an organization.
Thus the value of metrics can be enhanced by inclusion of a representative of that department among the participants of a group taking the Test Tubes of Paper^® training.