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Problem Solving Practitioner Training

PSP Course

A two-day training course focused on strengthening problem-solving, leadership effectiveness, and continuous improvement in alignment with the CNO’s Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy 2024.

Course Description

Build stronger leaders, better problem-solvers, and more capable teams.

This two-day training course is designed to reinforce the Chief of Naval Operations’ Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy 2024. The course focuses on key areas that are crucial for enhancing the Navy’s warfighting capabilities and leadership effectiveness. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of Get Real, Get Better (GRGB), leadership behaviors, Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) methodology, and various problem-solving techniques. Training includes practical exercises to simulate real-world challenges and foster teamwork among leaders.

Required Prerequisites

Complete the Get Real Get Better Online Course before enrolling.

All prospective Problem Solving Practitioner participants must complete the prerequisite course prior to PSP enrollment.

Waypoint

Course Name: 11-CNO-Get Real Get Better Online Course

Complete the prerequisite course through Waypoint. You may encounter access issues if JavaScript is disabled or unsupported. Please ensure your browser settings are correct.

Access via Waypoint

My Navy eLearning (NeL)

Course Title: Get Real Get Better Online Course

The prerequisite course is also available through My Navy eLearning. Use the course title above when searching the NeL catalog.
 

Access via NeL
Important Reminder: For best results, use Google Chrome when accessing the course. Other browsers may not support all features or search functions effectively.

Target Audience

Designed for leaders who solve operational problems.

The Problem Solving Practitioner course is designed to teach and mentor O4–O5s, GS13/14s, and all Chiefs in the skillsets and toolsets of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) that enable the GRGB mindset.

  • O4–O5
  • GS13/14
  • Chiefs
  • Leadership Teams

Key Areas of Concentration

Focused instruction in practical problem-solving and team leadership.

Participants will explore the leadership behaviors, analytical tools, and improvement methods needed to define problems, identify root causes, implement solutions, and sustain results.

01

Get Real, Get Better Leadership Behavior

  • Introduction to the GRGB initiative and its significance.
  • Understanding leadership’s role in driving continuous improvement.
  • Developing effective leadership behaviors to support GRGB.
02

DMAIC Overview

  • Introduction to Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.
  • Applying DMAIC to identify and resolve issues within Navy operations.
03

Defining and Scoping Your Problem

  • Techniques for accurately defining problems.
  • Scoping the problem to ensure a focused and effective resolution.
04

Breaking Down Your Problem

  • Methods for breaking down complex problems into manageable components.
  • Tools for analyzing each component to identify root causes.
05

Metrics

  • Understanding the importance of metrics in measuring performance and success.
  • Defining and implementing key performance indicators for continuous improvement.
06

Root Cause Analysis

  • Techniques for identifying root causes of problems.
  • Tools such as the 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, and Pareto Analysis.
07

Implement and Control

  • Strategies for implementing solutions effectively.
  • Control mechanisms to sustain improvement and prevent recurrence.
08

Leaders Working as a Single Team

  • Understanding the importance of teamwork and collaboration among leaders.
  • Techniques for fostering a cohesive environment focused on common goals.

Practical Exercises

Hands-on application through realistic team scenarios.

Throughout the training, participants will engage in practical exercises designed to simulate real-world situations. These exercises provide hands-on experience applying the concepts and tools learned during the course. Participants will work in teams to address hypothetical challenges, enhancing both problem-solving skills and teamwork capabilities.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand and apply the GRGB initiative and leadership behaviors.
  • Utilize the DMAIC methodology for continuous improvement.
  • Effectively define, scope, and break down problems.
  • Implement metrics to measure performance and success.
  • Conduct root cause analysis to identify and address underlying issues.
  • Implement and control solutions to ensure sustained improvement.
  • Work collaboratively as a team to achieve common goals.

Conclusion

Prepare to lead teams through complex challenges.

This two-day training course is essential for professionals seeking to enhance their skills in alignment with the CNO’s Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy 2024. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, participants will be equipped to address the challenges of modern naval warfare and lead their teams to success.

Senior-Level GRGB Familiarization

FELIX Course

A senior-level, in-person course focused on Get Real, Get Better behaviors, techniques, examples, and hands-on application for accountable Navy leaders.

Type of Training

Familiarization with Get Real, Get Better at the senior level.

The course focuses on GRGB behaviors, techniques, and examples for senior leaders.

Familiarization with Get Real, Get Better at the senior level — behaviors, techniques, and examples.

FELIX is held in person only. Class size is typically limited to 24 and usually consists of 10 FO, 10 SES, and 4 CMC. Additional seats are available for command-level process improvement professionals.

01

Senior-Level Focus

Designed around senior leader application of Get Real, Get Better behaviors and techniques.

02

In-Person Experience

Conducted in the classroom to support engagement, discussion, and practical application.

03

Targeted Class Mix

Typical class composition includes FO, SES, CMC, and process improvement professionals.

Purpose

Get Real, Get Better

To remain the world’s strongest Navy, we must have consistently strong performance. Yet, the gap between our best and our lowest performers is too great. The Navy has teams with great culture and great performance, but we also see examples of teams with poor culture and weak performance. We must reduce variability; identify and correct small problems before they grow into larger, systemic issues; and envision and deploy innovative approaches that accelerate our warfighting advantage.

Get Real, Get Better is a call to action for every Navy leader to apply a set of Navy-proven leadership and problem-solving best practices that empower our people to achieve exceptional performance.

Get Real, Get Better is the formula consistently used by our best performers across Navy communities, informed by multiple years of Navy learning in enterprise improvement and deckplate best practices.

Get Real

Requires Navy leaders to self-assess; be honest, humble, and transparent about actual capabilities and limitations; challenge beliefs using data, facts, and diverse input; and “embrace the red” by being curious and taking pride in finding and fixing problems.

Get Better

Requires Navy leaders to self-correct; find and fix small problems before they become larger, systemic issues; fix root causes, not just symptoms; apply Navy problem-solving tools; set clear accountability; work collaboratively; and quickly fix or elevate barriers to progress.

Learning Mindset

Requires leaders to share what they learn, build trust, recognize those who adopt GRGB principles, aim high, experiment frequently, and adjust plans based on learning.

This effort starts with you.

This is an all-hands effort that starts with the individual and expands to the performance of the unit, command, and entire Navy organization.

This approach empowers our people to find and fix problems and innovate at their level, from the deckplate to senior leaders, instead of burdening them with extra requirements, policies, or bureaucracy. We must simplify, streamline, and align guidance, requirements, activities, and processes so intent, standards, and focus are clear. We must make our systems and processes work for our people, not vice versa, so our people can do their best work.

We are applying Get Real, Get Better in a variety of areas: to the CNO’s Campaign Plan lines of effort to improve strategic outcomes in Foundry, Forge, and Fleet, underpinned by Sailors; to improving safety in maintenance and operations; to solving Fleet priorities such as manning shortfalls and accurate and timely Sailor pay; and to daily work at all Echelons with teams big and small.

Every one of us can improve, and competition demands we strive to do so every day. This course provides an overview of the culture and problem-solving principles, tools, and best practices from proven practitioners on how to implement Get Real, Get Better. It uses a hands-on learning approach with problems brought by participants for which they are an accountable supported or supporting commander to work on during the application exercise portions of the class. An MS Teams channel will include material from the course for use after the week concludes.

Attendance Expectations

When you commit to FELIX, you commit to being present.

FELIX is held in person only. Cell phones and laptops are highly discouraged in the classroom. Participants are expected to be present for all elements of the course on all three days.

Frequency

FELIX Course Schedule

The course offerings listed below include location, start date, and end date.

Course Course Location Course Start Date Course End Date
FELIX 29 December 2025 Arlington, VA 12-8-2025 12-10-2025
FELIX 30 January 2026 San Diego, CA 1-28-2026 1-30-2026
FELIX 31 March 2026 Pearl Harbor, HI 3-31-2026 4-2-2026
FELIX 32 March 2026 Arlington, VA 3-16-2026 3-18-2026
FELIX 33 April 2026 Pax River, MD 4-7-2026 4-9-2026
FELIX 34 April 2026 Arlington, VA 4-15-2026 4-17-2026
FELIX 35 May 2026 Norfolk, VA 5-5-2026 5-7-2026
FELIX 36 June 2026 Great Lakes, IL 6-1-2026 6-3-2026
FELIX 37 August 2026 Arlington, VA 8-17-2026 8-19-2026

How to Enroll

Enrollment instructions by participant category.

To enroll in an upcoming course, follow the instructions below based on your category.

Category Instructions Contact
FLAG Officers Contact the FLAG Matters representative. CDR Amanda Dzananovic
amanda.l.dzananovic.mil@us.navy.mil
E-9s Contact MCPO. MCPO Matthew P. Logsdon
matthew.p.logsdon.mil@us.navy.mil
Senior Executive Service (SES)
  1. Use the Self-Enrollment Portal: Click here to enroll
  2. Contact LT Aaron B. Lee for assistance.
 LT Aaron B. Lee
aaron.b.lee10.mil@us.navy.mil
All Others
O-6 & below, Non-SES Civilians, E-8 & below		 Contact your community lead for nomination. Contact your community lead for nomination.
Need help? If you have additional questions, please reach out to the appropriate contact listed above.

Train the Trainer Course

T-3 Overview

A five-day course designed to qualify personnel to run the two-day Problem-Solving Practitioner Course through advanced GRGB instruction, PSP curriculum coverage, facilitation practice, and course execution planning.

Overview

Prepare to deliver the Problem-Solving Practitioner Course.

This course is designed for personnel who will become qualified to run a two-day Problem-Solving Practitioner Course. The course is five days in length and provides advanced learning of GRGB concepts, in-depth coverage of the PSP curriculum and agenda, facilitation skills, methods for modifying instruction for different audiences, and detailed course logistics and execution of PSP.

01

Deepen Course Knowledge

Review GRGB concepts and gain in-depth familiarity with the PSP curriculum, agenda, and instructional flow.

02

Build Facilitation Skill

Practice facilitation techniques and learn how to adjust course delivery for the needs of the audience.

03

Execute PSP Training

Understand the logistics, preparation requirements, and execution details needed to conduct PSP effectively.

Required Prerequisites

Participants must complete PSP before attending T-3.

To be eligible to attend the Train the Trainer course, participants must have completed the following prerequisite.

Required Course Completion

Problem Solving Practitioner Course

Target Audience

Designed for improvement offices and teaching commands.

Fleet, Force, and SYSCOM Improvement Offices

Members supporting improvement efforts across Fleet, Force, and Systems Command organizations.

Instructing and Teaching Commands

Personnel from commands such as NETC, NETC schools, Warfare Development Centers, and similar training organizations.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand and apply the GRGB initiative and leadership behaviors.
  • Utilize the DMAIC methodology for continuous improvement.
  • Effectively define, scope, and break down problems.
  • Implement metrics to measure performance and success.
  • Conduct root cause analysis to identify and address underlying issues.
  • Implement and control solutions to ensure sustained improvement.
  • Work collaboratively as a team to achieve common goals.

Special Instructions

Trainer Certification requires a mandatory Teach-Back PSP Course.

Upon completing the Train the Trainer course, all individuals will be required to attend a mandatory Teach-Back PSP Course to receive their Trainer Certification for Problem Solving Practitioner.

Following the T-3 course, specific details for a scheduled PSP teaching session will be provided by the OWA’s course manager. Participation in this scheduled teach-back session is mandatory to finalize Trainer Certification for PSP.

Certification Reminder: Completion of T-3 alone does not finalize PSP Trainer Certification. The mandatory teach-back session must also be completed.

Problem Solving Practitioner Training

PSP Course

A two-day training course focused on strengthening problem-solving, leadership effectiveness, and continuous improvement in alignment with the CNO’s Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy 2024.

Course Description

Build stronger leaders, better problem-solvers, and more capable teams.

This two-day training course is designed to reinforce the Chief of Naval Operations’ Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy 2024. The course focuses on key areas that are crucial for enhancing the Navy’s warfighting capabilities and leadership effectiveness. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of Get Real, Get Better (GRGB), leadership behaviors, Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) methodology, and various problem-solving techniques. Training includes practical exercises to simulate real-world challenges and foster teamwork among leaders.

Required Prerequisites

Complete the Get Real Get Better Online Course before enrolling.

All prospective Problem Solving Practitioner participants must complete the prerequisite course prior to PSP enrollment.

Waypoint

Course Name: 11-CNO-Get Real Get Better Online Course

Complete the prerequisite course through Waypoint. You may encounter access issues if JavaScript is disabled or unsupported. Please ensure your browser settings are correct.

Access via Waypoint

My Navy eLearning (NeL)

Course Title: Get Real Get Better Online Course

The prerequisite course is also available through My Navy eLearning. Use the course title above when searching the NeL catalog.

Access via NeL
Important Reminder: For best results, use Google Chrome when accessing the course. Other browsers may not support all features or search functions effectively.

Target Audience

Designed for leaders who solve operational problems.

The Problem Solving Practitioner course is designed to teach and mentor O4–O5s, GS13/14s, and all Chiefs in the skillsets and toolsets of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) that enable the GRGB mindset.

  • O4–O5
  • GS13/14
  • Chiefs
  • Leadership Teams

Key Areas of Concentration

Focused instruction in practical problem-solving and team leadership.

Participants will explore the leadership behaviors, analytical tools, and improvement methods needed to define problems, identify root causes, implement solutions, and sustain results.

01

Get Real, Get Better Leadership Behavior

  • Introduction to the GRGB initiative and its significance.
  • Understanding leadership’s role in driving continuous improvement.
  • Developing effective leadership behaviors to support GRGB.
02

DMAIC Overview

  • Introduction to Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.
  • Applying DMAIC to identify and resolve issues within Navy operations.
03

Defining and Scoping Your Problem

  • Techniques for accurately defining problems.
  • Scoping the problem to ensure a focused and effective resolution.
04

Breaking Down Your Problem

  • Methods for breaking down complex problems into manageable components.
  • Tools for analyzing each component to identify root causes.
05

Metrics

  • Understanding the importance of metrics in measuring performance and success.
  • Defining and implementing key performance indicators for continuous improvement.
06

Root Cause Analysis

  • Techniques for identifying root causes of problems.
  • Tools such as the 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, and Pareto Analysis.
07

Implement and Control

  • Strategies for implementing solutions effectively.
  • Control mechanisms to sustain improvement and prevent recurrence.
08

Leaders Working as a Single Team

  • Understanding the importance of teamwork and collaboration among leaders.
  • Techniques for fostering a cohesive environment focused on common goals.

Practical Exercises

Hands-on application through realistic team scenarios.

Throughout the training, participants will engage in practical exercises designed to simulate real-world situations. These exercises provide hands-on experience applying the concepts and tools learned during the course. Participants will work in teams to address hypothetical challenges, enhancing both problem-solving skills and teamwork capabilities.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand and apply the GRGB initiative and leadership behaviors.
  • Utilize the DMAIC methodology for continuous improvement.
  • Effectively define, scope, and break down problems.
  • Implement metrics to measure performance and success.
  • Conduct root cause analysis to identify and address underlying issues.
  • Implement and control solutions to ensure sustained improvement.
  • Work collaboratively as a team to achieve common goals.

Conclusion

Prepare to lead teams through complex challenges.

This two-day training course is essential for professionals seeking to enhance their skills in alignment with the CNO’s Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy 2024. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, participants will be equipped to address the challenges of modern naval warfare and lead their teams to success.

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