Problem Solving Practitioner Training

PSP Course

Built in the Foundry • Tempered in the Fleet • Forged to Fight

This two-day in-person training course is designed to reinforce the Chief of Naval Operations’ Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy. Participants gain a practical understanding of Warfighting Advantage, Get Real, Get Better leadership behaviors, DMAIC methodology, and problem-solving techniques used to improve performance across Navy teams.

Enrollment Guide Course Materials View Calendar FAQ

Course Description

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

The course focuses on key areas that are crucial for enhancing the Navy’s warfighting capabilities and leadership effectiveness. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of Warfighting Advantage and Get Real, Get Better, along with the structured problem-solving tools needed to define, measure, analyze, improve, and control operational problems.

Training includes practical exercises that simulate real-world challenges and foster teamwork among leaders. Participants work through problem-solving scenarios that build confidence, reinforce analytical discipline, and strengthen the leader behaviors required to accelerate combat power from the pier to the Fleet.

Target Audience

Designed for leaders who solve operational problems.

PSP mentors leaders in the DMAIC toolsets needed to solve complex operational problems. The course supports leaders responsible for identifying friction points, embracing the red, and driving improvement with a structured and repeatable approach.

O4 - O5

Mid-grade officers leading teams, programs, and operational improvement efforts.

GS-13 / GS-14

Civilian leaders responsible for process improvement, planning, and execution support.

Chiefs E7 - E9

Senior enlisted leaders driving deckplate execution and sustained problem-solving discipline.

Leadership Teams

Command teams aligning ownership, accountability, and improvement behaviors.

Enrollment Resources

Enroll in the course and download materials.

Use the enrollment guide to register for PSP in My Navy eLearning and download the required student materials before instruction begins.

Enrollment

PSP NeL Enrollment Guide

A step-by-step instruction manual on how to locate, register, and enroll in the Problem Solving Practitioner course within the My Navy eLearning system.

Download Enrollment Guide

Course Material

PSP Course Materials

Download the official student workbooks, slide decks, and reference sheets required for participation in the two-day training evolution.

Download Course Materials

Required Prerequisite

Complete the Get Real, Get Better online course before enrolling.

Prospective PSP participants should complete the prerequisite Get Real, Get Better online course before attending PSP.

Waypoint

11-CNO-Get Real Get Better Online Course

Complete the prerequisite course through Waypoint. Ensure browser settings support JavaScript if you experience access issues.

Access via Waypoint

My Navy eLearning

Get Real Get Better Online Course

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

Access via NeL

Course Content

Training modules that build practical problem-solving skillsets.

GRGB Leadership Behavior

Introduction to the GRGB initiative and its significance.
Leadership’s role in driving continuous improvement.
Leadership behaviors that support GRGB.

DMAIC Overview

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

Defining and Scoping Your Problem

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

Breaking Down Your Problem

Methods for breaking down complex problems into manageable components.
Tools for analyzing components and identifying root causes.

Metrics

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

Root Cause Analysis

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

Implement and Control

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

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 Application

Hands-on application through realistic team scenarios.

Participants engage in practical exercises designed to simulate real-world situations. These exercises provide hands-on experience applying course concepts and tools while improving teamwork and leadership problem-solving capability.

Exercise Highlight

Real-World Problem Scenarios

Exercise Highlight

Team-Based Analysis

Exercise Highlight

Practical Use of DMAIC Tools

Exercise Highlight

Collaborative Solution Development

Learning Outcomes

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

Analyze how growth mindset, self-awareness, and psychological safety create a decisive problem-solving environment.
Describe the key attributes of high-performing leaders who drive a self-correcting Navy culture.
Define the purpose and strategic function of each phase within the DMAIC methodology.
Apply structured problem-solving tools accurately to execute a practice Rapid Improvement Project.
Collaborate effectively in leadership teams to identify friction points and achieve shared operational goals.
Utilize the Warfighting Advantage mindset to foster a safe, high-trust environment for continuous improvement.

Access note: Some course materials may require CAC or authorized access through MNP, My Navy eLearning, or Waypoint.