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Problem Solving Practitioner Training

PSP Course

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

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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. 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 Warfighting Advantage (Get Real, Get Better), 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.

Target Audience

Designed for leaders who solve operational problems.

This course mentors O4–O5s, GS13/14s, and all Chiefs in the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) toolsets needed to solve complex operational problems. By mastering this analytical rigor, leaders operationalize the Warfighting Advantage—the evolution of the GRGB mindset. This training provides the structured approach necessary to 'embrace the red,' identify systemic friction points, and accelerate combat power from the pier to the Fleet.

  • O4–O5
  • GS13/14
  • Chiefs E7/E9
  • Leadership Teams

Enroll in the course and download materials.

Use the NeL Enrollment guide to register for the course and download your required student materials before instruction begins.

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

PSP Course Material

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

Download Course Materials
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.

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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.
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.

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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:

  • 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 (RIP)
  • 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.
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