Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Topic:  "Maximizing Intuition in Problem Solving"

Speaker: John Navarro

link to register:

Location: Biltmore Hotel (2151 Laurelwood Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95054)

Meeting agenda:

• 5:00 - 5:30 - Check In & Registration
• 5:30 - 6:00 - Pre-dinner workshop
• 6:00 - 6:45 - Dinner
• 6:45 - 7:00 - Section Business Doug Chapman, Section Chair
• 7:00 - 8:25 - John Navarro - "Maximizing Intuition in Problem Solving"
• 8:25 - 8:30 - Door Prize drawing, Derek Purdy, Membership Chair

Dinner $35; Walk-in $40; Unemployed $20; Presentation only and special guests $0

(registration changes from advance to walk-in at 1AM, Tuesday 2/14)

The ASQ Silicon Valley Leadership Team hopes to see you all at our dinner meeting!

Abstract: You know that you know…but how do you explain that you know? We all have had gut responses that we wish we had acted upon. For example, the experienced fire captain who “knew” he immediately had to evacuate his crew even though there was no indication that the floor would collapse below them.

Like firefighters, we have many instruments, protocols, and processes to analyze and problem solve. Depending on the complexity of the issue, we may deploy many of the tools found in Six Sigma, Lean or other formal processes. But where does intuition fit into the equation? How can we maximize the use of intuition in our problem solving process? How can we take this visceral knowledge, and include it in analysis in order to maximize results?

In the pre-dinner workshop, we will explore through case study why and where intuition could be used to solve some critical problems requiring quick decisive action. Together we will discuss the common attributes to each situation and how we can develop, communicate and apply intuitive skill in creating solutions.

The dinner presentation we will explore how and when intuition is useful in the problem solving process. Together, we will review and explore:

•             A Simple Problem Solving Model

•             How Intuition is Developed

•             Defining Intuitive Knowledge

•             Red Flags of Intuition

•             Steps for Communicating our Intuitions

•             Bringing Together Intuition and Analysis

About the Presenter:

John Navarro is a seasoned professional with expertise in leading and coaching organizations to implement effective quality management systems. John has supported many improvement initiatives for well known companies including GE, Samsung, and Siemens. At Western Digital, John led the quality organization for a $250m division including supplier, process, reliability, customer qualifications and audits. His customers include a wide range of products and services from technology to food service.

John has presented at many workshops and his article “Exceeding Expectations” was the recipient of the NISH National Achievement Award published in the August 2008 issue of Quality Digest Magazine.