Critical Thinking, Problem Solving & Decision Making Training

Anyone who is required to problem solve on the job or make important project, department or organizational decisions or recommendations.

• Define critical thinking and identify your critical thinking styles
• Work through the critical thinking process to build, analyze and evaluate varying viewpoints
• Improve key critical thinking skills, including active listening and questioning
• Analyze context and information to clearly understand and identify a problem
• Apply problem solving steps and tools
• Identify appropriate solutions using specific approaches
• Select the best technique for making decisions
• Avoid common decision-making mistakes

Introduction

Maximizing the power of your brain

• Critical thinking and problem-solving: the key to effective decision making
• The Iceberg Principle and the Understanding-Resolution Ratio

Critical Thinking

• Definition of a Critical Thinker
• Critical thinking behaviours: active listening, probing, Empty Your Bucket
• Identify and evaluate issues and viewpoints
• The 3 Cs: context, credibility and consistency
• Critical thinking worksheet – practice it!

Problem-Solving

• The problem-solving process – various models
• Obstacles and counterproductive approaches
• Problem-solving techniques for groups and individuals
• Applying a problem-solving model to a workplace scenario

Decision-Making

• Individual and collective decision making traps
• How to choose: criteria, goals and vision-based decision-making
• Individual and group decision-making tools and techniques
• Decision-making – practical application to a workplace scenario