Critical thinking and problem solving as a key priority in the Queensland Public Sector
- Review the current context and landscape for problem-solving
- Why problem-solving has been identified as a top skilling priority across all levels
- How critical thinking provides the necessary lens to frame problems rationally and produce evidence-based solutions
- How problem-solving ability could drive your career advancement in 2022 and beyond
Unpacking critical thinking techniques
- The cognitive principles, tools and strategies essential to critical thinking
- Reviewing critical thinking tools and taking stock of our own limitations and strengths
- How to think like a scientist - Learning how to objectively collect and evaluate evidence
- Whole-brain thinking; exploring creative thinking for generating new ideas and links, acting on intuition, imagining possibilities and connecting ideas through considering alternatives
- Understanding the barriers to sense-making and thinking rationally
Problem-solving methods and key tools
- Reviewing common types of problems
- Exploring linear/non-linear and logic-based approaches to problem-solving
- Root cause analysis - getting to the heart of the problem
- Mapping known and considering unknown variables
- How to select the right method and apply specific tools to solve a problem
- Explore how Systems Thinking is applied to provide clarity around root causes, interdependencies, possible constraints and outcomes
- Creating a process map or mind map to provide clarity around the problem
- Creative problem-solving techniques and activities: Abstract questioning, brainstorming, role switching, visualisation, ideation and process re-mapping
Working with others on problem-solving
- Facilitating a shared understanding of issues and problems
- Learn to prepare and present powerful evidence-based arguments and solutions
- Resolving conflict and challenges in group problem solving