APS 5-6 Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
18th - 19th, March 2025 / Canberra, AU
OVERVIEW
• Unpack critical thinking to address everyday problems
• Apply structured systems thinking approach for problem analysis and solution design
• Use creative and lateral thinking for complex problem solving
• Overcome common roadblocks to critical thinking and problem solving
TRAINER
Liz Stephens
Liz is an experienced coach and trainer, with an extensive career in the public service. Following her successful Command tenure at the 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Liz established Ripple Impact, drawing on her experiences to help others be their best selves. In her ‘day job’, Lieutenant Colonel Stephens is a facilitator, coach, and mentor at the Australian Command and Staff Course.
Leadership Expert & Executive Coach
Ripple Impact
AGENDA
Workshop
Critical thinking and problem solving in the APS
- Review the current landscape
- Understand top APS priorities
- Frame problems and develop evidence-based solutions
- Advance your career through effective problem solving
Unpacking critical thinking techniques
- Learn key cognitive principles and tools
- Review tools, identifying limitations and strengths
- Objectively collect and evaluate evidence
- Develop a 'whole-brain thinking' method
Problem-solving methods and key tools
- Review common types of problems
- Delve into root cause analysis
- Explore ‘Systems Thinking’
- Utilise planning and problem-solving approaches
Working with others on problem-solving
- Facilitate a shared understanding
- Develop evidence-based arguments and solutions
- Resolve conflict in group problem solving
- Address cognitive biases and conflicts in group settings
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Liz Stephens Leadership Expert & Executive Coach Ripple Impact
Workshop
Understanding the problem
- Define key variables and causal factors
- Evaluate impacts and solution criteria
- Identify scope, stakeholder impact, interdependencies, and constraints
Identifying and evaluating possible solutions
- Evaluate solutions based on feasibility, impact, and risk
- Approach complex or ‘wicked problems’
- Review tools, priorities, and resources
Problem-solving process in action
- Apply a critical thinking lens
- Analyse variables, conduct root-cause analysis, and assess interdependencies
- Design possible solutions and actions
- Select, deploy, and monitor solutions
Cultivating your skills
- Discuss key themes and takeaways
- Develop a personal action plan
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Liz Stephens Leadership Expert & Executive Coach Ripple Impact
GROUP DISCOUNTS
PRICING
Rapid Action
DISCOUNT ENDED
SAVE UP TO $1000
Super Saver
Ends December 20
SAVE UP TO $500
Early Bird
Ends January 24
SAVE UP TO $300
VENUE
Cliftons Canberra
Level 2, 10 Moore Street, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
02 6122 0999
