VPS 3-4 Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Critical thinking and problem solving as a key priority in the VPS

- Review the current context and landscape for problem-solving in the VPS

- Why problem-solving has been identified as a top skilling priority across all levels of the VPS

- 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

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

Problem-solving methods and key tools

- Reviewing common types of problems

- Root cause analysis - getting to the heart of the 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 

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

- Cognitive biases, ideological conflict and problems arising in groups 

Definition: Understanding the problem

- Agreeing on the reality of the problem: Definition of key variables: known causal factors, structure, scope, stakeholder impact, interdependencies and constraints

- Evaluating problem impacts

- Consider solution criteria and problem-solving deliverables

Analysis: Identifying and evaluating possible solutions

- Evaluate solutions based on feasibility, impact and risk

- How to approach complex or ‘wicked problems’ (problems resistant to conventional resolution) - Review tools, priorities and resources available (including expertise)

Implementation: The problem-solving process in action

- Approaching the problem-solving process as a system, applying a critical thinking lens at all stages, consider: - Analysis of variables, root-cause analysis and interdependencies

- Design of possible solutions, opportunities or courses of action

- Selection and deployment of solution

- Decision on Implementation

- Monitoring, learning and evaluation

Cultivating your skills and maintaining your edge as a critical thinker 

- Wrap up discussion on key themes

- What will you do differently as a result of this program?

- Develop your action plan to implement on your return to work