Details
About the workshop
Critical thinking and problem solving have been identified as key skills required for effective leadership. In the current environment, evidence is paramount, this highly valued skillset will become a key differentiator among high performing leaders of the future. Critical thinking is at the heart of effective problem solving and decision making at any level of management.
We have developed this practical training program to kick start your journey to becoming a discerning critical thinker and seasoned problem solver. Through this workshop, you will have the opportunity to examine, assess, and reconstruct your way of thinking in order to solve everyday problems. Developing your skills in critical thinking and applying innovative problem solving techniques will help you to make better decisions and overcome the everyday challenges that you face.
Over two interactive days, you will learn practical skills and techniques to critically appraise problems and understand their root causes and impacts. Through a systematic approach you will be able to develop evidence-based solutions to problems as well as plan and prepare strong arguments for change and improvement, equipping you with the critical skills to stand out in your workplace and fuel your growth in your leadership journey.
Agenda
Critical thinking and problem solving as a key priority
- Review the current context and landscape for problem-solving
- 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
Tailor Your Training Experience
To make sure you get the learning solution that’s right for you, we offer different levels of tailoring to suit your needs. Choose from three levels of customisation:
1.Off the Shelf
Love what you see? Great! Choose this option to take one of our most popular courses and bring it in-house for your team. Includes a pre-course consult session with our facilitator to make sure we hit the mark, and deliver the right learning experience for you.
2.Customised
Make sure you get the most from the course you choose, by tailoring the content to get the right fit for you. Speak to our team, who will work with you to pick and mix from a curated bank of training modules to help customise your learning experience.
3.Premium
Not on the list? Let us know what you’re looking for and we will find the right solution. Our team of learning specialists will work with you to develop a unique training course for your business. Through an in-depth consultation process, we will work with you to profile your learning needs and build a bespoke program from the ground up.
Speak with one of our team today to find which option is right for you.
Who Will Attend
Aspiring, emerging and existing leaders across all industries and roles including:
- New managers
- High potentials
- Emerging leaders
- And those aspiring to progress from specialist to leader
Find Out More
Upcoming Dates and Locations
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Workshop
27th - 28th, September 2023
Melbourne, Australia
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Workshop
26th - 27th, July 2023
Brisbane, Australia
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Workshop
29th - 30th, August 2023
Virtual / Streaming
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Workshop
20th - 21st, June 2023
Sydney, Australia
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Workshop
June 7th, 2023
Canberra, Australia