Details
About the workshop
Critical thinking and problem solving have been identified as key skills required of officers at many levels of the APS. In an environment where evidence is paramount, this highly valued skill set 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. As an APS 5 - 6 level officer you are at the ideal level to establish core skills in this domain.
We have developed this practical training program to kick start your journey to becoming a discerning critical thinker and seasoned problem solver. Participants will have the opportunity to examine, assess, and reconstruct their way of thinking in order to solve everyday challenges. If you find that a problem has you stuck, unable to evolve or adapt to changes, it may be time to try a new approach. Developing your skills in critical thinking and applying innovative problem solving techniques can help you to make better decisions and overcome the challenges that you face.
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.
Agenda
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
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
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 disciplines and departments throughout the Public Sector, including:
- APS 5-6
- Officers
- Senior Officers
- Principal Officers
- Advisors
- Senior Advisors