Details
About the workshop
Aimed at Grade 9-10 officers and management, this two-day workshop will provide an opportunity to advance critical thinking and problem solving capabilities expected of Grade 9-10 officers.
Critical thinking and problem solving have been identified as key skills required of officers at many levels of the NSW Public Sector. 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 a Grade 9-10 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 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 as a key priority in the NPS
- Review the current context and landscape
- Why problem-solving has been identified as a top skilling priority across all levels of the NPS
- 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
- Review critical thinking tools and take stock of our own limitations and strengths
- Learn how to objectively collect and evaluate evidence
Problem-solving methods and key tools
- Review common types of problems
- Use root cause analysis
- Explore how Systems Thinking provides clarity
- Create a process map to provide clarity around the problem
- Creative problem-solving techniques and activities
Working with others on problem-solving
- Facilitate a shared understanding of issues and problems
- Learn to prepare and present powerful evidence-based arguments and solutions
- Resolve conflict and challenges in group problem solving
- Cognitive biases, ideological conflict, and problems arising in groups
Understanding the problem
- Agree on the reality of the problem
- Evaluate problem impacts
- Consider solution criteria and problem-solving deliverables
Identifying and evaluating possible solutions
- Evaluate solutions based on feasibility, impact and risk
- Approach complex or ‘wicked problems’
- Review tools, priorities and resources available
Problem-solving in action
- View problem-solving as a systematic process and use critical thinking at each step:
- Analyse variables, identify root causes, and understand interdependencies
- Design possible solutions, explore opportunities, and consider different actions
- Decide on the implementation plan
- Monitor progress, learn from results, and evaluate effectiveness
Enhancing your critical thinking skills
- Wrap up discussion on key themes
- Reflect on what you will do differently
- 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 disciplines and departments throughout the NSW Public Sector, including:
- Grade 9-10
- Officers
- Senior Officers
- Principal Officers
- Advisors
- Senior Advisors