Details
About the workshop
Aimed at VPS 3-4 officers and management, this two-day workshop will provide an opportunity to advance critical thinking and problem solving capabilities expected of VPS 3-4 officers.
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 VPS
- Review the current context and landscape
- Frame problems rationally and produce evidence-based solutions
- Use problem-solving to drive your career advancement
Unpacking critical thinking techniques
- Learn essential cognitive principles, tools, and strategies
- Review tools and take stock of limitations and strengths
- Objectively collect and evaluate evidence
- Explore creative thinking for generating new ideas and links
Problem-solving methods and key tools
- Review common types of problems
- Utilise root cause analysis
- Explore systems thinking to clarify causes, constraints, and effects
- Create a process map and apply creative problem-solving techniques
Working with others on problem-solving
- Facilitate a shared understanding
- Prepare and present powerful evidence-based arguments and solutions
- Discuss ciognitive biases and ideological conflict
Understanding the problem
- Agree on the reality of the problem
- Evaluate problem impacts
- Consider solution criteria and problem-solving deliverables
Identify and evaluate possible solutions
- Evaluate solutions based on feasibility, impact, and risk
- Approach complex or ‘wicked problems’
- Review tools, priorities, and resources available
The problem-solving process in action
- Analysis of variables, root-cause analysis, and interdependencies
- Design of possible solutions or opportunities
- Selection and deployment of solution
- Decision on implementation
- Monitor, learn, and evaluate
Cultivating your skills and maintaining your edge
- 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 disciplines and departments throughout the Victorian Public Sector, including:
- VPS 3-4
- Officers
- Senior Officers
- Principal Officers
- Advisors
- Senior Advisors