Critical Thinking and Problem Solving for Public Service Leaders Online Course

• Recognising when to use critical thinking in business situations
• Thinking clearly and solving problems rationally
• Analysing information from diverse sources in solving problems
• Developing, evaluating and selecting new ideas
• Critical self-reflection and self-evaluation for justifying decisions

CONTENT

Becoming a Critical Thinker

• Definitions of Critical Thinking - rational, sceptical, unbiased analysis, evaluation of factual evidence
• The Skills We Need for Critical Thinking
• Key Traits of Critical Thinkers
• Improving Critical Thinking Skills
• Developing the Ability to Reason Logically and Rationally
• How to Engage in Reflective and Independent Thinking
• Assessing our Critical Thinking Abilities
• Complimentary Thinking Skills including Creativity
• Using the Cognitive Reflection Test

Taking a Systematic Approach to Problem Solving

• Identifying and Articulating the Challenge - issue or problem to be resolved
• The Main Problem Solving Models
• Identifying Possible Solutions using the CREATE Model
• Implementing Solutions using Analysis and Prioritisation Tools
• Overcoming Obstacles to Solving Problems
• Winning Support for Your Preferred Solution
• Problem Solving Techniques for Individuals
• Problems Solving Techniques for Team

Understanding Your Personal Preferences

• Assessing Your Preferred Approach to Thinking
• Enhancing Whole-Brain Thinking – left and right brain
• Recognising and Adapting to the Preferred Thinking Styles of Colleagues and Team Members
• Exploring Your Creativity
• Identifying the Things that Stimulate Your Creativity
• Eliminating Personal Barriers to Innovation
• Stretching Outside Your Personal Style

Skills for Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

• Recording the Creative Process using Mind Maps, Concept Charts, Flow Charts, Triangulation and Meta-thinking
• Building Knowledge with Data and Information Blocks
• Tools and Techniques to Become More Creative
• Critical Reading Skills and Practices
• Speaking and Listening Critically
• Reasoning and Arguing Logically
• Using Words to Influence and Persuade
• Presenting Evidence and Justifying Opinions and Advice

Applying Critical Thinking in Your Team

• Encouraging Group Creative Thinking
• Brainstorming Options for Use in Teams
• How to Challenge Assumptions in Constructive Ways
• Ensuring Teams Avoid Group Think
• Encouraging Critical Thinking among Team Members
• Developing a Personal Action Plan based on Your Strengths and Areas for Development Identified during this Programme

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

The training methodology combines lectures, discussions, group exercises and illustrations. Participants will gain both theoretical and practical knowledge of the topics. The emphasis is on the practical application of the topics and as a result participant will go back to the workplace with both the ability and the confidence to apply the techniques learned to their duties.

DATE:

1ST BATCH:              29th– 31st Mar, 2021

2ND BATCH:             12th – 14th July, 2021

3RD BATCH:             1st – 3rd Nov, 2021