Impact on the Organization
Critical thinking has become an essential skill in business today. Most environments are fraught with uncertainty and often there is no one solution or answer in a given situation. As a result, it is critical to think beyond the “obvious” and take the time to assess the situation and make a good decision. This module introduces a five-step critical thinking process that ensures all alternatives and their likely consequences are assessed, which greatly improves the likelihood of good results. Participants are challenged with company cases and examples throughout the module to gain the skill level to think critically about their work.
Learning Objectives
- Understand what “critical thinking” is and why it’s so important.
- Learn the steps to thinking “critically” and getting beyond the obvious and customary.
- Practice the skills of critical thinking – including gathering the facts and asking the “right” questions, generating alternatives that are not so obvious, assessing the options in light of their likely consequences, and managing the transition to something new and different.
- Address real issues and problems in in today’s workplace.
- Get feedback from others on the thinking used in practice sessions.
Program Description
This module introduces a proven four-step Critical Thinking Process called “FACTS” that helps participants think clearly and critically about even the most difficult or chronic problems. Using real cases and examples, participants learn specific techniques for getting at the “facts,” and beyond what is obvious, to make sure they are thinking about the “right” things. They then learn to generate alternatives, often unique and different ones, and ways to assess them in light of the likely, as well as inadvertent, consequences. The participants also learn the keys to building consensus for the preferred solution, which due to its uniqueness, may be a challenge. Finally, participants deliver a clear, concise presentation of their proposal – and its likely consequences.
Time Investment
Typically 4 hours
Customization
This program can be customized to include your organization’s procedures, policies, cases, examples and terminology. Kindly inquire about these consulting services.