Description

Course Description

In order to be successful in today’s complex work environment, you must be able to think critically and solve problems effectively. But what is critical thinking, why is it important, and how does it affect your ability to solve problems effectively? For better or worse, a status quo exists in every organization. This state often impedes our ability to consider alternate perspectives and solutions. This course is designed for leaders and managers who want to learn methodologies for more effective problem solving in the workplace and how to think in new ways about issues/challenges in order to break through common perceived barriers.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Identify your style and patterns of thinking
Clearly define the problem
Use questioning techniques to obtain the information you need from others
Critically examine and evaluate issues and opportunities
Solve problems faster with flexible thinking
Adapt your thinking to navigate through unexpected events
Use creative thinking techniques to break through thinking patterns
Solve problems in groups
Utilize various thinking strategies to understand a problem or issue
Describe a four-part framework for understanding a problem or situation
Explore possibilities for breakthrough thinking using a conceptual methodology called “concept mapping”
Assess personal roadblocks to seeing new approaches to solving problems or dealing with issues
Analyze and select the best perspective from which to approach a given problem in order to overcome the status quo
Analyze a situation to determine “what is” and “what could be”
Break through common status quo workplace situations that plague leaders

COURSE TOPICS INCLUDE

Structured approaches to thinking conceptually and systematically
Defining the problem from various angles
Concept mapping
Breakthrough thinking
Different perspectives of problems and issues
Codifying new possibilities and alternatives
Critical thinking for problem solving
Framing the problem
Recognizing breakdowns in thinking
Communication and impact
Dimensions of critical thinking
Creative thinking
Presenting your perspective
Perspective and thinking