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Critical Thinking

Developing the right mindset and skills.

By the Mind Tools Content Team

We make hundreds of decisions every day and, whether we realize it or not, we're all critical thinkers.

We use critical thinking each time we weigh up our options, prioritize our responsibilities, or think about the likely effects of our actions. It's a crucial skill that helps us to cut out misinformation and make wise decisions. The trouble is, we're not always very good at it!

In this article, we'll explore the key skills that you need to develop your critical thinking skills, and how to adopt a critical thinking mindset, so that you can make well-informed decisions.

What Is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the discipline of rigorously and skillfully using information, experience, observation, and reasoning to guide your decisions, actions, and beliefs. You'll need to actively question every step of your thinking process to do it well.

Collecting, analyzing and evaluating information is an important skill in life, and a highly valued asset in the workplace. People who score highly in critical thinking assessments are also rated by their managers as having good problem-solving skills, creativity, strong decision-making skills, and good overall performance. [1]

Key Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinkers possess a set of key characteristics which help them to question information and their own thinking. Focus on the following areas to develop your critical thinking skills:

Being willing and able to explore alternative approaches and experimental ideas is crucial. Can you think through "what if" scenarios, create plausible options, and test out your theories? If not, you'll tend to write off ideas and options too soon, so you may miss the best answer to your situation.

To nurture your curiosity, stay up to date with facts and trends. You'll overlook important information if you allow yourself to become "blinkered," so always be open to new information.

But don't stop there! Look for opposing views or evidence to challenge your information, and seek clarification when things are unclear. This will help you to reassess your beliefs and make a well-informed decision later. Read our article, Opening Closed Minds , for more ways to stay receptive.

Logical Thinking

You must be skilled at reasoning and extending logic to come up with plausible options or outcomes.

It's also important to emphasize logic over emotion. Emotion can be motivating but it can also lead you to take hasty and unwise action, so control your emotions and be cautious in your judgments. Know when a conclusion is "fact" and when it is not. "Could-be-true" conclusions are based on assumptions and must be tested further. Read our article, Logical Fallacies , for help with this.

Use creative problem solving to balance cold logic. By thinking outside of the box you can identify new possible outcomes by using pieces of information that you already have.

Self-Awareness

Many of the decisions we make in life are subtly informed by our values and beliefs. These influences are called cognitive biases and it can be difficult to identify them in ourselves because they're often subconscious.

Practicing self-awareness will allow you to reflect on the beliefs you have and the choices you make. You'll then be better equipped to challenge your own thinking and make improved, unbiased decisions.

One particularly useful tool for critical thinking is the Ladder of Inference . It allows you to test and validate your thinking process, rather than jumping to poorly supported conclusions.

Developing a Critical Thinking Mindset

Combine the above skills with the right mindset so that you can make better decisions and adopt more effective courses of action. You can develop your critical thinking mindset by following this process:

Gather Information

First, collect data, opinions and facts on the issue that you need to solve. Draw on what you already know, and turn to new sources of information to help inform your understanding. Consider what gaps there are in your knowledge and seek to fill them. And look for information that challenges your assumptions and beliefs.

Be sure to verify the authority and authenticity of your sources. Not everything you read is true! Use this checklist to ensure that your information is valid:

• Are your information sources trustworthy ? (For example, well-respected authors, trusted colleagues or peers, recognized industry publications, websites, blogs, etc.)
• Is the information you have gathered up to date ?
• Has the information received any direct criticism ?
• Does the information have any errors or inaccuracies ?
• Is there any evidence to support or corroborate the information you have gathered?
• Is the information you have gathered subjective or biased in any way? (For example, is it based on opinion, rather than fact? Is any of the information you have gathered designed to promote a particular service or organization?)

If any information appears to be irrelevant or invalid, don't include it in your decision making. But don't omit information just because you disagree with it, or your final decision will be flawed and bias.

Now observe the information you have gathered, and interpret it. What are the key findings and main takeaways? What does the evidence point to? Start to build one or two possible arguments based on what you have found.

You'll need to look for the details within the mass of information, so use your powers of observation to identify any patterns or similarities. You can then analyze and extend these trends to make sensible predictions about the future.

To help you to sift through the multiple ideas and theories, it can be useful to group and order items according to their characteristics. From here, you can compare and contrast the different items. And once you've determined how similar or different things are from one another, Paired Comparison Analysis can help you to analyze them.

The final step involves challenging the information and rationalizing its arguments.

Apply the laws of reason (induction, deduction, analogy) to judge an argument and determine its merits. To do this, it's essential that you can determine the significance and validity of an argument to put it in the correct perspective. Take a look at our article, Rational Thinking , for more information about how to do this.

Once you have considered all of the arguments and options rationally, you can finally make an informed decision.

Afterward, take time to reflect on what you have learned and what you found challenging. Step back from the detail of your decision or problem, and look at the bigger picture. Record what you've learned from your observations and experience.

Critical thinking involves rigorously and skilfully using information, experience, observation, and reasoning to guide your decisions, actions and beliefs. It's a useful skill in the workplace and in life.

You'll need to be curious and creative to explore alternative possibilities, but rational to apply logic, and self-aware to identify when your beliefs could affect your decisions or actions.

You can demonstrate a high level of critical thinking by validating your information, analyzing its meaning, and finally evaluating the argument.

Critical Thinking Infographic

See Critical Thinking represented in our infographic: An Elementary Guide to Critical Thinking .

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A Crash Course in Critical Thinking

What you need to know—and read—about one of the essential skills needed today..

Posted April 8, 2024 | Reviewed by Michelle Quirk

• In research for "A More Beautiful Question," I did a deep dive into the current crisis in critical thinking.
• Many people may think of themselves as critical thinkers, but they actually are not.
• Here is a series of questions you can ask yourself to try to ensure that you are thinking critically.

Conspiracy theories. Inability to distinguish facts from falsehoods. Widespread confusion about who and what to believe.

These are some of the hallmarks of the current crisis in critical thinking—which just might be the issue of our times. Because if people aren’t willing or able to think critically as they choose potential leaders, they’re apt to choose bad ones. And if they can’t judge whether the information they’re receiving is sound, they may follow faulty advice while ignoring recommendations that are science-based and solid (and perhaps life-saving).

Moreover, as a society, if we can’t think critically about the many serious challenges we face, it becomes more difficult to agree on what those challenges are—much less solve them.

On a personal level, critical thinking can enable you to make better everyday decisions. It can help you make sense of an increasingly complex and confusing world.

In the new expanded edition of my book A More Beautiful Question ( AMBQ ), I took a deep dive into critical thinking. Here are a few key things I learned.

First off, before you can get better at critical thinking, you should understand what it is. It’s not just about being a skeptic. When thinking critically, we are thoughtfully reasoning, evaluating, and making decisions based on evidence and logic. And—perhaps most important—while doing this, a critical thinker always strives to be open-minded and fair-minded . That’s not easy: It demands that you constantly question your assumptions and biases and that you always remain open to considering opposing views.

In today’s polarized environment, many people think of themselves as critical thinkers simply because they ask skeptical questions—often directed at, say, certain government policies or ideas espoused by those on the “other side” of the political divide. The problem is, they may not be asking these questions with an open mind or a willingness to fairly consider opposing views.

When people do this, they’re engaging in “weak-sense critical thinking”—a term popularized by the late Richard Paul, a co-founder of The Foundation for Critical Thinking . “Weak-sense critical thinking” means applying the tools and practices of critical thinking—questioning, investigating, evaluating—but with the sole purpose of confirming one’s own bias or serving an agenda.

In AMBQ , I lay out a series of questions you can ask yourself to try to ensure that you’re thinking critically. Here are some of the questions to consider:

• Why do I believe what I believe?
• Are my views based on evidence?
• Have I fairly and thoughtfully considered differing viewpoints?
• Am I truly open to changing my mind?

Of course, becoming a better critical thinker is not as simple as just asking yourself a few questions. Critical thinking is a habit of mind that must be developed and strengthened over time. In effect, you must train yourself to think in a manner that is more effortful, aware, grounded, and balanced.

For those interested in giving themselves a crash course in critical thinking—something I did myself, as I was working on my book—I thought it might be helpful to share a list of some of the books that have shaped my own thinking on this subject. As a self-interested author, I naturally would suggest that you start with the new 10th-anniversary edition of A More Beautiful Question , but beyond that, here are the top eight critical-thinking books I’d recommend.

The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark , by Carl Sagan

This book simply must top the list, because the late scientist and author Carl Sagan continues to be such a bright shining light in the critical thinking universe. Chapter 12 includes the details on Sagan’s famous “baloney detection kit,” a collection of lessons and tips on how to deal with bogus arguments and logical fallacies.

Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments Into Extraordinary Results , by Shane Parrish

The creator of the Farnham Street website and host of the “Knowledge Project” podcast explains how to contend with biases and unconscious reactions so you can make better everyday decisions. It contains insights from many of the brilliant thinkers Shane has studied.

Good Thinking: Why Flawed Logic Puts Us All at Risk and How Critical Thinking Can Save the World , by David Robert Grimes

A brilliant, comprehensive 2021 book on critical thinking that, to my mind, hasn’t received nearly enough attention . The scientist Grimes dissects bad thinking, shows why it persists, and offers the tools to defeat it.

Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know , by Adam Grant

Intellectual humility—being willing to admit that you might be wrong—is what this book is primarily about. But Adam, the renowned Wharton psychology professor and bestselling author, takes the reader on a mind-opening journey with colorful stories and characters.

Think Like a Detective: A Kid's Guide to Critical Thinking , by David Pakman

The popular YouTuber and podcast host Pakman—normally known for talking politics —has written a terrific primer on critical thinking for children. The illustrated book presents critical thinking as a “superpower” that enables kids to unlock mysteries and dig for truth. (I also recommend Pakman’s second kids’ book called Think Like a Scientist .)

Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters , by Steven Pinker

The Harvard psychology professor Pinker tackles conspiracy theories head-on but also explores concepts involving risk/reward, probability and randomness, and correlation/causation. And if that strikes you as daunting, be assured that Pinker makes it lively and accessible.

How Minds Change: The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion and Persuasion , by David McRaney

David is a science writer who hosts the popular podcast “You Are Not So Smart” (and his ideas are featured in A More Beautiful Question ). His well-written book looks at ways you can actually get through to people who see the world very differently than you (hint: bludgeoning them with facts definitely won’t work).

A Healthy Democracy's Best Hope: Building the Critical Thinking Habit , by M Neil Browne and Chelsea Kulhanek

Neil Browne, author of the seminal Asking the Right Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking, has been a pioneer in presenting critical thinking as a question-based approach to making sense of the world around us. His newest book, co-authored with Chelsea Kulhanek, breaks down critical thinking into “11 explosive questions”—including the “priors question” (which challenges us to question assumptions), the “evidence question” (focusing on how to evaluate and weigh evidence), and the “humility question” (which reminds us that a critical thinker must be humble enough to consider the possibility of being wrong).

Warren Berger is a longtime journalist and author of A More Beautiful Question .

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Critical Thinking and Problem Solving for Effective Decision-Making

An essential competency in today’s workplace

Mastering critical thinking and problem-solving skills can help you make better decisions or recommendations- an essential competency in today’s knowledge workplaces. Critical thinking helps you to examine and improve thought processes, ask the right questions, challenge assumptions and consider varying viewpoints. Effective problem-solving helps you to properly identify and systematically work through a problem in a comprehensive manner, ensuring clarity when it comes time to make decisions or recommendations.

This course will demonstrate how critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making work optimally together, and will provide hands-on practice with tools that you can apply to your everyday workday tasks, big or small.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this seminar, you will be able to:

• Define critical thinking and identify your critical thinking styles
• Work through the critical thinking process to build, analyze and evaluate varying viewpoints
• Improve key critical thinking skills, including active listening and questioning
• Analyze context and information to clearly understand and identify a problem
• Apply problem solving steps and tools
• Identify appropriate solutions using specific approaches
• Select the best technique for making decisions
• Avoid common decision-making mistakes

Workshop topics

Maximizing the Power of Your Brain

• Critical thinking and problem-solving the key to effective decision making
• The Iceberg Principle and the Understanding-Resolution Ration

Critical Thinking

• Definition of a Critical Thinker
• Critical thinking behaviours: active listening, probing, Empty Your Bucket
• Identify and evaluate issues and viewpoints
• The 3 C’s: context, credibility, and consistency
• Critical thinking worksheet- practice it!
• Problem Solving
• The problem-solving process- various models
• Obstacles and counterproductive approaches
• Problem-solving techniques for groups and individuals
• Applying a problem-solving model to a workplace scenario

Decision Making

• Individual and collective decision-making traps
• How to choose: criteria, goals and vision-based decision-making
• Individual and group decision-making tools and techniques
• Decision-making – practical application to a workplace scenario

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course

Who should attend this course?

Anyone who is required to problem solve on the job or make important project, department or organizational decisions or recommendations

Does this course address your competency development needs?

This workshop addresses:

• Achievement / Results Oriented
• Adaptability / Flexibility
• Analytical Thinking
• Change Management / Leadership
• Creative Thinking
• Decision Making / Decisiveness
• Engagement and Motivation
• Impact / Influence
• Innovation and Initiative
• Self Confidence / Self Esteem
• Strategic Thinking
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Working with Others

To learn more about core competencies, click here .

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Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

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Instructor: Madecraft

As a leader, your team and organization rely on you to have good judgement and make the right decision with the information you have. Good decisions are the product of strong critical thinking skills and thoughtful problem solving. And like all skills, you can learn, practice, and get better at them. In this course, Dr. Eric Zackrison helps you do just that. He shows how to critically assess the source of information and how to determine the right approach to take. Eric also demonstrates strategies for approaching both simple and complex problems, and details taking your team through the entire life cycle of a challenging decision. He also imparts an understanding of common traps people fall into when solving problems, both individually and as a team. After this course, you’ll have the tools to approach your next problem more critically and solve it more effectively.

This course was created by Madecraft . We are pleased to host this training in our library.

Thinking Critically

• 6 Courses | 2h 24m 11s
• 9 Books | 18h 49m
• 4 Audiobooks | 27h 21m 49s

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BOOKS INCLUDED

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AUDIOBOOKS INCLUDED

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Critical Thinking Training

• Duration: 3 days
• Language: English
• 17 NASBA CPE Credits (live, in-class training only)
• 17 PMI PDUs
• Level: Foundation

In this Critical Thinking Training course, you will learn how to leverage critical thinking and creative problem-solving techniques to solve organizational issues in a corporate environment. You will learn about:

• Left and right-brain thinking
• Spur creativity
• Outcome-based thinking

Critical Thinking Training Delivery Methods

Critical thinking training benefits.

In this leadership course, you will:

• Learn to make better decisions through critical thinking and creative problem-solving.
• Enhance your personal creativity through proven tools and techniques.
• Apply critical processes to assess work issues and problems.
• Transform your creativity into practical business solutions.
• Continue learning and face new challenges with after-course one-on-one instructor coaching.

Prequisites

Critical Thinking Training Outline

Module 1: critical thinking and creative problem-solving essentials.

In this module, you will learn how to: 

• Apply creative problem solving in the workplace
• Differentiate between creativity and innovation
• Apply the steps of critical thinking and understand the connections between ideas and facts
• Analyze and evaluate data and establish significance
• Identify various conclusions, weigh strengths, and limitations of all possible outcomes

Module 2: Leveraging Personal Thinking Styles

In this module, you will learn how to:

• Identify your own natural brain dominance with the Triune Brain Theory
• Assess your preferred approach to thinking, along with your strengths and opportunities
• Leverage your left- or right-brain dominance
• Enhance your whole-brain thinking
• Recognize and adapt to others’ preferred thinking styles

Module 3: Unleashing Your Creativity

• Explore your own creativity
• Utilize tools and techniques to become more creative
• Identify elements that stimulate creativity
• Eliminate barriers to innovation
• Avoid groupthink, which can lead to poor outcomes
• Unscramble the iterative mind
• Move between the left and right brain
• Value non-dominant preferences
• Deploy divergent and convergent thinking

Module 4: Solving Problems Using Analysis and Prioritization Tools

• Apply analysis models for problem solving
• Set priorities for taking action to solve a problem
• Evaluate problems around people, process and technology
• Deconstruct problems using the stair-step technique, which focuses on solving a problem step-by-step
• Create a satisfaction scale to help you choose the best solution

Module 5: Translating Creativity and Analysis into Practical Application

• Overcome the "It won't work here" mentality
• Analyze for outcomes, not solutions
• Clearly express analysis results

Module 6: Putting It All Together

• Reinforce your newly developed creative thinking skills
• Construct a blueprint for your action plan
• Educate others with creative tools
• Practice creative and critical thinking skills
• Live Instructor
• 3-day instructor-led training course

After-course coaching available

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Critical Thinking Training FAQs

What is critical thinking.

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze a situation and make a professional judgement.

What is creative problem solving?

Generating inventive solutions to every day problems by implementing the innovating ideas in a practical way for your workplace.

What is the difference between critical thinking and creative thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to interpret data and make a professional judgement whereas creative thinking gives possible solutions for the data you interpreted and analyzed.

Can I learn critical thinking and problem solving online?

Yes! We know your busy work schedule may prevent you from getting to one of our classrooms which is why we offer convenient online training to meet your needs wherever you want, including online training.

Can I earn Professional Development Units for the Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving course?

Yes, you can receive PDUs from the Critical Thinking and Creative Problem Solving course.

To find out how many PDUs you can receive, check out the PMI Q&A List ›

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Critical thinking definition

Critical thinking, as described by Oxford Languages, is the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement.

Active and skillful approach, evaluation, assessment, synthesis, and/or evaluation of information obtained from, or made by, observation, knowledge, reflection, acumen or conversation, as a guide to belief and action, requires the critical thinking process, which is why it's often used in education and academics.

Some even may view it as a backbone of modern thought.

However, it's a skill, and skills must be trained and encouraged to be used at its full potential.

People turn up to various approaches in improving their critical thinking, like:

• Developing technical and problem-solving skills
• Engaging in more active listening
• Actively questioning their assumptions and beliefs
• Seeking out more diversity of thought
• Opening up their curiosity in an intellectual way etc.

Is critical thinking useful in writing?

Critical thinking can help in planning your paper and making it more concise, but it's not obvious at first. We carefully pinpointed some the questions you should ask yourself when boosting critical thinking in writing:

• What information should be included?
• Which information resources should the author look to?
• What degree of technical knowledge should the report assume its audience has?
• What is the most effective way to show information?
• How should the report be organized?
• How should it be designed?
• What tone and level of language difficulty should the document have?

Usage of critical thinking comes down not only to the outline of your paper, it also begs the question: How can we use critical thinking solving problems in our writing's topic?

Let's say, you have a Powerpoint on how critical thinking can reduce poverty in the United States. You'll primarily have to define critical thinking for the viewers, as well as use a lot of critical thinking questions and synonyms to get them to be familiar with your methods and start the thinking process behind it.

Are there any services that can help me use more critical thinking?

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Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Training Course

Our Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Training Course will provide you with a range of approaches for solving problems and working with others to develop and implement solutions .

Do you want tools and techniques to analyse, tackle and solve problems effectively?

This Critical Thinking and Problem Solving training course is delivered as a scheduled open online training course or in-house just for your business. We deliver the course as a face to face course and a live virtual online course.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Course – Details

• Course Overview
• Who Should Attend?
• What You Get
• Delivery Options

This Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Training Course will provide you with the tools and techniques to analyse, tackle and solve problems effectively and to work with others to solve problems.

Course Objectives

By attending this Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Training Course you will be able to:

• Apply effective tools to problem analysis and problem solving
• Understand the principles of problem ownership
• Analyse problems in new and different ways
• Use and explain a range of tools and techniques to tackle problems
• Help others solve problems for themselves

Course Content

Here’s what we cover in our critical thinking and problem solving training course:

Intro to Problem Solving

• Why solve problems
• The problem solving thinking process
• What problems to solve

Problem Solving Barriers

• What stops us from solving problems?
• How to reduce or remove the barriers

Problem Analysis and Prioritisation

• Assessing problems and understanding their impact
• Prioritising which problems to solve

The Problem Solving Toolkit

• Overview of a range of problem solving tools
• When to use each of the tools
• Practical application of the tools

When you bring this course in-house, the content above can be tweaked and changed to meet the needs of your team.

Download the Course Brochure

Download a copy of our critical thinking and problem solving training course brochure below.

Who Should Attend our Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Training Course?

This critical thinking and problem-solving training course is for anyone who is looking to improve in the areas of problem-solving, including identifying, investigating and coming up with solutions for problems.

If you want to:

• Know how to solve problems effectively
• Be able to analyse the root cause of problems
• Reduce the amount of times spent solving problems
• Have a simple to use tools to apply to solving problems
• Work collaboratively with others to solve problems and find solutions
• Have a better approach to decision making

Then this critical thinking and problem solving training course is for you.

The course is suitable for people of all levels and in all roles and industries.

Online Training Courses

A 1 day online live virtual training course with one of our highly experienced critical thinking and problem solving trainers. You also get:

• A highly interactive online experience
• Access to MyRevolution Learning to retain access to your materials and stay in touch with your trainer
• A digital copy of the course materials from the course
• A digital course certificate

In-Person & Online In-House

A 1 day training course with one of our highly experienced trainers at your location. You also get

• Course materials for each delegate to take away
• A course certificate
• Reporting on delegate evaluation
• Free access to our eLearning training courses to keep your skills up-to-date

Who delivers your critical thinking and problem solving training courses?

Our critical thinking and problem solving courses are delivered by our friendly and highly experienced trainers. We live and breathe what we talk about in these sessions as we use most of the tools and techniques ourselves on a daily bases and bring this real-world experience into the session and the examples that we use.

What is the difference between problem solving and critical thinking?

Critical thinking is gathering, understanding, and conceptualising data and information to understand why something may have occurred. You can use a range of different tools to do this. Put simply, critical thinking is fact gathering and problem-solving is how to use this information to put right an issue that exists

What level is the course pitched at?

The course aims to provide a solid grounding for anyone who is new to critical thinking and problem solving, so not too simplistic. It will also be a great refresh for those who have done this for a while.

Is there a practical element?

Yes. There are a number of different exercises that we’ve designed and implemented to try out the problem solving and critical thinking tools.

Do you have any critical thinking and problem solving articles I can read?

Open online course.

Our Online Critical Thinking and Problem Solving course is an interactive live virtual course. The content remains the same but the delivery and approach has been re-imagined for the virtual environment. Our online training courses are delivered by Zoom.

In-House Delivery

We can also deliver this Critical Thinking and Problem Solving course just for your organisation. We can do this in-person at your office or a location of your choice or as a live virtual training course. We can deliver this via Zoom, Teams, Webex or any other platform that you are currently using and comfortable with.

Course Delivery Methods

Here’s how we deliver our Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Training Course. Click an option to see the full details.

• Bring In-House

Join our live online virtual Critical Thinking and Problem Solving training course from work or home for an interactive online learning experience.

Bring this Critical Thinking and Problem Solving training course in-house and train your team together at the same time.

• Delivered online or in person at your business premises
• Course content can be tailored to your specific requirements

Complete the form below to get a personalised quote from a member of our team.

Our critical thinking and problem solving training course is delivered as a scheduled live online virtual training course. Join from work or home for an interactive online learning experience.

Price per delegate includes multiple person discounts. Group booking price only applicable when delegates book onto the same course date

Bring this critical thinking and problem solving course in-house and train your team together at the same time.

Our Approach

Yes, you read that right! We’ve removed PowerPoint from our in-person training courses.

Instead we opt for more creative ways to deliver course content and create more discussions in our courses.

No matter how you attend your course, we will always ensure it's interactive and engaging.

Our courses are designed specially for the delivery method to ensure we maximise the tools available.

We don’t spend time on theory. We’ll introduce it but focus more attention on practical tools and ideas that you can actually take away and use.

We’ll provide the theory in your course materials to take away with you.

Our pricing is clear. You’ll see the exact price of our open training courses on our site where these are available.

We’ll quote an all-inclusive price for in-house and bespoke work. You won’t pay a penny more than we quote you.

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INSTRUCTOR-LED COURSE

Critical and Strategic Problem Solving

Take your organization to its next level of excellence

• Proactively apply critical thinking techniques.
• Practice adjusting thoughts, opinions and beliefs to find new perspectives.
• Engage in discussions to better understand their peers’ perceptions and beliefs.
• Understand the impact of diversity and inclusion in problem solving.
• Gain essential skills for creatively assembling and assessing solutions.

Interested in bringing this course to your organization? Let’s connect!

This course introduces innovative techniques to think about and approach problems and challenges in order to realize hidden value and new opportunities. This training addresses the skills, attitudes, traits and behaviors needed to critically evaluate problems, find new answers, uncover new opportunities and make better decisions.

The tools contained in this training are intended to engage participants in expansive thinking, challenge their current views and deliver applicable techniques that they can employ to develop their critical thinking skills. 

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1: the essentials characteristics of critical thinking.

Consider the common characteristics of critical thinkers and how to apply them to daily tasks and thought processes.

• Discuss the role of curiosity in critical thinking
• Recognize the difference between thinking and knowing
• Identify how assumptions, evidence and conclusions can be used to challenge current processes

Module 2: How to Challenge Conventional Thinking

The tools and techniques in this module will start conversations that lead to out-of-the-box thinking. 

• Discuss questions and statements that could help to propel an inquisitive discussion with a peer
• Identify the impact of assumptions, evidence and solutions on critical thinking
• Recognize the attributes of conventional thinkers and the critical thinkers

Module 3: Differentiating Opinions, Perceptions and Beliefs

The discussions in this module encourage thinking outside of personal bias and challenging opinions, perceptions and beliefs.

• Discuss the role of autonomy in critical thinking
• Identify the characteristics of a critical thinker
• Seek advice from others to adjust your perspective on a challenge

Module 4: The Impact of Engagement on Diversity and Inclusion

Gather the research that supports the importance of engagement, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

• Identify the unique qualities of diverse individuals in a group setting
• Discuss the link between inclusion and engagement
• Compile a list of skills and individuals that you can begin to include in your projects at work

Module 5: An Insightful Approach to Problem Solving

Follow a three-part process in approaching a problem  in order to gain an opportunistic outlook and broaden  your perspective.

• Recognize how personal values and attitudes impact problem solving and decision making
• Identify a process for analyzing problems and discovering the underlying opportunities
• Define the role of questioning in problem solving

Module 6: Strategically Assembling and Assessing Solutions

Gain creative techniques to include in your next brainstorming session and learn how to create a  visual map to communicate and organize a variety of potential solutions.

• Discuss questions that need to be asked to identify root causes
• Identify possible solutions using brainstorming techniques
• Write solutions down using mind mapping tools

Module 7: Thinking Beyond Today

While openness is the central value of critical thinkers, seeing the big picture is consistent among all strategic thinkers.

• Recognize the skill set of strategic thinkers
• Discuss the importance of developing a big-picture perspective
• Discuss the role of mistakes in strategic thinking

Module 8: Making Strategic Decisions

Strategic thinkers are able to look at possibilities in relation to the organization as a whole and gain the buy-in they need to make informed, supported decisions.

• Recognize your own tendencies for fact-based decision making
• Discuss a method for evaluating and prioritizing solutions to make a decision
• Identify a process for gaining team consensus and making a decision

Module 9: Applying Strategic Thinking Tools

The exercises and discussions in this module will  unleash creative ideas for overcoming barriers to  innovative breakthroughs.

• Discuss strategies for releasing a flow of original ideas
• Recognize how to overcome barriers to strategic thinking
• Identify exercises for breaking free of thinking ruts

This content can be delivered in a variety of modalities. Click here to learn more .

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