Training on Critical Thinking & Problem Solving for Public Service Leaders

Course Overview

Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, using information to solve problems in our teams and organizations. It is an essential business skills that allows us to think outside the box, spot consequences, construct and evaluate arguments, identify relevant ideas and systematically solve problems.

This Critical Thinking and Problem Solving for Public Service Leaders training course enables delegates to apply the skills of critical thinking and problem solving in the global knowledge economy so that they can deal with change quickly and effectively. They will return to their organizations able to analyse information from diverse sources to solve problems.

This PROTRAIN Critical Thinking & Problem Solving for Public Service Leaders training course will highlight:

Strategies for applying critical thinking in teams and organizations
Solving problems using the range of techniques available
Understanding personal preferences and adapting them to situations and other people
Practical applications for critical thinking and problem solving tools in the workplace
Developing critical thinking and problem solving skills within teams and business units

Training Objectives

During this Critical Thinking & Problem Solving for Public Service Leaders training course, participants will develop the following competencies:

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

Who Should Attend?

This PROTRAIN Critical Thinking & Problem Solving for Public Service Leaders training course is designed for leaders in public service organizations who are involved in decision making or lead teams of decision makers, including:

Senior Management Team Members
Programme Directors and Project Managers
Heads of Functional Units in HR, IT, Finance and Strategy
Heads of Customer Service, Marketing and Sales Teams
People with Leadership Potential who are preparing for their next role

Course Duration

5Days

Day 1: Becoming a Critical Thinker

Definitions of Critical Thinking – rational, skeptical, 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

Day 2: 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 CREATE Model
Implementing Solutions using Analysis and Prioritization Tools
Overcoming Obstacles to Solving Problems
Winning Support for Your Preferred Solution
Problem Solving Techniques for Individuals
Problem Solving Techniques for Team

Day 3: Understanding your Personal Preferences

Assessing your Preferred Approach to Thinking
Enhancing Whole-BRAIN Thinking – left and right Brain
Recognizing 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

Day 4: Skills for Critical Thinking and 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

Day 5: 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 Approach

This course is delivered using blended training approach and comprises presentations, guided sessions of practical exercises, web-based tutorial and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience, working as professional and trainers in these fields. All facilitation and course materials will be offered in English. The participants should be reasonably proficient in English.

Accreditation

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a PROTRAIN institute certificate.

Tailor-Made

This training can be customized to suit the needs of your institution upon request.

TRAINING DATE

VENUE

Register, Physical or Online Training

14/09/2024 to
19/09/2024

Nakuru

14/09/2024 to
19/09/2024

Nairobi

14/09/2024 to
19/09/2024

Nairobi

14/09/2024 to
19/09/2024

Nairobi