Critical Thinking for Managers

Course details

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

“Think critically!” is a common exhortation Singaporeans are challenged with. Given the fast pace of change, the quality of our thoughts are vital in addressing complex challenges that change brings about. Consciously thinking about how we think will enable us to improve our thinking process in rationally solving complex problems and making strategic decisions. This Critical Thinking workshop will equip participants with skills for applying critical thinking that will enhance individual and organisational performance.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Articulate the practical concept of Critical Thinking
• Explain the need for Critical Thinking in the Organisation
• Link Critical Thinking to specific Roles & Responsibilities
• Identify the impact of bias on Critical Thinking
• State the 8 key components of Thinking
• State Paul & Elder’s International Standards for Thinking
• Describe the 3-Fuction TFW Model of Human Mind
• Describe the characteristics of Critical Thinkers
• State the main barriers to Critical Thinking
• Explain reflective questioning techniques for Critical Thinking
• Describe how to apply Brookfield’s 5-Phase Critical Thinking Framework

PROGRAM CONTENT

Part I: Critical Thinking – Underpinning Concepts

• Understanding and identifying different modes of thinking
• Paul & Elder’s Practical Meaning of Critical Thinking
• Alignment of Critical Thinking
• The need for Critical Thinking in the context of specific Roles and Responsibilities

Part II: Human Mind – The Bedrock of Thoughts

• Impact of human bias on Critical Thinking
• The 8-Part Model of Thinking
• Understanding the 3-Function Model of our mind
• Thinking – Creates meaning; making sense
• Feeling – Evaluating range of emotions
• Wanting – Energy to act
• Assessing Quality of Thinking – Paul & Elder’s Intellectual Standards e.g. Clarity, Relevance, Significance, Fairness

Part III: Critical Thinking Characteristics

• What is NOT Critical Thinking
• Qualities of Critical Thinkers
• Barriers to Critical Thinking
• Evaluating personal thinking inclination

Part IV: Critical Thinking – Application Tools and Techniques

• Mindset for taking ownership for solving problems
• Linking the 3-Function Model to specific workplace situations
• Meaningfulness and rationale for doing certain tasks
• Reflection to review and prioritize work
• Powerful Reflective Questioning to enhance Critical Thinking
• Applying Brookfield’s Critical Thinking Framework to enhance mindset for solving problems and making decisions

Part V: Preparatory Actions for Applying Critical Thinking

• Identifying different real-life workplace situations (specific workplace scenarios) in the context of different Roles & Responsibilities