Critical Thinking

Are you struggling with overwhelming demands? Consider the possibility of learning a structured process for thinking that enables you to make superior decisions and develop more effective solutions. Throughout this comprehensive course, you will master and apply proven techniques for generating innovative breakthrough ideas and addressing your most challenging problems. You will also develop the ability to pose the right kinds of questions, push back against unexamined assumptions, and appreciate others' perspectives with greater clarity and insight.

What You Will Develop the Ability to Do:

• Convert abstract concepts and ideas into concrete, tangible, and measurable results
• Rigorously evaluate ideas and reconsider underlying assumptions with a fresh perspective
• Address and resolve problems using information that is dependable and supported by evidence
• Make significantly improved decisions with greater consistency and confidence

Valuable Tools and Resources You Will Receive:

• The "My Thinking Styles" assessment instrument, which measures and identifies your personal thinking style preferences
• A customized development report containing your individual assessment results, along with specific recommendations for areas you should focus on for improvement
• AMA's proprietary Critical Thinking Model, which includes a detailed action plan for successfully implementing critical thinking and decision-making skills in your work environment
• Comprehensive pre-seminar and post-seminar assessment tools to measure your progress
• Supplemental review materials to reinforce the concepts and skills you have learned after the training event concludes
• A comprehensive skill-enabling toolkit made available for download through the AMA Learning Portal

Who Should Enroll in This Course:

All business professionals and leaders who wish to strengthen their thinking processes to accomplish superior results in their business operations and decision-making.

Important Note: Prior to attending this training session, you will receive a link to complete the online "My Thinking Styles" assessment. Completion of this assessment is required in order for you to fully participate in all aspects of this seminar.

Topics You Will Learn About and Master:

Developing the Mindset Required for Critical Thinking

• Learning about the neurological and psychological brain functions that support and enable critical thinking
• Discovering the productive mental habits that allow people to become effective and skilled critical thinkers

Using Critical Thinking Techniques to Identify and Clarify Problems

• Systematically gathering and evaluating available data and information
• Examining and studying a specific situation to identify and define the underlying problems
• Becoming aware of your own assumptions and recognizing your cognitive biases
• Recognizing and uncovering techniques used by others to persuade and influence
• Becoming conscious of emotions and learning how to manage them effectively in decision contexts
• Reformulating and translating complex issues into clear, actionable items you can address

Creating and Implementing Solutions Using Critical Thinking Abilities

• Applying counterfactual thinking methods to assess solutions and refine them for greater effectiveness
• Employing diagrams and visual representations to analyze data, identify potential gaps, and communicate solutions clearly to others
• Seeking out alternative viewpoints and perspectives that provide constructive critique and fresh insight

Gaining Deeper Understanding of Your Personal Mindset for Critical Thinking

• Making sense of and interpreting your personalized feedback based on the "My Thinking Styles" assessment
• Developing greater self-awareness about your unique critical thinking mindset and tendencies
• Thoughtfully determining which specific aspects of your mindset would benefit from additional development

Understanding Organizational Dynamics and Developing Contextual Awareness

• Examining and understanding power relationships, values, and the formal and informal structural elements of your team and organization
• Gaining and applying key interpersonal and communication strategies that can strengthen the relationships you maintain at work

Applying Your New Knowledge and Skills in Your Work Environment

• Recognizing potential obstacles and difficulties you may experience as you develop your critical thinking abilities
• Formulating a detailed action plan for the ongoing development and refinement of your critical thinking capabilities

LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR THE SEMINAR

• Master the Application of Critical Thinking Skills to Reach Better Decisions with Greater Confidence, and Successfully Determine What Truly Matters in Addressing Key Business Challenges
• Learn to Apply Critical Thinking Skills and Specialized Tools to Carefully Examine the Information and Knowledge You Have, Accurately Understand Situations from Multiple Perspectives, and Take Appropriate and Thoughtful Action