Critical Thinking for Better Judgement and Decision Making

Day 1: Introduction to Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

• Balancing people, processes, and principles for optimal decisions
• Understanding the business drivers that demand creative problem-solving
• Exploring the concept and importance of critical thinking
• Introduction to the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI)
• Recognizing the impact of critical thinking on business outcomes

Day 2: Understanding Personal Thinking Styles

• Assessing your approach to thinking
• Identifying left-brain and right-brain dominance
• Recognizing your natural brain dominance and its implications
• Developing non-dominant thinking approaches for balanced decision-making
• Managing personal thinking preferences to avoid quadrant bias
• Bridging differences between opposing thinking styles
• Leveraging whole-brain thinking for better problem-solving
• Predicting and understanding co-worker thinking profiles

Day 3: Unleashing Creativity and Solving Problems with Analysis and Prioritization

• Creating an environment that stimulates creativity
• Setting the stage for productive, creative thinking
• Utilizing the power of positive communication to foster innovation
• Identifying key elements that stimulate creativity and removing barriers to innovation
• Applying group creative thinking techniques, including brainstorming options
• Challenging assumptions and dispelling personal and corporate myths
• Exploring Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats method
• Moving between different thinking quadrants for creative insight
• Valuing non-dominant preferences and stretching outside personal styles
• Documenting the creative process through mind mapping and charts

Day 4: Systematic Approaches to Problem Solving

• Applying the DECIDE Model for structured decision-making
  • Define the problem clearly
  • Establish criteria and focus on outcomes
  • Consider possible solutions through brainstorming
  • Identify the best solution by categorizing, prioritizing, and purging ideas
  • Develop and implement a plan of action
  • Evaluate and monitor the solution for effectiveness
• Overcoming resistance to change with strategies to challenge traditional thinking
• Leveraging different thinking styles (blue, yellow, green, and red) to enhance decision quality
• Conducting situation assessments and problem evaluations to refine solutions

Day 5: Translating Creativity and Analysis into Practical Application

• Navigating organizational politics and understanding workplace culture
• Maintaining an outcome-focused approach in decision-making
• Recognizing the influence of different decision-making styles on group dynamics
• Identifying personal blind spots through self-awareness and self-regulation
• Forming coalitions with individuals who have different thinking styles
• Clearly communicating analysis results to secure organizational buy-in
• Deploying decisions effectively to ensure maximum organizational benefit
• Continuing personal development through self-checks and persistence
• Creating a personal decision-making toolkit with checklists for ongoing success
• Committing to a Personal Action Plan for continuous improvement