WSU CMD

Center for Management Development

W. Frank Barton School of Business - Wichita State University
Critical Thinking


Critical Thinking

The Power of Critical Thinking

Seminar Date: October 3, 2012

Location: CMD Training Center - Wichita, Kansas
Time: 8:30am-3:30pm
Led by: Dr. Don Hackett

Price: $395.00 


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Why is Critical Thinking the #1 skill of importance in today's workplace?
Because when you think critically, you work smarter.

Description:

The increased speed of business combined with the complex flow of information makes today’s rapidly changing workplace a cluster of problems, options and decisions.  Employees are moving into new roles inside the organization, often with limited direction and experience.  It becomes critical that each time a decision is made and a problem is addressed, the right questions are asked, relevant information is gathered and a strong foundation of evaluation is applied.  Organizations can’t survive in this economy with “seat of the pants” thinking. 

Now, more than ever, it is critical that each and every employee be competent in analysis, problem-solving and decision making, no matter what their function inside the organization is.  Cognitive ability is directly related to performance.  Organizations that can develop strong critical thinking skills have a significant and measurable competitive advantage in the business workplace.

This seminar increases the participant's awareness and understanding of critical thinking as applied to strategic decision making.  With multiple in-class exercises, a team project and the Pearson's Critical Thinking Assessment tool participants will be able to use this experience to have immediate, positive results.   

        "That evening I spent an hour telling my husband about all the 
      concepts & ideas learned during my day. Three business days 
                 later & I have thought about this and/or implemented
       some of the concepts each day in the workplace. Great!"
                                         Peg Baldwin, Bankers' Bank f Kansas


PRE-SESSION work:

You will need to complete a Critical Thinking Assessment tool PRIOR to coming to the session.  Ten days before the session, registered participants will receive an email with instructions on completing the assessment.

The latest possible registration CMD will accept is noon the day prior to the session.

You will need to devote a QUIET 30 to 40 minutes to take the assessment.  Distractions will make it difficult and frustrating to complete.  Don't try to multi-task while taking the test.

Your printed assessment results will be given to you by your instructor during the session.  This report will not be shared with other participants or your employer.  It is for you to use during the session to understand your critical thinking skills and leverage them in your job. 


OUTLINE:

 

1.       What is Critical Thinking

                   Definition of critical thinking

                   Critical thinking vs. strategic thinking
                   Critical thinking vs. emotional intelligence

                   Critical thinking and risk aversion

                   Assessment of your critical thinking skills

 

2.       Concepts Used in Critical Thinking

                           Proper "problem" definition

                           Gathering relevant data

                           Proper interpretation of data

                           Drawing "warranted" conclusions

                           Rendering sound decisions

 

3.        Overview of Tools (selected) Used in Critical Thinking

                   Process flow charts

                   Root cause analysis

                   Cause & effect diagrams

                   Venn diagrams

                   Pareto analysis

 

4.        Exercise in Critical Thinking  (Team)

                  How individual and team decision making differ

                  The "Abilene Paradox" and what to do about it

                  The role of "Bias" and "Fallacy" in team 
                        decision making

                  Dealing with artificial harmony and accountability

                  Team "Critical Thinking" exercise

                  Evaluation of "Critical Thinking" exercise

 

5.       Summary and Course "Take Away”

 

LOCATION:

The Power of Critical Thinking will be held in the CMD Training Center in the Woodman Alumni Building on the Wichita State University campus in Wichita, Kansas.

General Information for Nearby Accomodations


Quantity:  
ENTER ATTENDEE NAMES - Quantity must match # of attendees listed::

 




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