Practical Steps to Applying Critical Thinking in the Workplace: No, This is Not Just Another Boring College Class

It is our nature to think-we all do it. However, a good share of our thinking is biased, distorted, or incomplete. Critical thinking is an essential skill for both managers and employees. Few of us are effective critical thinkers though research suggests that leaders believe they think quite well.

Critical thinking ensures we pose the right questions, view other's viewpoints with merit, and challenge assumptions in strategic thinking, decision making and problem solving. Non-critical thinkers shoot down ideas before they are understood, or take action based on faulty assumptions resulting in a business disaster. Teams, as well as individuals, must learn to think critically which requires a work atmosphere that is conducive to challenging others’ perspectives. Critical thinking enables teams to develop positive insights and ideas that lead to effective action. It focuses on reframing and rethinking issues so that the right problems are addressed, and requires challenging conventional wisdom. Using the process of critical thinking leads to reasoned conclusions, better decisions, fewer mistakes, and improves collaboration among team members.

There is not a consistent definition of critical thinking. The American Academy of Advanced Thinking defines "Critical thinking as the systematic approach to dissecting and analyzing problems, and developing solutions through benchmarking best practices". Critical thinking involves the abiity to not simply accept all arguments and perspectives.

Why you should Attend

New research has discovered that college graduates do not possess the necessary Critical Thinking skills employers are searching for. Pick up almost any trade journal, magazine or newspaper and they are filled with articles about new graduates (and even seasoned employees) missing the mark in exhibiting critical thinking in their jobs. A 2014 study found that job postings listing critical thinking skills as a requirement for a position had doubled since 2009. The study found that 21,000 healthcare and 6700 management job postings referenced critical thinking as a requirement for the position.

Areas Covered in the Session

Define critical thinking
List characteristics of critical thinkers
Examine the critical thinking process
Explore the elements of reasoning
Discuss critical thinking techniques
Identify organizational, team, and individual critical thinking barriers

Who Will Benefit

Senior Managers
Middle Managers
Project Leaders
Directors
Supervisors
Professionals in all Industries

Speaker Profile

Dr. Susan Strauss is a national and international speaker, trainer, consultant, and recognized expert on workplace and school harassment and bullying. She conducts harassment and bullying investigations and functions as an expert witness in harassment and bullying lawsuits. Her clients are from business, education, healthcare, law, and government organizations from both the public and private sectors.

Dr. Strauss has conducted research, written over 30 books, book chapters, and journal articles on harassment, bullying, and related topics. She has been featured on television and radio programs as well as interviewed for newspaper and journal articles. Susan has a doctorate in organizational leadership. She is a registered nurse, has a bachelor’s degree in human services and counseling, a master's degree in community health, and a professional certificate in training and development.