Critical thinking is the process of evaluating the truthfulness and the value of information and opinions in a systematic, purposeful, and efficient manner.

Unfortunately, not many people demonstrate high levels of critical thinking, such as focusing  on  the  most  relevant  information,  asking  the  right  questions, and separating facts from  assumptions. According to a survey  of  HR  professionals  conducted  by  SHRM  and  The Conference Board, 70 percent of employees with a high school education were deficient in  critical  thinking  skills.  Even  among  employees with a four-year college education,  63  percent had adequate skills, and only 28 percent were rated excellent critical thinkers.

We live in a complex world and making sense of it is can be challenging. It would be extremely difficult to analyze every issue or idea we encounter in depth.  That is why our brain often takes “short cuts.” Some of these include focusing on ideas that support what we already believe or drawing quick conclusions based on limited data. While these techniques and biases may help speed up our thinking on less important matters, they can also result in poor decisions on issues that are truly important. Therefore, Critical Thinking provides frameworks and strategies that can improve your ability to reason in a systematic, objective and efficient manner.

Attendees will learn

• Recognize how successful critical thinkers avoid mistakes in judgment
• Learn strategies to enhance your critical thinking
• Recognize when you are making decisions based on assumptions rather than facts
• Use tools and techniques to effectively evaluate arguments and alternatives
• Arrive at well thought out conclusions in which you have increased confidence
   

Who should attend

• Managers
• Leaders
• HR professionals
• Decision-makers