MASTERING DECISION-MAKING & CRITICAL THINKING: SOLVE PROBLEMS, REDUCE RISKS, AND MAKE SMARTER CHOICES

INTRODUCTION FOR MASTERING DECISION-MAKING & CRITICAL THINKING: SOLVE PROBLEMS, REDUCE RISKS, AND MAKE SMARTER CHOICES

This module provides a foundational understanding of decision-making and critical thinking, essential skills for navigating complex challenges in both personal and professional life. Participants will explore the differences between analytical thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving, gaining clarity on how each contributes to effective decision-making. The session highlights the key characteristics of successful decision-makers and examines real-world examples where strong decision-making has led to impactful outcomes. Participants will then dive into the psychology behind decision-making, identifying common cognitive biases and logical fallacies that influence judgment. By improving self-awareness and thought processes, attendees will learn to approach decisions objectively and strategically. Through interactive case studies and practical exercises, this module will help participants sharpen their reasoning skills, reduce biases, and make more informed, logical, and effective decisions.

LEARNING OUTCOME

By the end of this 2-day training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the importance of decision-making and critical thinking – Recognize how these skills impact both personal and professional success.
• Differentiate between analytical thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving – Identify when and how to apply each approach in decision-making scenarios.
• Identify key characteristics of an effective decision-maker – Develop habits and mindsets that enhance decision-making capabilities.
• Analyze the psychology behind decision-making – Understand how the brain processes decisions and recognize factors that influence judgment.
• Recognize and overcome cognitive biases and logical fallacies – Minimize errors in thinking that lead to poor decisions.
• Improve self-awareness in decision-making processes – Learn to assess personal thought patterns and enhance objectivity in choices.
• Apply real-world decision-making frameworks – Use structured methods like the Rational Decision-Making Model, OODA Loop, and Six Thinking Hats to approach complex decisions effectively.
• Develop practical problem-solving skills – Utilize tools such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA), the 5 Whys Method, and the Fishbone Diagram to diagnose and solve problems efficiently.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This Decision-Making & Critical Thinking Training is designed for professionals across various industries who need to analyze situations, solve problems, and make informed decisions under pressure. It is ideal for:

1. Managers & Team Leaders – Those responsible for making strategic and operational decisions that impact teams and organizations.
2. Executives & Business Owners – Leaders who need to enhance their ability to evaluate risks, think critically, and drive business success.
3. Project Managers & Coordinators – Professionals handling multiple projects who need to assess priorities, manage risks, and make quick, data-driven decisions.
4. Supervisors & Department Heads – Individuals overseeing teams and operations who require structured problem-solving and decision-making skills.
5. Finance & Data Analysts – Professionals analyzing data and financial information to interpret trends and provide actionable recommendations.
6. Sales, Marketing & Business Development Professionals – Individuals making strategic decisions to drive revenue growth, customer engagement, and market expansion.
7. HR & Talent Development Leaders – HR professionals involved in hiring, conflict resolution, and employee performance evaluations.
8. Consultants & Strategy Advisors – Advisors helping businesses develop and implement effective decision-making frameworks.
9. Engineers & Technical Professionals – Individuals in technical roles who must analyze complex problems and make logical, fact-based decisions.
10. Anyone Looking to Improve Decision-Making Skills – Professionals in any field who want to enhance critical thinking, reduce biases, and make smarter decisions in high-stakes environments.

METHODOLOGY

• Quizzes. For long, complicated training, stop periodically to administer brief quizzes on information presented to that point. Begin sessions with a prequiz and let participants know there will also be a follow-up quiz. Trainees will stay engaged in order to improve their prequiz scores on the final quiz. Further this will motivate participants by offering awards to the highest scorers or the most improved scores.
• Small group discussions. Break the participants down into small groups and give them case studies or work situations to discuss or solve. This is a good way for knowledgeable veteran employees to pass on their experience to newer employees.
• Case studies. Adults tend to bring a problem-oriented way of thinking to workplace training. Case studies are an excellent way to capitalize on this type of adult learning. By analyzing real job-related situations, employees can learn how to handle similar situations. They can also see how various elements of a job work together to create problems as well as solutions.
• Active summaries. Create small groups and have them choose a leader. Ask them to summarize the lecture’s major points and have each team leader present the summaries to the class. Read aloud a prewritten summary and compare this with participants’ impressions.
• Q & A sessions. Informal question-and-answer sessions are most effective with small groups and for updating skills rather than teaching new skills. For example, some changes in departmental procedure might easily be handled by a short explanation by the supervisor, followed by a question-and-answer period and a discussion period.
• Question cards. During the lecture, ask participants to write questions on the subject matter. Collect them and conduct a quiz/review session.
• Role-playing. By assuming roles and acting out situations that might occur in the workplace, employees learn how to handle various situations before they face them on the job. Role-playing is an excellent training technique for many interpersonal skills, such as customer service, interviewing, and supervising.
• Participant control. Create a subject menu of what will be covered. Ask participants to review it and pick items they want to know more about. Call on a participant to identify his or her choice. Cover that topic and move on to the next participant.
• Demonstrations.  Demonstrate the steps being taught or the processes being adopted.
• Other activities.
  • Create a personal action plan
  • Paraphrase important or complex points in the lecture

COURSE CONTENT

Day 1: Foundations of Decision Making & Critical Thinking

Objective: Develop a strong foundation in decision-making processes, critical thinking techniques, and problem-solving strategies.

Module 1: Introduction to Decision Making & Critical Thinking

• Understanding the importance of decision making in personal and professional life
• Difference between analytical thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving
• Characteristics of an effective decision-maker
• Real-world examples of impactful decision-making

Module 2: The Science of Critical Thinking

• The psychology behind how we think and make decisions
• Cognitive biases and logical fallacies that affect judgment
• Improving self-awareness in thought processes
• Case study: Identifying and overcoming biases in decision-making

Module 3: Decision-Making Models & Frameworks

• The Rational Decision-Making Model
• The OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act)
• The Six Thinking Hats approach
• Practical application: Using different models for complex decisions

Module 4: Problem-Solving & Root Cause Analysis

• The 5 Whys method and Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa) for structured problem-solving
• Creative vs. logical approaches to problem-solving
• Group exercise: Solving real-world workplace problems

Module 5: Risk Assessment & Decision Evaluation

• Identifying potential risks in decision-making
• The Risk vs. Reward Matrix
• Using data and evidence to evaluate decisions
• Activity: Decision simulation with risk assessment

Day 2: 9.00am – 5.00pm

Day 2: Advanced Decision-Making & Critical Thinking Techniques

Objective: Strengthen decision-making under pressure, apply strategic thinking, and enhance communication of decisions.

Module 6: Decision Making Under Pressure & Uncertainty

• How to remain objective and rational under stress
• The 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle) in decision-making
• Fast vs. slow thinking (Kahneman’s System 1 & System 2 Thinking)
• Practical exercise: Crisis-based decision-making simulation

Module 7: Strategic Thinking for Better Decision Making

• Difference between operational, tactical, and strategic decision-making
• The SWOT Analysis and its role in strategic decisions
• Long-term vs. short-term decision impacts
• Case study: Applying strategic thinking to real-world challenges

Module 8: Communicating & Influencing Decisions

• How to present and justify decisions effectively
• Persuasion techniques for influencing stakeholders
• Handling objections and conflicts in decision-making

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