Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making Training Course for Public Service Leaders

Why select this training course?

Successful public service leaders are adept at analyzing governments’ complex problems. However, effective leaders do not operate alone. They recognize that many answers may be found in the pooled knowledge obtained by collaborating with others. In addition, adopting these solutions requires successfully convincing decision-makers, such as senior management, councils, or boards. Rcademy presents this Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision-Making Training Course for Public Service Leaders to achieve these objectives.

This highly interactive class addresses principles and techniques for critical thinking, solution-oriented problem solving, and successful public speaking. It also allows participants to develop the capacity to analyze issues and opportunities and make well-informed choices.

Problem-solving or decision-making?

Problem-solving is an analytical procedure that identifies potential solutions to a given scenario. Decision-making, on the other hand, is a component of issue-solving. Complexity is inherent to problem-solving, necessitating making judgment calls or decisions.

Making informed judgments is a crucial talent for leaders and managers. As part of the problem-solving process, public service leaders may need to make several decisions. Moreover, leaders and managers must apply their decision-making abilities to choose the best course of action.

How do critical thinking skills benefit the organization?

Critical thinking in the workplace distinguishes a great leader from others and indicates a problem solver. Critical thinking enables individuals to make conclusions that demand extensive consideration. Big, life-altering decisions, such as whether or not to switch careers, are facilitated by critical thinking, which motivates people to conduct research and prioritize reasoning over immediate emotional reaction.

The Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision-Making Training Course for Public Service Leaders Training Course by Rcademy is designed to equip public service leaders with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills necessary to tackle complex challenges in their organizations. Participants will learn how to analyze problems, generate creative solutions, and make informed decisions that align with their organization’s goals and values. The course also teaches participants how to communicate effectively and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes. Additionally, the training can help participants become more confident and effective leaders, improving their ability to manage teams and navigate organizational change. Overall, the course provides public service leaders with the tools and strategies they need to drive innovation and improve service delivery in their organizations.

Who should attend?

The Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision-Making Training Course for Public Service Leaders Training Course by Rcademy is suitable for:

• Team members and leaders who are responsible for the direct implementation of projects and organizational activities
• Supervisors who manage the operation and efficiency of teams and report back to the senior management
• Project managers who make strategic technical decisions over project implementation
• Senior management is responsible for monitoring the effective implementation of various organizational activities
• Head of the department in charge of making decisions that relate to the need of each specific department
• Stakeholders who have a large influence or are impacted by decisions made by the organization
• Any other professional interested in learning about Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision-Making Training Courses for Public Service Leaders

What are the course objectives?

This training course will help participants, especially public service leaders, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Here are the objectives of the course:

• Develop and apply critical reasoning skills in teams and organizations
• Focus on the application of critical reasoning approaches available to solve challenges
• Recognize individual preferences and adjust them to conditions and other individuals
• Workplace uses of critical thinking and problem-solving techniques
• Utilize behavioral patterns to cultivate critical thinking – in individuals and group members
• Enhance facilitation skills to elicit the thoughts of others and direct their efforts
• Optimise group decision-making to expand possibilities while avoiding “groupthink.”
• Customise methods for resolving situational problems by employing proven frameworks
• Analyse and improve the decision-making process in the organization
• Manage a disciplined solution-seeking approach to stimulate innovation in the public service
• Tailor presentations to the requirements of public sector stakeholders and decision-makers
• Employ excellent presenting and influencing skills for leadership success in the public sector
• Develop teams’ and divisions’ critical thinking and problem-solving abilities

How will this course be presented?

Rcademy utilizes a unique learning mechanism to offer course material. This Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, and Decision-Making Training Course for Public Service Leaders has been meticulously designed to satisfy the needs of professionals. The course covers many critical thinking and problem-solving topics during such situations. Experts and professionals in this industry are tasked with training students by capitalizing on their years of knowledge.

The participants in this course are supplied with a hands-on learning approach and an audio-visual form of instruction. The students can also engage with the learning process using case studies, scenarios, and other types of live instruction.

What are the topics covered in this course?

Module 1: Overview of Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making

• Introduction to critical thinking
  – Rational
  – Sceptical
  – Unbiased analysis
  – Analysis of evidence
• Overview of critical thinking skills
  – Traits of critical thinkers
  – Developing critical thinking skills
• Logical and rational thinking
  – Reflective thinking
  – Independent thinking
  – Challenged thinking
• Cognitive ability

Module 2: Overview of the Problem 

• Introduction to problem
  – Definition
  – Categorisation of problems
• Causes of problem
  – Signs of problem
• Creative problem solving

Module 3: Approaches to Problem-Solving 

• Introduction to problem-solving
• Identifying problems
  – Problem analysis
  – Situation appraisal
  – Decision analysis
  – Prioritisation tools
• Problem-solving models
  – CREATE model
• Solution barriers
• Problem-solving techniques
  – Individual
  – Team

Module 4: Creative Problem-Solving Skills 

• Overview of public service
  – Business context
• VUCA world
  – Volatility
  – Uncertainty
  – Complexity
  – Ambiguity
• Creative problem solving
  – Faster decisions
  – More profit
• Creative problem skills
  – Disruptive idea
• Leadership role in problem-solving

Module 5: Techniques for Problem-Solving  

• The five why technique
• Fishbone diagram method
  – Cause
  – Effect
• Brainstorming
• Root cause analysis
• Pareto technique
• Six thinking hats

Module 6: Personal Problem-Solving Approach 

• Overview of personal approach
• Whole brain thinking
  – Left brain
  – Right brain
• Exploring personal creativity
  – Stimulating creativity
• Extending the circle
  – Moving outside personal style
• Personal barriers

Module 7: Skills for Critical Thinking 

• Overview of the creative process
  – Mind maps
  – Concept charts
  – Flow charts
  – Meta thinking
  – Triangulation
• Data and information blocks
• Tool and techniques
  – Reading skills
  – Speaking
  – Listening
• Logical arguments and reasoning
• Evidence and justification

Module 8: Applying Critical Thinking in Public Service 

• Active group creative thinking
• Brainstorming options
  – Use in teams
• Challenging assumptions
  – Constructive manner
• Critical thinking among team members
• Personal action plan

Module 9: Convergent and Divergent Thinking   

• Introduction to thinking styles
  – Characteristics of convergent thinking
  – Characteristics of divergent thinking
• Steps in convergent thinking
• Steps in divergent thinking
• Application of thinking style

Module 10: Implementing Decisions   

• Overview of decision making
• Activating action plan
• The ethical and legal concern
• Individual decision making
• Organizational decision making
• Barriers of Implementation