Course in Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Techniques

In an era defined by constant change and increasing complexity, the ability to think critically and solve problems systematically has become a vital skill across all sectors. The "Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Techniques" training program, provided by Geneva Institute of Business Management, empowers professionals to evaluate information objectively, recognize underlying assumptions, and approach challenges with logical and creative solutions. This program is designed to sharpen participants' intellectual discipline, enhance their decision-making abilities, and cultivate strategic insight to navigate ambiguous and high-pressure environments effectively.

Target Audience

• Professionals who are regularly involved in strategic decision-making processes and need to enhance their critical thinking and reasoning abilities.

• Team leaders and department heads seeking to improve their approach to identifying root causes and formulating effective solutions.

• Project managers and coordinators who must analyze options and risks quickly in dynamic project environments.

• Individuals working in quality assurance, policy planning, and operations who require structured thinking to resolve systemic issues.

• Mid to senior-level executives who aim to lead with logic, clarity, and innovative problem-solving skills.

• Professionals in customer service, HR, or procurement roles seeking to manage challenges proactively and reduce errors through analytical thinking.

Objectives

• Enhance participants' ability to assess situations objectively, separate facts from opinions, and apply structured reasoning in complex scenarios.

• Strengthen analytical thinking skills for identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and making sound decisions based on evidence and logic.

• Enable participants to recognize common cognitive biases and develop habits that promote clearer, unbiased thought processes.

• Equip learners with effective frameworks and methodologies for breaking down issues, assessing root causes, and selecting optimal solutions.

• Improve participants' ability to communicate their reasoning persuasively and influence stakeholders with fact-based arguments.

• Develop a proactive mindset that anticipates challenges and generates innovative responses to dynamic workplace conditions.

Course Outline

• Foundations of Critical Thinking

  • Understanding critical thinking and its role in professional excellence

  • Characteristics of a strong critical thinker

  • Differentiating between fact, opinion, and inference

  • Common barriers to critical thought and how to overcome them

• Cognitive Biases and Logical Fallacies

  • Identifying personal and organizational biases

  • The impact of mental shortcuts on decision-making

  • Recognizing and addressing logical fallacies

  • Techniques to challenge assumptions and habitual thinking

• Structured Problem Identification

  • Techniques for defining and framing problems clearly

  • Tools for gathering relevant data and filtering noise

  • Methods to clarify objectives and set accurate problem statements

  • Avoiding reactive solutions by diagnosing root causes

• Analytical Tools for Decision-Making

  • Introduction to decision matrices and comparative analysis

  • Applying SWOT and Fishbone diagrams effectively

  • Prioritization frameworks for complex issues

  • Evaluating risks and consequences of different options

• Creative Thinking and Innovation in Problem-Solving

  • Stimulating idea generation through lateral thinking

  • Leveraging brainstorming, mind mapping, and SCAMPER

  • Balancing analytical and creative thinking approaches

  • Moving beyond conventional solutions to drive innovation

• Systems Thinking and Holistic Analysis

  • Understanding interconnections in complex systems

  • Identifying feedback loops and unintended consequences

  • Applying systems thinking to prevent recurring issues

  • Using holistic approaches to align solutions with strategic goals

• Decision Implementation and Evaluation

  • Translating ideas into action-oriented steps

  • Monitoring and evaluating outcomes using key metrics

  • Adjusting course based on performance and feedback

  • Ensuring long-term sustainability of solutions

• Strategic Communication of Ideas

  • Presenting reasoning and recommendations clearly

  • Persuading stakeholders through logic and clarity

  • Structuring arguments to support sound decisions

  • Navigating resistance and skepticism with confidence

• Building a Culture of Critical Thinking

  • Embedding critical thinking in teams and departments

  • Leading by example and encouraging questioning

  • Creating safe spaces for dialogue and challenge

  • Promoting open-mindedness and intellectual curiosity

• Developing a Personal Thinking Strategy

  • Self-assessment of current thinking habits

  • Identifying personal strengths and improvement areas

  • Building a continuous improvement mindset

  • Creating an action plan for professional development