Applied Critical Thinking

This one-day, interactive workshop teaches how to think logically and comprehensively about a situation and identify an appropriate course of action.

Time is a valuable asset in today’s business world. The Applied Critical Thinking (ACT) workshop delivers powerful short-cut thinking tools in less time. The conceptual framework of this one-day workshop is built around critical thinking skills which provide more effective solutions to important business concerns.

The ACT processes give participants increased confidence to create and/or seize opportunities for improvement. Whether they are solving problems, creating new opportunities, making decisions with limited time and information or implementing plans, this action orientation will result in more profitable business results as participants confidently demonstrate a bias for action.

What kind of return can a company expect from an investment in this program?

The intensive and sharp focus of this workshop enables participants to quickly see the relevance of the concepts in their work settings, resulting in a faster return on the training investment.

With over fifty percent of this program directed toward learner-driven activities, participants engage with the processes repeatedly, allowing them to more quickly apply what they learn in a real-world context.

Target Audience

This one-day program is designed for people who have competence in their primary job responsibilities and need to increase their ability to:

• Resolve issues with limited time and information.
• Create and seize opportunities for improvement.
• Make timely decisions that balance desired outcomes with current realities.
• Develop the confidence required to act with minimal planning

This program is applicable to front line leaders and experienced managers with specific relevance to sales organizations, customer relations, production and other back-office functions.

Description

ACT is an interactive, action-focused program that teaches how to think logically and comprehensively about a situation and identify an appropriate course of action. Over fifty percent of this program involves participants in learner-driven activities and on-the-job application. The course utilizes a dynamic blend of instructor presentation and individual skill practice in each of the ACT concepts, using personal concerns brought by participants.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this workshop, participants will have the knowledge and skills to:

• Identify the need for and successfully execute three cause analysis processes needed to accurately determine the cause of a problem.
• Create and use effective criteria when making decisions.
• Develop competence in anticipating and preventing problems before they occur.
• Utilize a situation analysis process to separate and prioritize complex issues.
• Use short-cut applications and informal uses of the ACT tools in daily work situations.

Job Aids

Included with this workshop are a comprehensive participant manual designed for easy reference including matrices, worksheets, checklists, and process flows; an Action Tools CD for use in daily work situations, and wall charts for teams; an Action Plan; email and toll-free telephone support; and Action Management’s Success Story Award.

Application of Learning

AMAI’s Sustain the Impact process engages participants and managers before the workshop in selecting issues to address in the classroom. During the session, participants work on their own critical issues, participate in teams similar to real-life situations, see demonstrations and discussions of numerous short-cuts, and plan on-the-job use of the ACT process.

After the workshop, participants and their managers are encouraged to meet to strategize on-going application of the concepts. Follow-up correspondence is sent to the participant and their manager, and attendees are encouraged to participate in AMAI’s Success Story Program where individuals receive a framed certificate for making a bottom-line impact through use of the concepts.