Day 1: Foundations of Critical Thinking

Objective: Establish a strong grounding in critical thinking principles and frameworks.

Session 1: What Is Critical Thinking?

Definitions and significance in the workplace

Difference between thinking and critical thinking

Traits of strong critical thinkers

Session 2: Critical Thinking Frameworks

Paul-Elder model

Bloom’s Taxonomy and higher-order thinking

The RED model (Recognize, Evaluate, Draw conclusions)

Session 3: Elements of Thought

Purpose, questions, assumptions, implications

Point of view, evidence, and interpretation

Introduction to Socratic questioning

Day 2: Logical Reasoning & Analytical Thinking

Objective: Strengthen reasoning skills and identify flaws in arguments.

Session 1: Fundamentals of Logic

Deductive vs. inductive reasoning

Validity, soundness, and logical structures

Recognizing fallacies (ad hominem, straw man, slippery slope, etc.)

Session 2: Argument Construction & Evaluation

Building and deconstructing arguments

Evaluating sources and evidence

Logic trees and flow diagrams

Session 3: Analytical Thinking for Problem Solving

Root cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone diagram)

Decision trees and cost-benefit analysis

Data interpretation and pattern recognition

Day 3: Bias Awareness & Mental Models

Objective: Develop awareness of biases and enhance judgment through structured thinking models.

Session 1: Understanding Cognitive Biases

Confirmation, anchoring, availability, overconfidence

Heuristics and decision-making traps

How to challenge your own thinking

Session 2: Introduction to Mental Models

First principles thinking

Inversion, second-order thinking

Occam’s Razor, Pareto Principle, Circle of Competence

Session 3: Critical Thinking in Decision-Making

Rational vs. intuitive thinking

Structured decision-making techniques (SWOT, PESTLE, etc.)

Red teaming and devil’s advocate roles

Day 4: Creativity, Innovation & Strategic Thinking

Objective: Blend critical and creative thinking for innovative problem-solving and strategy.

Session 1: Creative Thinking Techniques

Divergent and convergent thinking

Brainstorming, SCAMPER, mind mapping

Overcoming cognitive rigidity

Session 2: Integrating Critical & Creative Thinking

Critical creativity framework

Lateral thinking (Edward de Bono)

Reframing problems and rethinking assumptions

Session 3: Strategic Thinking Tools

Scenario planning and systems thinking

Blue Ocean Strategy and risk foresight

Anticipatory and adaptive thinking

Day 5: Application, Reflection & Mastery

Objective: Solidify skills through simulations, practice, and personalized development planning.

Session 1: Critical Thinking in Leadership & Communication

Framing arguments and influencing others

Constructive dissent and managing groupthink

Communicating complex ideas clearly

Session 2: Real-World Case Study Analysis

Work through ambiguous or high-stakes scenarios

Collaborative critical thinking exercises

Applying logic, creativity, and structured analysis