Clear Thinking, Confident Decisions: 1-Day Professional Training in Chicago

Agenda

• Module 1: Problem Framing — Distinguishing Symptoms from Root Causes

  • Defining problems through clear, evidence-based statements • Distinguishing observable symptoms from underlying causes • Identifying scope, constraints, and desired outcomes • Breaking complex problems into manageable components • Activity

• Module 2: Evidence Evaluation — Testing Assumptions, Claims, and Information Quality

  • Distinguishing facts, interpretations, opinions, and assumptions • Evaluating source credibility and evidence relevance • Identifying missing information and unsupported conclusions • Testing claims against alternative explanations and available data • Activity

• Module 3: Cognitive Bias and Groupthink — Recognizing Hidden Decision Traps

  • Identifying confirmation bias and anchoring effects • Recognizing availability bias and overconfidence • Understanding how hierarchy and consensus influence group decisions • Applying techniques to challenge assumptions constructively • Activity

• Module 4: Structured Option Analysis — Comparing Costs, Benefits, and Trade-Offs

  • Defining decision criteria before comparing alternatives • Evaluating financial, operational, and stakeholder implications • Using weighted decision matrices for structured comparisons • Assessing trade-offs and opportunity costs • Activity

• Module 5: Decision-Making Under Uncertainty — Probability, Risk, and Confidence

  • Distinguishing known facts from uncertain assumptions • Estimating likelihood, impact, and potential consequences • Evaluating best-case, worst-case, and plausible scenarios • Setting decision thresholds and identifying review points • Activity

• Module 6: Root-Cause Analysis and Practical Problem-Solving Frameworks

  • Applying the Five Whys technique to recurring problems • Using cause-and-effect diagrams to organize contributing factors • Distinguishing root causes from contributing conditions • Selecting corrective actions that address verified causes • Activity

• Module 7: Decision Documentation — Defending Recommendations and Reviewing Outcomes

  • Recording decision objectives, criteria, and supporting evidence • Explaining rejected alternatives and their trade-offs • Documenting assumptions, risks, and implementation responsibilities • Reviewing outcomes and capturing lessons for future decisions • Activity

• Integrated Critical-Thinking Simulation and Personal Action Plan

  • Defining a workplace problem using evidence-based statements • Evaluating information quality and challenging unsupported assumptions • Identifying cognitive biases that could influence the decision • Comparing alternatives using structured decision criteria • Assessing uncertainty, risks, and possible outcomes • Identifying root causes and recommending practical corrective actions • Documenting the final recommendation and establishing review measures • Creating a personal action plan for applying critical-thinking techniques at work