Our ability to learn new ways to think is the power of human potential. We have to make choices about the types of thinking that we apply to a variety of different challenges. Critical Thinking is the act of examining a set of facts and analyzing and evaluating relevant information. We live in a knowledge based society, and the more critically you think the better your knowledge will be. Critical Thinking provides you with the skills to analyze and evaluate information so that you are able to obtain the greatest amount of knowledge from it. It provides the best chance of making the correct decision, and minimizes damages if a mistake does occur. Critical Thinking will lead to being a more rational and disciplined thinker. It will reduce your prejudice and bias, which will provide you a better understanding of your environment. This workshop will provide you the skills to evaluate, identify, and distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information. It will lead you to be more productive in your career, and provide a great skill in your everyday life. Lastly, critical thinking skills will support your capacity to be innovative. Once you fully understand what it is, you can begin exploring what could be. By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to answer the following questions: a. What is critical thinking? b. How can I use nonlinear thinking strategies? c. What does it mean for me to apply logic to situations? d. How do I know when, how, and why to think critically about a challenge? e. What skills allow be to better evaluate facts and data? f. How will thinking differently effect my decision outcomes? g. How can I challenge my self to see alternate perspectives? h. How can I increase my problem solving abilities?

1. Innovative and
Creative
Thinking
Training Your Brain to Solve
Problems and Create Solutions

2. Workshop Objectives
• What is critical thinking?
• How can I use nonlinear thinking strategies?
• What does it mean for me to apply logic to situations?
• How do I know when, how and why to think critically about a
challenge?
• What skills allow me to better evaluate facts and data?
• How will thinking differently effect my decision outcomes?
• How can I challenge myself to see alternative perspectives?
• How can I increase my problem-solving abilities?

3. Module 1:
“Intelligence is something we are
born with. Thinking is a skill that
must be learned.”
- Edward de Bono
What Is Critical
Thinking?

4. What is Critical Thinking?
• Critical thinking is the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in
order to form a judgment.
• Critical thinking is logic-based thinking.
• Critical thinking relates to how we make decisions and use our
judgment.
WB p67

5. Why is Critical Thinking
Important?
As new professionals, the ability to think critically and be creative is
important because we live in a knowledge-based society, and the more
critically you think the more knowledgeable you will be. Critical thinking
cultivates your ability to analyze and evaluate information so that you
can best use the information to your advantage.

6. Components of Critical
Thinking
In this module, we will discuss four components of critical
thinking. They are:
• Open Mindedness
• Applying Reason
• Analysis
• Logic

7. Open Mindedness
Consider relevant evidence
Be receptive to different ideas or opinions
Be open to alternatives
WB p68

8. Applying Reason
Applying reason is the process of thinking about
something in a logical way in order to form a
conclusion or judgment
Try to avoid emotional bias when applying
reason
WB p69

9. Analysis
• Systematic examination and
evaluation of data or information
• Break down complex problems into
its component parts
• Gain a better understanding of cause-
effect relationships

10. Logic
Logic is the science
of how to evaluate
arguments and
reasoning
Logic provides rules
for deriving valid
conclusions
Logical statements
are based on facts
called “premises”

11. Riddle: The Fox, the Sheep,
and the Haystack
A farmer is traveling with a fox, a sheep, and a small stack of hay. He
comes to a river with a small boat in it. The boat can only support the
farmer and one other animal/item. If the farmer leaves the fox alone
with the sheep, the fox will eat the sheep. If the farmer leaves the
sheep alone with the hay, the sheep will eat the hay. How can the
farmer get all three, as well as himself, safely across the river?
WB p70

12. Riddle Answer: The Fox, the
Sheep, and the Haystack
1. The farmer takes the sheep across the river to the other side.
2. The farmer returns to the first side.
3. The farmer takes the fox across the river to the other side.
4. The farmer returns with the sheep to the first side.
5. The farmer takes the hay across the river to the other side.
6. The farmer returns to the first side.
7. The farmer takes the sheep across the river to the other side.

13. Reflect
What kind of problems do you face?
How do you go about solving them?
WB p70

14. Module 2:
“To raise new questions, new
possibilities, to regard old problems
from a new angle requires a
creative imagination…”
- Albert Einstein
How Can I Use
Nonlinear Thinking
Strategies?

15. What Is Nonlinear Thinking?
• Two common ways to analyze a problem are
through linear and nonlinear thinking
• Linear thinkers follow a step-by-step process
• Nonlinear thinkers use more creative,
unorthodox methods
• Nonlinear thinking is also called “lateral
thinking”

16. Nonlinear Thinking Strategies
Four strategies to activate your nonlinear thinking process are:
• Stepping out of your comfort zone
• Don’t jump to conclusions
• Expect and initiate change
• Be ready to adapt

17. Step Out of Your Comfort
Zone
View information from a
different perspective
Stretch your thinking
WB p71

18. Don’t Jump to Conclusions
Take the time to
acquire all
necessary
information
Know the
premises (facts)

19. Expect and Initiate Change
“Be the change you
wish to see”
Nothing stays the
same
Expecting change
will better prepare
you to adapt

20. Being Ready to Adapt
Adjust or modify to
different conditions
Adaptation is a
survival skill

21. Module 3:
“Reasoning is simply a matter of
getting your facts straight.”
- B.F. Anderson
What Does It Mean
For Me to Apply Logic
to Situations?

22. Major Steps of Logical
Thinking
The four major steps of logical thinking are:
• Asking the right questions
• Organizing data
• Evaluating the information
• Drawing conclusions

23. Ask the Right Questions
Ask many questions
What are the premises?
Any vital information missing?

24. Organize the Data
First, make sure you know the premise
Make a diagram organizing the data
Make meaningful connections

25. Evaluate the Information
Is the
information
valid?
Is the
information
true?
Belief bias
Confirmation
bias

26. Draw Conclusions
Infer only what the data implies
Ensure inferences are consistent
Identify underlying assumptions

27. Module 4:
“No problem can withstand the
assault of sustained thinking.”
- Voltaire
How Do I Know When,
How and Why to Think
Critically About A
Challenge?

28. Characteristics of Critical
Thinking
What are some characteristics of critical thinkers? In Module 4, we will
discuss eight characteristics of critical thinkers:
• Active Listening
• Asking Powerful Questions
• Focus and Reflection
• Being Humble
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Thinking Objectively
• Using Your Emotions
• Being Self-Aware
WB p72

29. Active Listening As a Critical
Thinking Strategy
Active listening allows you to gain all the critical information and facts that
you need to support you in making better decisions.
“The ear says more than the tongue.”
- W.S. Graham

30. Powerful Questions Lead
to Better Outcomes
• Raising powerful questions advocates self-improvement and allows
you to find out more information.
• Examples of powerful questions:
- What does the organization value?
- What is important to the organization’s culture?
- What are my strengths and weaknesses?
- How does my job fit into the structure of the organization?
WB p73

31. Focus and Reflection
Use reasoning
skills
Evaluate and
reflect
Ask for support
when needed
Think positive
and be aware of
the environment
WB p73

32. Be Humble
Keep an open mind
Be receptive to new information
Be modest regarding your own
opinion

33. Seeing the Big Picture
Step 3: Interpreting convergences and divergences
Convergences reinforce events
or ideas
Divergences are points that do
not reinforce events or ideas
Step 2: Determining a hierarchy of information
Step 1: Laying out the entire account

34. Thinking Objectively
Thinking objectively
means basing our ideas
on facts rather than
feelings or opinions
Helps us engage more
thoughtfully and
deliberately

35. Using Your Emotions As A
Critical Thinking Strategy
• Emotions should not be ignored entirely
• Professionals need empathy
• Allow your emotions to help you, not cloud your judgment

36. Being Self-Aware
Being self-aware means being conscious of
your own personality or character.
Specifically, you should be aware of your:
• Feelings
• Opinions
• Assumptions
WB p74

37. Module 5:
“True genius resides in the capacity
for evaluation of uncertain,
hazardous, and conflicting
information.”
- Winston Churchill
What Skills Allow Me
To Better Evaluate
Facts and Data?

38. Evaluating Information
A big challenge in the process of critical thinking is how to evaluate
information. The best critical thinkers are those people, as Winston
Churchill noted, who are capable of gleaning through information that
may be unclear or conflicting. In this module, we will delve deeper
into the process of evaluation.

39. Be Careful When Making
Assumptions
Assumptions are the beliefs upon which we base our logic
Assumptions are ideas that we accept as true without proof or evidence
When assumptions are proven to be true, they become information
WB p75

40. Riddle: The Bus Driver
A bus driver was heading down a street in Colorado. He went
right past a stop sign without stopping, he turned left where there
was a “no left turn” sign, and he went the wrong way on a one-
way street. Then he went on the left side of the road past a cop
car. After all this, he still didn’t break any traffic laws. How is this
possible?

41. Riddle Answer: The Bus Driver
The bus driver is walking. Be sure not to assume anything that
the facts (premises) don’t tell you.

42. Watch Out for Bias
Cannot eliminate completely
Be careful using preconceived opinions
Use objectivity to oppose bias

43. Ask Clarifying Questions
• Asking the right questions is important
• Helps to acquire more information
• Other questions will arise
“Curiosity is one of the most permanent and certain
characteristics of a vigorous mind.”
- Samuel Johnson

44. SWOT Analysis
A SWOT Analysis allows us to think
about business situations objectively by
identifying internal factors (strengths
and weaknesses), as well as external
factors (opportunities and threats).
Strengths Weaknesses
Opportuniti
es
Threats

45. Module 6:
“The ability to perceive or think
differently is more important than
the knowledge gained.”
- David Bohm
How Will Thinking
Differently Effect My
Decision Outcomes?

46. Benefits of Critical Thinking
Critical thinking helps us make better decisions and rationally apply
information. While there are many benefits to critical thinking, in this
module, we will examine only the following:
• Being more persuasive
• Better communication
• Better problem solving
• Increased emotional intelligence

47. Being More Persuasive
“To be persuasive we must be
believable; to be believable
we must be credible; (to be)
credible we must be truthful.”
- Edward R. Murrow
• Persuasiveness is the characteristic
of being able to influence others
• Utilizing a deliberate and thoughtful
thinking process will improve your
ability to persuade others

48. Better Communication
The use of analogies
and metaphors can
improve
persuasiveness
Use clear language
The ability to
communicate
effectively is directly
related to your
ability to be
persuasive

49. Better Problem Solving
Critical thinkers interpret information effectively to reach
well-reasoned conclusions
Critical thinking allows you to develop multiple viable
solutions to a single issue
Critical thinkers test all possible solutions against relevant
criteria and standards

50. Increased Emotional
Intelligence
• Emotional Intelligence is the ability to understand one’s own
state of mind and one’s capabilities to manage oneself, to
respond constructively to situations, and to engage successfully
with other people.
• High performing professionals have the ability to effectively
execute their duties without being negatively influenced by their
emotions.

51. Increased Emotional
Intelligence
SELF AWARENESS
 Emotional Self-Awareness
 Accurate Self-Assessment
 Self-Confidence
SOCIAL AWARNESS
 Empathy
 Organizational Awareness
 Service Orientation
SELF-MANAGEMENT
 Self-Control
 Transparency
 Adaptability
 Achievement Drive
 Initiative
RELATIONSHIP
MANAGEMENT
 Inspirational Leadership
 Developing Others
 Influence
 Change Catalyst
 Conflict Management
 Building Bonds
 Teamwork & Collaboration
WHATISEEWHATIDO
SELF SOCIAL
Figure depicts Daniel
Goleman’s Emotional
Intelligence model
WB p75

52. Module 7:
“Everyone sees drama from his
own perspective.”
- Jean-Marie Le Pen
How Can I Challenge
Myself To See
Alternative
Perspectives?

53. See Alternative Perspective
Keep an open
mind
Be receptive to
the ideas and
viewpoints of
others
Alternative
perspectives can
lead to
alternative
solutions
WB p76

54. Don’t Limit Your Point of View
Closed
mind
Bias
Limited
point of
view

55. Consider the Viewpoints of
Others
Be
empathetic
Helps to see the
bigger picture
Promotes objectivity in the
critical thinking process

56. Influences on Bias
Emotions influence our perceptions
How information is framed by the speaker
How we interpret information

57. When New Information Arrives
Organization schemas help to compartmentalize new information
Identify the role that the new information plays
Organization schemas also make information easier to use in the future

58. Module 8:
“We can’t solve problems by using
the same kind of thinking we used
when we created them.”
- Albert Einstein
How Can I
Increase My
Problem Solving
Abilities?

59. Increasing Problem Solving
Abilities
Utilize your
critical
thinking skills
Follow a
problem-
solving model
Practice your
skills and
reflect upon
the outcomes

60. Problem Solving Model

61. Riddle: 12 Balls, 1 Different
You have 12 balls, identical in every way except that one of
them weighs slightly less than the other 11 balls. You have a
balance scale and are allowed to do 3 weighings to determine
which ball weighs less than the others. What process would
you use to weigh the balls in order to figure out which ball
weighs less than the others?
WB p77

62. Riddle Answer: 12 Balls, 1
Different
1. Place 6 balls on each side of the scale. One side will weigh less.
2. Take the 6 balls from the side of the scale that weighed less. Place 3
of these balls on one side of the scale and the other 3 balls on the
other side. One side will weigh less.
3. Take the 3 balls from the side of the scale that weighed less. Place
one of these balls on each side of the scale (which will leave you
with one ball that is not on the scale). If one side weighs less, then
you know the ball that weighs less than the others is on that side of
the scale. If the two sides weigh the same, then you know the 3rd
ball (the one that isn’t on the scale) is the ball that weighs less than
the others.

63. Riddle: A Truth Teller and
a Liar
• You are walking down a path when you come to two doors. Opening
one of the doors will lead you to life of prosperity and happiness,
while opening the other door will lead to a life of misery and sorrow.
You don’t know which door leads to which life.
• In front of the doors stand two twin brothers who know which door
leads to which life. One of the brothers ALWAYS lies and the other
brother ALWAYS tells the truth. You don’t know which brother is the
liar and which one tells the truth.
• You are allowed to ask ONE single question to ONE of the brothers
(not both) to figure out which door to open. What question should
you ask?
WB p77

64. Riddle Answer: A Truth Teller
and a Liar
• Ask one of the brothers, “If I asked your brother which door is the
good door, what would he say?”
• If you ask the truth-telling brother, he will point to the bad door,
because this is what the lying brother would point to.
• Alternatively, if you ask the lying brother, he will also point to the
bad door, because this is NOT what the truth-telling brother would
point to.
• So whichever door is pointed to, you should go through the other
one.

65. Identify Inconsistencies
Cognitive dissonance refers to a situation
involving conflicting attitudes, beliefs or behaviors
Use logic and objectivity to see variances
Natural tendency to eliminate inconsistencies

66. Trust Your Instincts
• Instincts are your natural intuitive
power
• Beneficial when paired with trial and
error, informed guesses and
brainstorming
• Watch out for biases and
assumptions that are not based on
facts
WB p78

67. Always Ask Questions
Asking questions helps you gain more information
Asking questions can lead to new solutions
Ask questions at every stage of problem solving process

68. Evaluate the Solution(s)
Make a diagram listing pros and cons of
each solution
Develop criteria for evaluation
Prioritize the criteria
Rate the proposed solutions

69. Review: Workshop Objectives
• What is critical thinking?
• How can I use nonlinear thinking strategies?
• What does it mean for me to apply logic to situations?
• How do I know when, how and why to think critically about a
challenge?
• What skills allow me to better evaluate facts and data?
• How will thinking differently effect my decision outcomes?
• How can I challenge myself to see alternative perspectives?
• How can I increase my problem-solving abilities?