Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills

Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills for Negotiators

This seminar is specifically designed for senior acquisition professionals. Negotiation is an essential skill for acquisition professionals. Successful negotiation requires more than communication and persuasion skills; it demands critical thinking abilities to analyze situations, assess information, and make strategic decisions. This seminar aims to equip these acquisition professionals with the tools and techniques of critical thinking necessary to do their jobs successfully.

Instructor: Alland Leandre

Objective

Acquisition professionals represent the linchpin of government. They oversee buying and negotiating. They understand the fundamentals of critical thinking and its significance in negotiation. This seminar is designed to enhance their skills in analyzing information critically during bargaining. They will learn techniques for identifying biases and fallacies in proposals. It will also improve their problem-solving abilities to address challenges encountered while performing their work and cultivate strategies for effective decision-making in negotiation scenarios.

Seminar attendees are expected to participate actively in all sessions and group activities. The group activity is a case study discussion designed to apply the principles of critical thinking and develop Critical Thinking Skills using the case study methodology.

Structure

• Section I – 45 minutes allocated
  • 1.0 Introduction to Critical Thinking
  • 2.0 Key Elements of Critical Thinking
    • 2.1 Identifying and defining problems
    • 2.2 Gathering and evaluating evidence
    • 2.3 Analyzing assumptions and biases
    • 2.4 Drawing Logical Conclusions
  • 3.0 The Critical Thinking Process
    • 3.1 Gathering relevant information
    • 3.2 Evaluating information and evidence
    • 3.3 Generating and analyzing possible solutions
    • 3.4 Making Informed Decisions
  • 4.0 The Role of Questioning
    • 4.1 Types of questions that stimulate critical thinking (e.g., open-ended questions, probing questions)
• Session II – 25 Minutes for Case #1
  • 5.0 Case discussion to practice asking key questions to stimulate critical thinking and to develop Critical Thinking Skills
• Section III – 45 minutes allocated
  • 6.0 Analyzing Arguments
    • 6.1 Recognizing different types of arguments (deductive, inductive, etc.)
    • 6.2 Evaluating the strength and validity of arguments
  • 7.0 Introduction to problem-solving frameworks (e.g., SWOT analysis, root cause analysis)
  • 8.0 Creativity and Innovation
    • 8.1 Exploring the relationship between critical thinking, creativity, and innovation
    • 8.2 Techniques for fostering creativity and thinking outside the box.
  • 9.0 Solutions and Decision-Making
    • 9.1 Generating innovative solutions to challenges
    • 9.2 Understanding common decision-making biases and fallacies
• 25 Minutes for Case #2 and Wrap-Up
  • 10.0 Case study to apply critical thinking to decision-making scenarios.
    • 10.1 Participants work in groups to analyze the case, apply critical thinking techniques, and make informed decisions. Part 2 of Case Discussion to Apply problem-solving techniques to real-world Scenarios.
    • 10.2 Wrap-Up / Reflection and Action Planning

Seminar Requirements

1. Attend the entire seminar for 2.5 hours.
2. Be respectful and courteous to your instructor and classmates.
3. Complete a survey on the seminar regarding what was learned and what can be improved.
4. Participate in class (ask questions, make comments, contribute to discussions regarding the case study narrative, take notes, and participate in group discussions.
5. Come prepared to discuss both cases.