Critical Thinking & Evidence-Based Decision-Making for Leaders & Managers

Course Objective:

This course equips leaders and managers with critical thinking skills and evidence-based approaches to improve decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic planning in managing people and processes.

Session 1: Foundations of Critical Thinking in Leadership

  • What is Critical Thinking?

    • Definition & importance for leaders and managers

    • Characteristics of strong critical thinkers

  • Common Cognitive Biases & Logical Fallacies

    • Identifying biases in decision-making

    • Avoiding logical traps in leadership

  • Developing a Critical Thinking Mindset

    • Self-awareness and reflective thinking

    • Encouraging open-mindedness in teams

Session 2: Evidence-Based Decision-Making (EBDM) in Management

  • What is Evidence-Based Management (EBM)?

    • Principles of EBDM

    • Sources of reliable evidence

  • Balancing Data, Experience, and Expertise

    • Integrating research, analytics, and professional judgment

    • Avoiding over-reliance on gut feeling or traditions

  • Using the Scientific Approach in Leadership

    • Hypothesis testing and experimentation

    • Applying root cause analysis to workplace challenges

Session 3: Applying Critical Thinking to People Management

  • Making Better Hiring, Promotion, and Performance Decisions

    • Using structured frameworks and data in HR

    • Avoiding personal bias in people management

  • Enhancing Team Problem-Solving & Decision-Making

    • Encouraging evidence-based discussions

    • Facilitating productive disagreements

  • Psychological Safety & Critical Thinking in Teams

    • Creating a culture where employees challenge assumptions

    • Encouraging constructive feedback

Session 4: Process Improvement & Evidence-Based Strategy

  • Analyzing and Improving Business Processes

    • Identifying inefficiencies with data-driven methods

    • Lean, Six Sigma, and other frameworks for improvement

  • Data-Driven Decision Making in Operations

    • Using KPIs and metrics effectively

    • Recognizing limitations and misinterpretations of data

  • Strategic Thinking & Future Planning

    • Scenario analysis and forecasting

    • Aligning decisions with long-term business goals

Session 5: Ethical & Practical Considerations

  • Ethical Decision-Making in Leadership

    • Balancing stakeholder needs and values

    • Transparency and accountability in evidence-based decisions

  • Overcoming Resistance to Change

    • Managing cognitive dissonance and resistance to data

    • Communicating evidence-based changes effectively

  • Sustaining a Culture of Critical Thinking & EBDM

    • Building habits and routines for evidence-based leadership

    • Encouraging continuous learning and adaptation

Final Session: Case Study & Implementation Plan

  • Real-World Application:

    • Participants select a challenge in their organization

    • Apply critical thinking and EBDM principles to propose a solution

  • Presentation & Feedback:

    • Share findings with peers

    • Receive constructive feedback for refinement

Course Format:

  • Workshops & Interactive Discussions

  • Case Studies & Real-World Scenarios

  • Group Activities & Peer Feedback

  • Actionable Takeaways & Implementation Plans