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Critical Thinking

Demonstrate clearer and more effective critical thinking skills for business

Feeling overwhelmed? What if you could learn a process for thinking to make better decisions and create better solutions? In this course, you’ll learn and practice techniques to generate breakthrough ideas and solve your most pressing problems. You’ll also discover how to ask the right questions, challenge assumptions and see others’ viewpoints with clarity. You’ll learn how to: Translate abstract ideas into tangible results Evaluate ideas and adjust assumptions Solve problems based on credible evidence Make dramatically better decisions You’ll also receive: The “My Thinking Styles” assessment, which gauges your thinking style preferences A personalized development report with your individual results and areas for development AMA’s Critical Thinking Model, with an action plan for implementing critical thinking and decision-making skills back at work Pre- and post-seminar assessments Tune-up materials to review what you've learned after the event A skill-enabling toolkit, downloadable from the AMA Learning Portal

Seminar Number: 02533

5
(620 reviews)
  • In-Person
  • Live Online
  • At Your Company Location

Course Scheduling & Pricing

Home>Course Topic>Leadership>Critical Thinking

Who Should Attend

All business professionals who want to enhance their thinking processes to achieve better results in business.

Note: Before attending this session, you will receive a link to the online “My Thinking Styles” assessment. You must complete the assessment to participate fully in this seminar.

  •   In-Person2 Day(s)
    1.2 CEU, 12 CLP, 14 CPE, 12 PDCs, 12 PDU, 12 PHR, 12 PMU, 12 SPHR
  •   Live Online2 Day(s)
    1.2 CEU, 12 CLP, 14 CPE, 12 PDCs, 12 PDU, 12 PHR, 12 PMU, 12 SPHR
 
 

Feeling overwhelmed? What if you could learn a process for thinking to make better decisions and create better solutions? In this course, you’ll learn and practice techniques to generate breakthrough ideas and solve your most pressing problems. You’ll also discover how to ask the right questions, challenge assumptions and see others’ viewpoints with clarity.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Translate abstract ideas into tangible results
  • Evaluate ideas and adjust assumptions
  • Solve problems based on credible evidence
  • Make dramatically better decisions

You’ll also receive:

  • The “My Thinking Styles” assessment, which gauges your thinking style preferences
  • A personalized development report with your individual results and areas for development
  • AMA’s Critical Thinking Model, with an action plan for implementing critical thinking and decision-making skills back at work
  • Pre- and post-seminar assessments
  • Tune-up materials to review what you've learned after the event
  • A skill-enabling toolkit, downloadable from the AMA Learning Portal
  • Utilize critical thinking skills when making business decisions
  • Be able to quickly identify and frame the problem, solve the problem and enable action through organizational awareness and relationship management
  • Discover 7 ways to spot a weak argument
  • Know how to translate abstract ideas into more tangible and actionable items
  • Identify 8 barriers to effective critical thinking
  • Minimize the impact of job pressures on your thinking processes
  • React with curiosity instead of emotion

The Mindset for Critical Thinking

  • Understanding the neurological and psychological brain functions involved in critical thinking
  • Discovering the mental habits that dispose people to be effective critical thinkers

Clarifying Problems Using Critical Thinking Techniques

  • Gathering and assessing data
  • Analyzing a given situation to identify the problems at hand
  • Recognizing your assumptions and cognitive biases
  • Unmasking persuasion techniques
  • Identifying and managing emotions
  • Framing and translating issues into formulated, actionable items

Developing Solutions and Solving Problems with Critical Thinking Skills

  • Applying counterfactual thinking techniques to assess and refine solutions
  • Using diagrams to assess data, check for gaps and communicate solutions to others
  • Seek relevant alternative viewpoints for constructive critique

Understanding Your Mindset for Critical Thinking

  • Interpreting feedback on your “My Thinking Styles” assessment
  • Gaining insight into your critical thinking mindset
  • Selecting which parts of your mindset to develop further

Organizational Context and Awareness for Critical Thinking

  • Analyzing power relationships, values, and formal and informal structures of your team or organization
  • Acquiring key interpersonal and communication strategies to strengthen your relationships

Implementing Your New Knowledge and Skills

  • Anticipating pitfalls you may encounter as a critical thinker
  • Creating an action plan for development of critical thinking skills

Learning Objectives

  • Promote Critical Thinking as a Valuable Process in the Workplace
  • Use Critical Thinking Skills to Clarify and Solve Problems
  • Align Your Solutions with Your Organizational Content

The Mindset for Critical Thinking

  • Understand the Neurological and Psychological Brain Functions Involved in Critical Thinking
  • Understand the Habits of Mind That Dispose People to Be Effective Critical Thinkers

Clarifying Problems Using Critical Thinking Techniques

  • Identify What Information Is Credible by Gathering and Assessing Data
  • Identify What Information Is Relevant to a Given Situation
  • Identify and Manage Emotions to Reason Clearly
  • Recognize and Neutralize Persuasion Techniques
  • Recognize Your Assumptions and Cognitive Biases
  • Translate Presenting Issues into Formulated, Actionable Problems

Developing Solutions and Solving Problems with Critical Thinking Skills

  • Apply Counter-factual Thinking Techniques to Assess and Refine Solutions
  • Use Diagrams to Assess Data, Check for Gaps, and Communicate Solutions to Others
  • Seek Relevant Alternative Viewpoints for Constructive Critique

Your Mindset for Critical Thinking

  • Interpret Feedback on Your “My Thinking Styles” Assessment
  • Gain Insight into Your Critical Thinking Mindset
  • Consider What Parts of Your Mindset You Would Like to Develop Further

Organizational Context and Awareness for Critical Thinking

  • Understand the Attributes Associated with Organizational Awareness and Managing Relationships
  • Anticipate Interpersonal Strategies You Will Need to Implement Critical Thinking at Work

Implementing Your New Knowledge and Skills

  • Anticipate Pitfalls You May Encounter as a Critical Thinker
  • Create an Action Plan for Development of Critical Thinking Skills

Download Extended Seminar Outline PDF

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Learn to Use Critical Thinking Skills to Arrive at Better Decisions More Confidently and Determine What Matters Most in Meeting Business Challenges
  • Learn to Use Critical Thinking Skills and Tools to Examine the Information Knowledge You Have, Accurately Understand Situations from Multiple Perspectives, and Take Appropriate Action

LESSON ONE

Critical Thinking in Business

  • Define Critical Thinking
  • Describe Characteristics of Effective Critical Thinkers
  • Relate the Role of Critical Thinking in Meeting Business Challenges

The RED Model of Critical Thinking

  • Identify the Skill Areas of the Critical Thinking Process
  • Recognize and Use Skills That Support the Critical Thinking Process

LESSON TWO

Appraising Your Critical Thinking Skills

  • Recognize the Value of Gaining Insight into Your Critical Thinking Skills
  • Review Feedback on Your “My Thinking StylesTM” Assessment
  • Understand the Connection Between Your Individual Thinking Style and the RED Approach to Critical Thinking

Applying Critical Thinking Skills and Tools

  • Practice Using Critical Thinking Skills and Techniques in a Real Business Situation
  • Identify Personal Situations Where Critical Thinking Can Be Used
  • Select Tools for Using Critical Thinking Skills

LESSON THREE

Applying Critical Thinking Skills and Tools (cont’d)

  • Practice Using Critical Thinking Skills and Techniques in a Real Business Situation
  • Identify Personal Situations Where Critical Thinking Can Be Used
  • Select Tools for Using Critical Thinking Skills

Developing Organizational Awareness and Managing Relationships

  • Understand the Attributes Associated with Organizational Awareness and Managing Relationships
  • Anticipate Interpersonal Strategies You Will Need to Implement Critical Thinking at Work

Implementing Your New Knowledge and Skills

  • Anticipate Pitfalls You May Encounter as a Critical Thinker
  • Create an Action Plan for Development of Critical Thinking Skills
Download Extended Seminar Outline PDF

Live Online FAQs

View a Sample of Our Reviews

5

620 reviews

 
I really enjoyed this training. I loved the instructor, the content, the opportunity to learn from other participates.
5
Rebecca L.
 
Management Analyst
 
Industry: Local Government
First time participating in a live online course. Really got a lot out of the training without all the traveling and hotel stays. Great and effective learning concept. Looking forward to when I can participate in another live online session.
5
Tonya D.
 
Chemical Technology IT Controls Coordinator
 
Industry: Manufacturing
I really loved this class. Excellent engagement and participation. The instructor was awesome and Todd did well helping us. I felt good vibes with them and they made the virtual class a comfortable environment.
5
Markeithe J.
 
Superintendent
 
Industry: Government Administration
My overall feedback is very positive. I loved the pace and presentation of the material. It was not overwhelming. I felt I had time to digest and learn the material. I believe I will most likely recall the key points without having to look back at reference material.
5
Terri F.
 
Administrative Assistant
 
Industry: Finance, Credit Cards & Transaction Processing
This was a very informative class. Was given a lot of valuable information along with materials to refer back to. I really appreciated the confidence and knowledge the instructor demonstrated. She was very clear on all material.
5
Rebecca S.
 
Supervisor - Cash Operations
 
Industry: Finance, Banking

This course is valid for 12 PMUs.
3 Professional Effectiveness [PE]
9 Analytical Intelligence [AI]

This course qualifies for 12 CPUs toward your recertification as a CAP (Certified Analytics Professionals).

 

American Management Association is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and is accredited to issue the IACET CEU.

AMA has been reviewed and approved as a provider of project management training by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Talent Triangle PDUs

[S&B] 12

Project Management Institute (PMI) Talent Triangle, 2015.
Reproduced with the permission of PMI. Copyright and all rights reserved

AMA is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CPSM or SHRM-SCPSM.

 

AMA is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org. For additional information or for more information regarding administrative policies such as complaints and refunds, please contact Martha Leon at 212-903-8173.

Recommended CPE Credit: 14 hours/Intermediate
Prerequisites: Familiarity with fundamentals of analytical skills
Advance Preparation: Online pre-assessment - My Thinking Skills Styles
Delivery Method: Group Live/Group Internet-based
Field of Study: Non-Technical – Personal Development

In-Person Schedule

6 Sessions Available

Live Online Schedule

9 Sessions Available

  • $2,995.00 Non Members
  • $2,695.00 AMA Members
  • $2,656.00 GSA
Date Duration State City Zip
  2025-11-03 2025-11-04 Nov 3, 2025 - Nov 4, 2025 2 Days IL Chicago 60601-5927 Chicago Register Now

  2025-12-11 2025-12-12 Dec 11, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025 2 Days NY New York 10019 New York Register Now

  2026-02-23 2026-02-24 Feb 23, 2026 - Feb 24, 2026 2 Days CA San Francisco 94103 San Francisco Register Now

  2026-03-09 2026-03-10 Mar 9, 2026 - Mar 10, 2026 2 Days NY New York 10019 New York Register Now

  2026-04-23 2026-04-24 Apr 23, 2026 - Apr 24, 2026 2 Days IL Chicago 60601-5927 Chicago Register Now

  2026-05-20 2026-05-21 May 20, 2026 - May 21, 2026 2 Days TX Dallas 75001 Dallas Register Now

I really enjoyed this training. I loved the instructor, the content, the opportunity to learn from other participates.
5
Rebecca L.
 
Management Analyst
 
Industry: Local Government
First time participating in a live online course. Really got a lot out of the training without all the traveling and hotel stays. Great and effective learning concept. Looking forward to when I can participate in another live online session.
5
Tonya D.
 
Chemical Technology IT Controls Coordinator
 
Industry: Manufacturing
I really loved this class. Excellent engagement and participation. The instructor was awesome and Todd did well helping us. I felt good vibes with them and they made the virtual class a comfortable environment.
5
Markeithe J.
 
Superintendent
 
Industry: Government Administration
My overall feedback is very positive. I loved the pace and presentation of the material. It was not overwhelming. I felt I had time to digest and learn the material. I believe I will most likely recall the key points without having to look back at reference material.
5
Terri F.
 
Administrative Assistant
 
Industry: Finance, Credit Cards & Transaction Processing
This was a very informative class. Was given a lot of valuable information along with materials to refer back to. I really appreciated the confidence and knowledge the instructor demonstrated. She was very clear on all material.
5
Rebecca S.
 
Supervisor - Cash Operations
 
Industry: Finance, Banking

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