"Train your brain for better decisions, problem solving, and innovation
Think Smarter: Critical Thinking to Improve Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills is the comprehensive guide to training your brain to do more for you. Written by a critical thinking trainer and coach, the book presents a pragmatic set of tools to apply critical thinking techniques to everyday business issues. Think Smarter is filled with real world examples that demonstrate how the tools work in action, in addition to dozens of practice exercises applicable across industries and functions, Think Smarter is a versatile resource for individuals, managers, students, and corporate training programs.
Thinking is the foundation of everything you do, but we rely largely on automatic thinking to process information, often resulting in misunderstandings and errors. Shifting over to critical thinking means thinking purposefully using a framework and toolset, enabling thought processes that lead to better decisions, faster problem solving, and creative innovation. Think Smarter provides clear, actionable steps toward improving your critical thinking skills, plus exercises that clarify complex concepts by putting theory into practice. Features include:
A comprehensive critical thinking framework Over twenty-five ""tools"" to help you think more critically Critical thinking implementation for functions and activities Examples of the real-world use of each tool
Learn what questions to ask, how to uncover the real problem to solve, and mistakes to avoid. Recognize assumptions your can rely on versus those without merit, and train your brain to tick through your mental toolbox to arrive at more innovative solutions. Critical thinking is the top skill on the wish list in the business world, and sharpening your ability can have profound affects throughout all facets of life. Think Smarter: Critical Thinking to Improve Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills provides a roadmap to more effective and productive thought."
By:
Michael Kallet
Imprint: John Wiley & Sons Inc
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions:
Height: 229mm,
Width: 152mm,
Spine: 25mm
Weight: 408g
ISBN: 9781118729830
ISBN 10: 1118729838
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 28 March 2014
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Preface xi Acknowledgments xvii Section I Introduction and the Framework for Critical Thinking 1 1 What Is Critical Thinking? 3 2 When to Use Critical Thinking 10 3 The Framework and Tools 16 Section II Clarity 21 4 Empty Your Bucket 23 5 Inspection 28 6 Why? 33 7 So What? 43 8 Need 50 9 Anticipatory Thinking 57 10 What Else? 62 11 The Ingredient Diagram 65 12 Vision 71 13 The Thinking Coach 74 14 Summary of Clarity 79 Section III Conclusions 83 15 It’s All about the Premise 85 16 Facts 90 17 Observations 94 18 Experiences 99 19 Beliefs 104 20 Assumptions 110 21 The Conclusion: Putting It All Together 114 22 Credibility 128 23 Consistency 132 24 Triangular Thinking 136 25 Change 141 26 Influencing and Persuading 147 Section IV Conclusions and Innovation 155 27 Outside-the-Box Thinking 159 28 Abductive Thinking 164 29 Impossible Thinking 172 30 Summary of Conclusions 176 Section V Decisions 179 31 Who, Need, and When 181 32 Criteria 186 33 Risk 189 34 Summary of Decisions 200 Critical Thinking summary and Suggestions 203 About the Author 209 Index 211
MICHAEL KALLET founded HeadScratchers in 2004 to train business professionals and leaders in critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, and creativity. Through workshops, webinars, and keynote speeches, he teaches people to apply critical thinking techniques to real world business challenges. Mike has held leadership positions in business environments ranging from ten-person startups to a $500 million public company. www.headscratchers.com
