Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Think clearly, challenge assumptions and tackle root causes to make well-reasoned decisions about real workplace problems.

Development is not only about doing more for the business. It is about feeling more capable in your role, understanding yourself and making room for the career you want. When demands keep growing, we understand why focus, confidence and resilience can need attention too.

Talk about your team Explore the course

Professionals planning a project together

Explore. Practise. Make it yours.

Duration

Half day · 3.5 hours per half day

Group size

6–8 delegates

Format

Online or face to face

Price — Face to face

From £1,100

+ VAT

Price — Online

From £899

+ VAT

where understanding becomes useful —

Why this course matters

A better decision starts with a better understanding of the problem.

What you’ll explore in the Lab

When problems are poorly defined or assumptions go unchallenged, teams risk addressing symptoms rather than causes and making decisions on incomplete evidence. This course gives professionals, project and operations teams, and aspiring managers practical tools to define the real problem, recognise bias, assess evidence and identify root causes.

Delegates explore ways to generate creative options, weigh alternatives and test decisions, applying their learning to live challenges from their own work. The focus is on developing a clear, disciplined approach to problem solving that supports sound judgement, more constructive discussion and decisions that can be explained and tested in practice.

a real challenge. a purposeful response.

The challenges this addresses

Recurring problems treated at symptom level rather than root cause
Untested assumptions mistaken for reliable evidence in workplace decisions
Problem discussions starting before colleagues agree what needs solving
Preferred solutions accepted without examining bias or alternative explanations

What this can change at work

A well-reasoned decision begins with a better question. Defining problems, examining assumptions and exploring root causes helps people move beyond the first plausible explanation. Teams can make their reasoning more visible and challenge ideas more constructively, giving the business a stronger basis for choosing practical responses to operational and project problems rather than repeatedly treating the symptoms.

Problems defined together

Teams agree a clear description of the problem before discussing solutions, separating what is happening from possible explanations for it.

Evidence separated from assumptions

Colleagues identify which claims are supported by evidence and which need checking when reviewing options in a decision meeting.

Root causes explored

People question why a problem keeps occurring and explain their reasoning before recommending action to address the underlying cause.

Inside the workshop

This interactive half-day session brings together 6–8 delegates for focused input, small-group breakouts and peer-to-peer learning. Through live practice on workplace problems, delegates challenge assumptions, use root-cause analysis and develop and test possible solutions. They leave with practical tools for defining problems clearly, evaluating options and making well-reasoned decisions, alongside experience of applying them to their own challenges.

Make Critical Thinking & Problem Solving relevant to your business

Tell us where you want to make progress with defining the real problem. We can discuss suitable workplace examples, priorities and access needs before agreeing the scope. Choose live online or face-to-face training for your UK or European team, with delivery arrangements agreed before booking.

Discuss this course

What the training covers

The scope below sets out the subjects covered. Workplace examples and practice are shaped around your team within the booked format.

Defining the real problem
Challenging assumptions and bias
Root-cause analysis
Generating creative options
Making and testing decisions
Applying tools to live problems

What’s included in your booking

Your booked time and format: Half day · Live online or face to face, agreed before booking · 6–8 delegates.
Included in every course: Interactive, facilitator-led learningLive, hands-on sessions built around practice and participation.
Group discussionsShared conversations about real situations, so people learn from each other as well as the facilitator.
Breakout exercisesSmall-group practice, role-play and problem-solving, online or in the room.
Take-away materialsCourse materials, tools and templates to use back at work.
Facilitated learning and practical application: The subject coverage, exercises and facilitator feedback described above, with space to connect the learning to relevant workplace situations. The workshop description sets out the specific plans, prompts or tools developed in this course.

Follow-up coaching, refresher sessions and additional delivery days are not automatic inclusions; any additions are agreed in your proposal. Travel, venue arrangements and any software licences are confirmed separately where relevant. Prices exclude VAT.

Outcomes

The capabilities delegates work towards through the training and practice:

Define problems clearly
Spot assumptions and bias
Find root causes, not symptoms
Make well-reasoned decisions

the next conversation is where it counts —

Take it back to work.

Choose a real situation where you want to apply the learning. Use it to turn an outcome into a manageable first step, then reflect on what changes.

Choose

Start with one priority: Define problems clearly.

Apply

Try the approach in a relevant task or conversation. Note what felt useful and what you would adapt.

Review

Reflect on what happened, seek feedback where appropriate and choose your next step. Follow-up support can be discussed separately.

Bring this topic to your next event

We can discuss adapting Critical Thinking & Problem Solving into a keynote or large-group session, focusing on the themes most relevant to your audience. Depth, activities, timings and any follow-up depend on the format and package you choose; an event session is not a substitute for the full course.

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Your people. Your priorities.Ready to Thrive? Build your Lab.A programme shaped around your people — and the progress you want to make.

your next step starts here —

Ready to step into the lab?

Your business. Our training. Together, we thrive.

Bring the challenge your people want to work on. We'll shape a practical training workshop or coaching experience around it — with room to explore, practise and take a useful next step.

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