Description
Move your supervisors beyond “Band-Aid” fixes to implementing lasting, systemic solutions.
This intensive course, Supervisory Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, equips leaders with the investigative mindset and structured processes required to analyze workplace challenges, employee performance issues, and organizational roadblocks at the root level. It is designed to transform supervisors into proactive problem-solvers who can define issues clearly, gather unbiased evidence, and drive effective change within their teams.
Course Objectives & Core Skills Development
This curriculum is structured around the five essential “Clues” needed for successful problem resolution:
- Clue #1: Observation: Learn to use sensory awareness to quickly sense and identify new problems. Move beyond just noticing the environment; keen observation involves making connections between what you see and deeper levels of meaning in your surroundings.
- Clue #2: Analysis (The 5 Whys): Master the “5 Whys” technique for Root Cause Analysis, ensuring you define the true source of a persistent or reoccurring problem rather than applying a temporary “Band-Aid”. This involves gathering unbiased information, asking relevant questions, and assessing findings objectively.
- Clue #3: Inference: Develop the skill of reaching a logical conclusion based on evidence and reasoning. This involves making educated guesses by combining your observations, prior knowledge, and the answers to your “why” questions to fill in missing pieces of the puzzle.
- Clue #4: Communication: Enhance essential communication skills—including Active Listening, Empathy, and Confidence—necessary to explain problems, root causes, and solutions effectively to colleagues and stakeholders.
- Clue #5: Logical Steps & Execution: Learn a structured, 7-step problem-solving process (Define, Gather Information, Brainstorm, Pick, Execute, Evaluate, Adjust). Focus on leveraging team strengths during execution to achieve goals faster than working alone.
This training curriculum provides comprehensive materials designed for engaging adult learning, including:
- Visually impactful PowerPoint presentations: Featuring modern design, relevant imagery, and clear layouts to enhance comprehension and retention.
- Detailed instructor notes: Embedded within the PowerPoint slides, offering guidance on key concepts, discussion points, and activities.
- Comprehensive instructor manual: Includes a detailed training agenda, facilitator guidelines, tips for classroom management, and assessment tools.
- Interactive student manual: Provides space for note-taking, reflection activities, and application exercises.
- Engaging class discussion questions and activities: Designed to encourage participation, critical thinking, and real-world application.
Benefits of “Take and Teach”
- Cost-effective: Reduces the cost of external training by providing reusable materials.
- Flexibility: Train supervisors at your own pace and schedule.
- Customization: Adapt the materials to fit your agency’s specific needs and context.
- Consistency: Ensure all supervisors receive standardized training on essential topics.
