Start date: 10 November 2026
Duration: 1 day (9:30am - 5:00pm)
Location: Creative Spark
Certificate: N/A
Cost: €159 for Members (€199 for Non Chamber Members)
Course code: N/A
Programme overview
Managers and team leaders regularly face situations where the right answer is not immediately clear. When time is limited, it can be easy to rely on familiar approaches, accept assumptions or address the symptoms of a problem without understanding its cause. Critical thinking helps people step back, ask better questions and assess information objectively, leading to more informed decisions and effective solutions.
This practical programme helps participants strengthen these skills while developing a more creative approach to workplace challenges. They will explore how to challenge assumptions, consider different perspectives and identify the underlying causes of problems. The programme also introduces techniques for generating and testing new ideas, helping participants find opportunities to improve how their teams and businesses work.
With a focus on workplace application, participants will learn how to assess potential solutions, consider risks and turn ideas into clear action plans. These skills will help them approach complex situations with greater confidence and gain support for putting improvements into practice.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the training programme, participants will:
- Recognise assumptions and thinking habits that can affect decisions.
- Define problems clearly and identify their underlying causes.
- Use practical techniques to generate and explore new ideas.
- Assess potential solutions and consider the risks involved.
- Develop action plans and gain support for implementing change.
Who Is This Course For?
Managers, team leaders and professionals who want to strengthen their problem-solving, decision-making and creative thinking skills.
Modules
Module 1: Challenging Assumptions and Biases
Recognise blind spots, question established ways of thinking and avoid groupthink to make more balanced decisions.
Module 2: Defining Problems and Finding Root Causes
Look beyond the symptoms of a problem and use structured tools to understand what is causing it.
Module 3: Creative Thinking and Innovation
Explore design thinking, lateral thinking and simple ways to develop and test new ideas.
Module 4: Turning Ideas into Action
Build practical action plans, assess potential risks and gain support from the people needed to put ideas into practice.
Book a Place contact: aidan.callan@dundalkskillnet.ie
Applications Closing 9th November
