Thinking on Your Feet
thinking skills programme... For anyone who regularly is confronted with the need to think on their feet, and would like access to tools, tips and techniques to develop this skill.
90 minute, half & full day workshopsDecision Making
Decision Making
Training Courses
We all need to make decisions - but how do we make them? These training courses will provide you with a variety of decision making tools and techniques - some of which you are aware of...and some not.
Around 90% of the decisions we make are unconscious - why is that, and does it matter? How much of your decision making is instinctive, and how much critically thought through? Which process might be better - why, and when? And if so much decision making is instinctive - where does that come from? And if you want to rely on a more analytical decision-making approach - what options are there?
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view availability & bookDecision Making Workshop Content
Systems 1 & 2
These two systems dominate how we make all our decisions. These training courses will explain what they are, how they operate, why we use one system or the other, and the positive and negative effects of each.
Instinctive thinking: emotion and evolution
System 1 is primarily based on being instinctive, and is dominated by two key drivers: emotion and evolution. These courses will explain each driver, and how they impact on our intuitive decision making.
Instinctive example: nudge theory
Behavioural science - more commonly known as Nudge Theory - uses the power and frequency of System 1 thinking to help change people's behaviour. We will provide powerful and every day examples.
Critical thinking: the power of logic and analysis
System 2 thinking relies heavily on logical, analytical and evidence-based thinking - which of course, attracts some people more than others. We will identify the key features that underpin and drive critical thinking.
Analytical example: the Weighted Matrix
This model relies on analytical thinking, leading to decisions that are logical, reasoned and evidence based. We will explain the model, and provide a worked-through application.
Pragmatist or perfectionist?
Do you have a tendency towards one or the other - or does it vary with context and circumstance? Having explained and demonstrated an example of each, we ask the question: does your approach depend on a temperamental predisposition - or the type of issue you are dealing with? A self-assessment questionnaire may help you work out your answer.
Who is decision making training for?
Our decision making training courses are ideal for anyone who wants to understand the different ways we make decisions, and examine a range of tools and techniques so they are able to choose the most appropriate option. These training courses are particularly helpful to anyone who wants to:
Widen their range of decision making tools and techniques
Assess the extent to which their own personality or temperament determines any decision making approach
As a manager, choose the most appropriate decision making model for the problem or issue under consideration.
Manage their own, or a member of their team's, tendency to perfectionism.Prefer to talk to a human?
We'd love to (e)meet you. Book a video call now and we can have a vitual coffee and chat about what you're looking for.
schedule a chatDecision Making Workshop Activities
The 90-minute course explains, evaluates and provides examples of the two types of thinking that dominate decision making. It then allows participants to consider which of the two they use, why, and when. The half-day programme explores more detailed examples of each, where the participants will themselves apply system 1 and system 2 techniques to understand and influence ways of making decisions. The full day, in addition, provides the participants with the opportunity to develop and test a wider range of decision making models.
Never 'death by powerpoint'
We always provide a variety of learning approaches in each of our workshops.
Each workshop typically includes learning input from the trainer, supported by a range of mixed media, interactive elements, discussion and group work. Most workshops also include case work and practical skill-development activities to apply the learning, with more time dedicated to this in the longer courses.
'Want more?' resource pack
In addition to providing a copy of any slide deck, we always provide a ‘want more’ section, of curated resources including book summaries, podcasts, downloads and articles.
solo activities
reflection & consolidation
paired activities
casework
your ideas & suggestions
tools & templates
group activities
open discussion
core learning input
My attention can easily wander, but this was never the case here, largely due to the variety of learning approaches used. Never a dull moment!
What are the benefits of decision making training?
Learn key decision making models
Improved critical thinking and analysis
Increased self-awareness
Make better decisions
Decision Making Training Frequently Asked Quesitons
Is there a best way of making decisions?
It's likely that on reflection, a final decision will be more or less successful according to the way it was made; but there are many factors for success that lie beyond how the decision was made.
Is tossing a coin a valid form of decision making?
Yes - but its validity is probably more dependent on the situation than the technique itself. Tossing a coin is reliable, in that it will produce a binary 'yes/no' or 'either/or' decision; and it is neutral, in that the outcome cannot be subjectively controlled. But it may only be a valid method given certain appropriate circumstances - typically those where the difference between the binary options is marginal.
What's the most important factor in successful decision making?
Probably choosing the right method to deliver the best decision for that particular issue or situation - and that itself is helped by having more decision making models to choose from.
Which of these three training programmes is the best to choose?
It depends. The shortest course will give you a good understanding of System 1 and 2 thinking, their separate strengths and weaknesses, and whether you have an (unconscious) inclination to prefer one over the other. But the half and full day courses provide the opportunity for a more in-depth study and tested application of a wider range of decision making techniques.
Related courses & resources...
Problem Solving
creative problem solving course... For anyone who would like to feel more confident in solving problems, and have access to a range of techniques and skills that will help.
Time Management & Prioritising
time management course... For anyone under time pressure who wants practical tools, tips and techniques to manage their time and competing priorities better.
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Do you have to think quickly and effectively on your feet? These 10 thinking frames will help...
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For workshops and coaching sessions, you can check availability & book using the form below. Pay now online, or later by invoice - it's up to you.
