critical thinking slides dr. shipp

Critical Thinking WorkshopAugust 5, 2015

Dr. Abbie ShippManagement, Entrepreneurship and

Leadership Departmenta.shipp@tcu.edu

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

Agenda for the Morning

1. Thinking2. Racing3. A Frog4. The Future

Break tentatively

scheduled for 2:15

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

What is Critical Thinking?

• Your definition: What is it? What is it not?

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

The Importance of Critical Thinking in the Workplace

• We live in a “VUCA” world… (Bennett & Lemoine, 2014)

• The Office of the President predicts critical thinking will be a key skill for the “jobs of tomorrow” (President’s Council of Economic Advisers, 2009).

• Organizations that focused on better decision making processes improved ROI by 7% (McKinsey Quarterly, 2010; Kahneman et al, 2011).

• In 33 case histories of large U.S. companies, 75% of issues had to recycle back to the problem formulation stage—issues were defined inappropriately or not defined at all (Baer et al., 2013).

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

What Recruiters Say• Critical thinking skills and decision-making prowess

are some of the top skills employers expect from MBA’s (GMAC Corp. Recruiters Survey, 2013).

• AAC&U Employer Survey (2013):– 95% of employers give hiring preference to grads with

innovation skills.– 93% agree that the “capacity to think critically,

communicate clearly, and solve complex problems” is more important than undergraduate major.

– 75% want colleges to place more emphasis on critical thinking and complex problem-solving.

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

However…• Which skills do recruiters think college grads

need to improve the most?– critical thinking– problem solving skills– the ability to think independently (Wall Street Journal,

Sept 12, 2010).• “MBA’s are taught frameworks and models…the

problem is that we don’t teach those models in ways that encourage students to actually think critically about the world.” (Martin, 2010, BusinessWeek)

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

Can Critical Thinking be Learned?

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

Attributes of a Strong Critical Thinker

Intellectually Curious

Creative and Forward-looking

Humble and Empathic

Persistent, Patient, and Disciplined

Introspective with a

Learning Orientation

Logical and Rational

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

What Enables the Development of Critical Thinking Skills

Individual dispositionSocialization

Peer pressurePractice

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

Identify, gather and analyze relevant information to understand the context. Is the issue:

• A problem for which we need to identify a root cause? • A decision for which we need to make a choice?• A implementation issue for which we want to either optimize

the likelihood of implementation or fully develop what we are implementing?

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

Framing the Issue(s)

• First, work on divergent thinking– Areas of importance– Stakeholders– Assumptions and uncertainties– Ethical issues– See possible questions to consider.

• Then, move to convergent thinking– Can you create a succinct statement about

the issue?

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

Brainstorm about all of the possible approaches that could address the issue(s).

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

Recognize Possible Approaches

• Focus on divergent thinking– Alternatives versus criteria– Costs, limitations, implications, unintended

consequences?– Control issues– Ethical issues– What could cause each approach to fail?

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

Consider which approaches best address the issue(s).

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

Optimize the Focus

• Focus on convergent thinking– Is there one best approach or a combination

of approaches? – When and how to implement?– What might go wrong?– To whom, when, and how will the information

be communicated?

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

Take the time to consider your critical thinking, both the process and the outcome.

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

Grow by Reflecting Back

• Consider the earlier steps in the FROGmodel– Frame the Issue– Recognize Possible Approaches– Optimize the Focus

• How did you do with each step?• What did you learn about your process?• What would you do differently next time?

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

The Good, the Bad, The UglyThe Ugly

You may have realized today that you’ve never thought about things this deeply.

The BadThis takes time, motivation, and practice.

The Good!You have the FROG model and professors who want to help you deepen your critical thinking skills!

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

Going Forward…Where will I use this?

• Core classes• Elective classes• Case competitions• Neeley & Associates• Interviews• Internships• Jobs• More sessions in START…

© 2015 Abbie J. Shipp, Ph.D.

We look forward to seeing your critical thinking in action

this year!