2 -DAY PROGRAM OUTLINE

DAY 1 – Building Critical Thinking & Root Cause Mindset

Module 1: Why We Keep Solving the Wrong Problems

(Critical Thinking Foundation)

• Why problems keep repeating

• The cost of quick fixes

• Problem vs symptom vs noise

• Reactive thinking vs analytical thinking

Activity: “Same Problem, Different Day” identify recurring problems and why past solutions failed

Module 2: How Our Thinking Gets in the Way

(Biases & Assumptions)

• Assumptions, shortcuts & blind spots

• Emotional reactions to problems

• Authority bias & experience bias

• Why “I already know” is dangerous

Activity: Assumption Challenge – participants challenge hidden beliefs behind a problem

Module 3: Defining the Real Problem Clearly

(Problem Framing Skills)

• Writing a clear problem statement

• Separating facts from opinions

• Asking the right questions

• What the problem is vs what it is not

Activity: Teams rewrite poorly defined problems into clear, structured problem statements

Module 4: Introduction to Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

(Thinking in Layers)

• What is Root Cause Analysis

• When RCA works and when it doesn’t

• Linear vs systems thinking

• Cause-effect relationships

Activity: Cause Mapping Exercise (visual & physical mapping)

DAY 2 – Applying RCA Tools & Designing Solutions

Module 5: Root Cause Tools You Must Master

(Practical RCA Toolkit)

• 5 Whys (done properly)

• Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram

• Cause & Effect Chains

• When to stop asking “Why”

Activity: Group RCA Challenge using a realistic workplace case

Module 6: From Root Cause to Smart Solutions

(Solution Thinking)

• Why some solutions fail

• Solution vs countermeasure

• Fixing process, system, or behaviour

• Preventive vs corrective actions

Tools Introduced:

• Solution Evaluation Matrix

• Impact vs Effort Thinking

Activity: Teams design solutions and test if they truly address the root cause

Module 7: Decision Making Under Constraints

(Critical Judgement Skills)

• Making decisions with limited data

• Risk awareness

• Trade-offs & unintended consequences

• When “good enough” is better than perfect

Activity: Decision Simulation – choose solutions under time, cost, and people constraints

Module 8: Applying RCA to Real Workplace Problems

(Action & Transfer)

• Applying RCA to participants’ real issues

• Presenting analysis clearly to management

• Turning insights into action plans

Final Activity: Each team presents:

• The problem

• Root cause

• Chosen solution

• Preventive action

• Apply critical thinking to complex workplace problems

• Differentiate symptoms, cause, and root causes

• Use structured RCA tools confidently

• Avoid common thinking traps and assumptions

• Propose sustainable, actionable solutions

• Communicate problem analysis clearly to stakeholders