1. Critical & Creative Thinking
C/Maj Zach Bannon

2. Introduction Critical Thinking Creative Thinking
Definition and Importance
Universal Intellectual Standards
Elements of Thought
Modes of Thinking
Creative Thinking
Meaning and Uses
Tools for Creative Thinking

3. Critical Thinking
Definition: Critical thinking is self-guided, self-disciplined thinking which attempts to reason at the highest level of quality in a fair-minded way.
Uses of Critical Thinking
Planning
Problem Solving

4. Universal Intellectual Standards
Purpose: Values of logic that help leaders to think critically
Clarity - Accuracy
Precision - Relevance
Depth - Breadth
Logic

5. Elements of Thought
Every type of thinking follows basic structures known as elements of thought.
Reasoning has a purpose
Reasoning is an attempt to figure something out
Reasoning is based on assumptions or beliefs you take for granted
Reasoning has a point of view

6. Elements of Thought
Reasoning is based on data, information, and evidence
Reasoning is expressed through and shaped by concepts and ideas
Reasoning contains inferences by which we draw conclusions
Reasoning leads somewhere and has consequences

7. Modes of Thinking
Modes of thinking are the skills of critical thinking
Big picture thinking
Focused thinking
Realistic thinking
Shared thinking

8. Creative Thinking Meaning: concentration plus imagination Uses:
Planning
Creating new ideas
Varying it up

9. Tools for Creative Thinking
Tools to generate Ideas:
Brainstorming
Mind-Mapping
5 Whys
Tools to analyze a problem
Reversal
Headlines of the Future
Flowcharts

10. Tools for Creative Thinking
Tools to make a decision:
Multi-Voting
Weighted Pros & Cons
Gradual Voting

11. Conclusion
Critical thinking determines a leader’s effectiveness through:
Universal intellectual standards
Elements of thought
Modes of thinking
Creative thinking adds spice to your planning

12. Questions?