Critical thinking in leadership

Results

• You recognise your own thinking patterns and understand the difference between System 1 and System 2
• You apply the Decision Quality framework to complex decisions
• You identify cognitive biases and reasoning errors in yourself and others
• You develop reflective techniques for more conscious decision-making
• You ask incisive questions to deepen insight and sharpen thinking
• You analyse complex situations systematically
• You embed critical thinking in your day-to-day leadership practice

Target audience

This training has been developed for strategic leaders who want to sharpen their thinking skills and approach complex decision-making processes with greater awareness. Whether you are a director, senior manager, department head or team leader, this programme helps you to reason more analytically and independently in challenging situations.

Content

As a strategic leader, you make decisions under pressure every day. In this training, you develop critical thinking skills and learn to reason more consciously, analytically, and independently. You discover how to make better choices by avoiding cognitive biases and systematically navigating complex situations.

The training was developed by Philip Eskenazi, an expert in critical thinking. Drawing on insights from cognitive psychology, including Daniel Kahneman’s System 1 and System 2, you learn how to recognise and influence thinking patterns while working with proven methodologies.

Through realistic scenarios, you practise applying these techniques to your own leadership practice. From strategic planning to stakeholder dialogue, you train your thinking skills in a safe, interactive learning environment, strengthening your decision-making capability, mental sharpness, and professional composure as a leader.

• Introduction to critical thinking: definition, relevance, and applications
• System 1 and System 2 (Daniel Kahneman): how the brain makes decisions
• Cognitive biases and cognitive pitfalls: recognising and preventing them in leadership contexts
• The Decision Quality framework (Stanford University): a structured approach to better decision-making
• Reflective techniques: developing awareness of your own thinking patterns
• Questioning techniques: asking the right questions to gain deeper insight
• Analytical reasoning: systematically working through complex problems
• Independent thinking: resisting group pressure and social influence
• Application in strategic situations: putting critical thinking into practice

The training consists of two consecutive days, from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. This intensive format allows you to fully immerse yourself in the subject matter and practise applying the techniques you learn straight away. The consecutive structure enables you to build your thinking capability systematically and gives you time to reflect on new insights. Self-study time commitment: approximately 12 hours.

The maximum group size for the training course is 12 participants.

Certificate

On completion of the training course and subject to attendance and active participation, Schouten & Nelissen will award a certificate. Our certificates are highly regarded in the business community.

Training course

The price of this course is € 1.699,00 (excl. 21% VAT). 

Do you pay the invoice yourself? Then you automatically get a beneficial advantage. Instead of a 21% VAT charge, you only receive a 10% fee. Your course price will then be € 1.868,90.

Course material

The price for the course materials is € 89,95 (excl. VAT). You will receive:

• Personal licence for learning environment

Facility costs

The price for the use of the accommodation, coffee/tea and a varied lunch is € 160,00 (excl. VAT).