Think Outside the Box: Building Critical Thinking Skills Together

Many individuals find themselves caught in the tension between conformity and independent thought, feeling pressured to align with group opinions. This struggle can stifle innovation and lead to poor decision-making, ultimately hindering personal and organizational growth. Solutions such as implementing training programs that emphasize critical thinking skills have been suggested, but they often encounter obstacles like limited buy-in from leadership and varying levels of engagement among participants. How can we create an environment that nurtures independent thought and robust dialogue without undermining team cohesion and collaboration?

• What are some common signs that groupthink is occurring within a team or organization, and how can we recognize it early?
• How do our personal biases and assumptions influence our ability to think critically? What strategies can help mitigate this?
• What role does diversity of thought play in enhancing critical thinking, and how can we ensure it is genuinely valued in group settings?
• How can we create an environment where dissenting opinions are encouraged and respected without causing conflict or division?
• What are some effective techniques for challenging our own assumptions and those of others during discussions or decision-making?

Encourage critical thinking with 3 questions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hoE8mtUS1E

How to think, not what to think
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dluwVks444

Episode 1.1: What is Critical Thinking?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0yEAE5owWw

What is Group Think? ...and How to Prevent it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGGMf41K24Y

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In addition to the main topic (above), we also provide breakout rooms at 8pm as follows:
“Applied Practical Philosophy” – philosophy and its applications
“Town Square” – politics and current events
“Conference Room” – open for anything
“The Lounge” – light social chat