Explains the importance of Critical Thinking in relation to career development

1. An essential skill for today’s Career Practitioner Clear and Critical Thinking

2. What is Critical Thinking? The PROCESS The NEED As the economy becomes more knowledge-based, the need for teaching people how to think and how to communicate is more pressing. In the 1980s the prevailing ethos was to work as hard as possible — now people are attempting to "work smart", which requires clearer, more creative thinking

3. Why Critical Thinking? One of the key successful components to creating a long and productive life is the ability to think clearly. For when you think about it, whatever it is you want to achieve, your foundation stone towards success or failure will be the quality of the thinking you put into it – Valerie Pierce, www.clearcriticalthinking.com

4. How: Thinking into Practice Logic – The ability to see that change is required. Imagination– The ability to bring about change in a way that is most productive and beneficial for you, your family or your business. Clear Focus – The most important skill of all - the ability to separate passion from emotion in your thinking. This is so because passionate people focus their thinking on getting their projects done. If there is a problem, they use their clear thinking to overcome that problem. However, when we are emotional we tend to focus our thinking on our identity with the project (our Ego) and not the project itself. So if we are emotional, instead of overcoming problems, we may well become overwhelmed by problems because we think the problems are too difficult for the ego to solve. Therefore it is most important to be passionate about the change you wish to achieve, as your passion for that task creates the energy to achieve. Being emotional, on the other hand, worrying about your abilities to bring about the change will only create stress. So to be productive and get things done, it is essential to be Passionate, and Not Emotional. Making Sense = Making Cents ($$$$)

5. What: S.C.R.A.P. Tool “It is not enough to have a good mind, the main thing is to use it well” (Descartes) S – State the situation (from the other view) C – State the complications (stick to Facts) R – State the resolution A – State the Action Plan P – State the Persuasive Argument

6. SCRAP Tool – Activity 1 Situation – There is major traffic congestion in a community where it is reknowned for it’s parklands. The residents know that the City has signed a contract to an Engineering firm to build a bridge to solve the problem. You are the residents view point.

7. Activity 1 – Suggested approach S – The City as a matter of urgency must commit resources to resolving the problem of traffic congestion. C – Factually research and state economic benefits of a tunnel rather than a bridge (Community profitability ie. toll booth system), Private business profitability, Social profitability. R – That the community would benefit economically more from building a tunnel rather than a bridge. A – Steps to take to implement action plan for building a tunnel P – That the parkland is a natural resource that is worth saving to ensure our community has this green space for years to come.

8. SCRAP Tool – put to the test Letter to the Irish Government regarding VAT tax. Irish Government’s response letter ‘Ms Pierce contends ‘that such has been the emphasis in the educational and business worlds on acquiring practical vocational skills, that the ability to reason clearly and impart ideas effectively is often neglected.’NY Times Article

9. Change Management for 2011 We cannot change our situation or other people, but we can change our own thinking to be more effective, to be more creative and to live better and longer lives. If we can influence, we may not have to negotiate SCRAP tool applies the three critical thinking skills of Logic, Imagination and Clear Focus to influence when we are faced with difficult situations or people. Will help us to embrace change, as we are change agents, in a time of change, requiring flexibility

10. Questions? Summary: Critical thinking clarifies goals, examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, accomplishes actions, and assesses conclusions

11. Contact Julie McMahon, CP Candidate Simon Fraser University Email: juliemariemcmahon@yahoo.ca Profile:http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/juliemcmahon/24/a0a/161