Just Released

Each month the Reproducible Training Library is expanded with at least one new title. This month it’s a title that tops the list of critical skills cited by senior HR professionals.

Critical thinking is not about criticizing others—it’s understanding the problem, evaluating the evidence, and making logical and thoughtful decisions. It’s a skill that can help your organization find smart solutions to tricky problems, avoid emotional thinking and mistakes, and work together more efficiently.

According to a study by The Conference Board, 400 senior HR professionals ranked critical thinking as the number one skill employees need to know.

Critical Thinking Skills is available in Classroom ($399), e-Learning ($399), and e-Book ($99) versions. A bundle is available with all three versions ($599).

What is critical thinking?
Merely collecting information doesn’t constitute critical thinking, nor does evaluating information without investigating its reliability. Critical thinking is reasoned, reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe and what to do. It uses the identification and evaluation of evidence to guide decision making. Critical thinking requires acquiring information and thoughtfully evaluating it.

Why critical thinking is important
Critical thinking has many benefits individuals, teams, and organizations. Independent thinking, better decision making, systematic problem solving, and creativity are among just a few. It improves thought processes and the ability to:

• Detect inconsistencies and common mistakes in reasoning
• Recognize assumptions and biases
• Identify the importance and relevance of various ideas
• Reach well-reasoned conclusions and solutions

Characteristics of critical thinking skills
The purpose of critical thinking is not to be “right,” but to gather and assess the right information by practicing four characteristic skills:

• Curiosity
• Awareness
• Flexibility
• Common Sense

The key to becoming more curious is to remove all of your preconceived notions, banish your know-it-all attitude and take on a naïve approach—even when you consider yourself to be an expert. Let go of your everyday thinking and imagine you are hearing, seeing, and learning about the given topic for the very first time. Be willing to grasp and accept new ideas. Get rid of skepticism and negativity. Don’t allow pride or ego to get in the way, and don’t stubbornly cling to a position.
 
Awareness
Awareness is knowing what you know. It’s also knowing what you don’t know. Perhaps you’re familiar with the Johari Window, a concept developed in 1955 and named for its creators, Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham (shown in Figure 1 below.)

Recently Revised

The Reproducible Training Library is regularly undergoing improvement. This month, four titles have received important updates. Existing customers of the RTL receive special upgrade pricing on these titles when they use code RTLNEWS at checkout. Please call 800-633-4533 for details.


The Art of Effective Communication Classroom Version
Communication comes in many forms, including verbal, nonverbal, paraverbal, and even personal space. This two-day program helps individuals at all level to analyze their communication skills, understand hidden meanings, minimize conflict, and improve relationships. Available in classroom version only ($399).

 

Communication Skills for Emerging Leaders Classroom Version
Today's leaders need to be able to establish good lines of communication quickly and effectively. This program helps them to assess their own personality style, determine the most appropriate communication approach, and then practice the skills needed for powerful and effective leadership. Available in classroom version only ($399).


 
Communication Skills for Technical Professionals Classroom Version
Technical skills are only half of the equation. To be successful, technical professions also need to be excellent communicators. Help technical employees build rapport with others and learn how to communicate messages clearly and effectively with this instructor-led program. Available in classroom version only ($399).

 

The Team Foundation Classroom Version
In this day and age, organizations rely on teamwork to be successful. This program provides a solid base for organizations to create teams for specific tasks, prepare them for  the different stages of team development, and right-size the systems and processes needed to create a supportive working climate. Available in classroom version only ($399).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What do I get when I make my purchase?
A:  Within minutes of completing your order you will receive an email with a link giving you immediate access to your content. All files are provided to you in unlocked Microsoft Word® or Microsoft PowerPoint® formats. Simply follow the link to download your files to your hard drive, network, or intranet!
 
Q:  Are there annual renewal fees?
A:  Never! The materials you purchase may be used within your organization for as long as you like. There are no additional fees.
 
Q:  Can I add my company logo to the materials? What else can I customize?
A:  With the RTL, you may customize the materials as much—or as little as—you like. All of the files are provided to you “ready to use,” so you can deliver them as is or customize first.

Q:  How do I know the programs will deliver results?
A:  Just as with all HRDQ products, we stand behind the quality of the RTL. Its research-based classroom programs, e-learning content, and e-books were developed by OD professionals, so you can count on a top-notch training solution that provides a rich learning experience for your audience.
 
Q:  I read that the materials are “unlimited use.”  What does this mean?
A:  It means you can use the materials to train an unrestricted number of people within your organization. Reprint the materials again and again as needed. Customize the content for target audiences. Save multiple versions for future training sessions. The possibilities are endless, and the more you use the content, the greater its value becomes to you and your organization.

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About the Reproducible Training Library (RTL): The RTL is a comprehensive source for soft-skills content that’s downloadable, customizable, reproducible, and affordable. Titles come in three formats, instructor-led classroom programs, self-study e-learning, and e-books, and on today’s most in-demand topics, such as communication, leadership, team building, negotiating, and more. Learn more
 
About this newsletter: Reproducible Training News is designed for current clients of the Reproducible Training Library. Our goal is to keep you up to date on new titles, revisions, and helpful tips.