CRITICAL THINKING & NEGOTIATION SKILLS
Sharpening Decision-Making and Influence Through Analytical Thinking and Strategic Dialogue
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Course Schedule
| Date | Venue | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| 13 – 14 Feb 2025 | Dubai, UAE | USD 1995 per delegate |
| 04 – 05 Mar 2025 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | USD 1995 per delegate |
Course Introduction
In today’s fast-paced and high-stakes business world, success often hinges on two key skills: the ability to think critically and the ability to negotiate effectively. Professionals are constantly making decisions that require accurate analysis, logical reasoning, and the ability to persuade and influence others.
This 2-day course integrates proven methodologies for sharpening critical thinking with practical negotiation strategies. Participants will learn how to analyze information objectively, formulate well-reasoned arguments, and conduct negotiations that build long-term value while achieving desired outcomes. The training is highly interactive, featuring real-world scenarios, structured debates, and negotiation simulations.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Apply structured critical thinking techniques to assess situations and make sound decisions
• Recognize biases, assumptions, and fallacies in reasoning
• Prepare for and conduct win-win negotiations in various business contexts
• Manage difficult negotiation dynamics and overcome impasses
• Build confidence in persuasive communication and value-based negotiation
Key Benefits of Attending
• Improve clarity and confidence in decision-making
• Strengthen your ability to analyze arguments and data
• Gain tools for preparing and executing successful negotiations
• Learn techniques for influencing without manipulation
• Increase your ability to resolve disputes and build lasting agreements
Intended Audience
This program is designed for:
• Professionals involved in decision-making, leadership, or negotiation roles
• Project managers, team leaders, and department heads
• Procurement, sales, HR, and legal professionals
• Anyone who participates in internal or external negotiations
Individual Benefits
Key competencies that will be developed include:
• Enhanced logical reasoning and analytical thinking
• Improved self-awareness of personal biases and decision traps
• Practical tools to plan, structure, and conduct negotiations
• Greater confidence in influencing and persuading others
• Strengthened emotional intelligence in high-pressure scenarios
Organization Benefits
Upon completing the training course, participants will demonstrate:
• Stronger decision-making at all levels of the organization
• More effective negotiations leading to improved contracts and partnerships
• Reduced conflict and better interdepartmental collaboration
• Increased problem-solving capability and adaptability
• Enhanced communication culture based on logic and mutual value
Instructional Methdology
The course follows a blended learning approach combining theory with practice:
• Strategy Briefings – Frameworks for critical thinking and principled negotiation
• Case Studies – Analysis of real-world negotiations and decision dilemmas
• Workshops – Group exercises on logic application and structured reasoning
• Peer Exchange – Debate formats and negotiation role-play scenarios
• Tools – Thinking maps, planning templates, and persuasion checklists
Course Outline
DETAILED 2-DAY COURSE OUTLINE
Training Hours: 07:30 AM – 03:30 PM
Daily Format: 3–4 Learning Modules | Coffee breaks: 09:30 & 11:15 | Lunch Buffet: 01:00 – 02:00
Day 1: Critical Thinking for Effective Decision-Making
Module 1: Foundations of Critical Thinking (07:30 – 09:30)
• Definition and elements of critical thinking
• The role of logic, reason, and analysis in problem-solving
• Overcoming cognitive biases and mental shortcuts
Module 2: Structuring Thought Processes (09:45 – 11:15)
• Using critical thinking frameworks (Socratic questioning, SWOT, etc.)
• Argument structure and identifying assumptions
• Evaluating evidence and reasoning
Module 3: Application in Business Contexts (11:30 – 01:00)
• Case study: evaluating proposals, reports, and decisions
• Common pitfalls in workplace thinking
• Team-based analysis and feedback
Module 4: Critical Thinking Workshop (02:00 – 03:30)
• Real-time exercises to dissect arguments and test logic
• Structured group debates
• Trainer feedback and discussion
Day 2: Negotiation Strategy and Execution
Module 1: Principles of Effective Negotiation (07:30 – 09:30)
• Distributive vs. integrative negotiation
• BATNA, reservation price, and ZOPA explained
• Key phases of the negotiation process
Module 2: Communication and Persuasion (09:45 – 11:15)
• Non-verbal communication and listening skills
• Framing proposals and handling objections
• Building rapport and trust in negotiation
Module 3: Handling Difficult Situations (11:30 – 01:00)
• Managing conflict, emotions, and power dynamics
• Tactics used in negotiation—and how to counter them
• Maintaining professionalism under pressure
Module 4: Negotiation Simulation (02:00 – 03:30)
• Live role-play exercise simulating a business negotiation
• Team reflection and feedback from facilitator
• Final lessons and personal action plans
Certification
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in Critical Thinking & Negotiation Skills, confirming their ability to make sound decisions, analyze complex issues, and conduct strategic negotiations that deliver sustainable outcomes in professional environments.