Author Michael Kallet Says the World Needs a Better "Thinking Toolbox"
Hoboken, NJ (PRWEB) April 14, 2014 -- In today’s ever-changing, fast paced, micro-macroeconomic world, what companies need most from their employees is productive, quality thinking. Successful employees solve problems. Valued managers and leaders make quality decisions and lead their teams, not just to “do,” but to “think.” In daily life, and at all levels of an organization, the ability to think critically sets us apart from those who don’t.
Just imagine if people thought a little better, a little differently? How many mistakes would be avoided? How many opportunities would be found? What if political leaders used critical thinking? Blackberry was the leader in smart phones but was too late to recognize the fast changing paradigm that Apple, Google’s Droid, and Samsung captured. Radio Shack is closing 1000 stores…could that have been avoided if their thinking was a bit different five or ten years ago?
Think Smarter: Critical Thinking to Improve Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills (WILEY; April 2014; Hardover & e-book; $25.00; ISBN: 978-1-118-72983-0) is a comprehensive guide to hone this much needed skill. Written by critical thinking trainer and coach Michael Kallet, CEO and founder of HeadScratchers (http://www.headscratchers.com), this book presents a pragmatic set of tools to apply critical thinking techniques to everyday business issues. As a former executive of a $500 million company, Kallet has real world experience in the application of critical thinking. Kallet said, “Critical Thinking isn’t rocket science, but we need a little coaching and a toolset to effectively apply it. That’s why I wrote this book. It augments everyone’s existing 'thinking toolkit' with additional ways to view problems and create solutions. For the novice critical thinker, it provides a framework that guides them through the process. For the accomplished critical thinker, it introduces new tools they can add to their existing toolkit.”
Think Smarter contains over 25 easy-to-learn techniques for thinking critically, and putting those techniques into practice. The result: clarity of issues and high confidence ideas to solve them. Filled with real world examples that demonstrate how the tools work in action, in addition to dozens of practice exercises applicable across industries and functions, Think Smarter is a versatile resource for individuals, managers, executives, students, and corporate training programs.
Thinking is the foundation of everything one does, but people rely largely on automatic thinking to process information, often resulting in misunderstandings and errors. Shifting over to critical thinking means thinking purposefully using a framework and toolset, and enabling thought processes that lead to better decisions, faster problem solving, and creative innovation. Think Smarter provides clear, actionable steps toward improving your critical thinking skills, plus exercises that clarify complex concepts by putting theory into practice. Features include:
• A comprehensive critical thinking framework
• Over twenty-five tools to help you think more critically
• Critical thinking implementation for functions and activities
• Examples of the real-world use of each tool
Learn what questions to ask, which mistakes to avoid, and how to uncover the real problem at hand. The book helps readers recognize assumptions that one can rely on versus those without merit, and helps train their brain to tick through one's mental toolbox to arrive at more innovative solutions. Critical thinking is the top skill on the wish list in the business world, and sharpening your ability can have profound affects throughout all facets of life. Think Smarter: Critical Thinking to Improve Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills provides a roadmap to more effective and productive thought.
About the Author
MICHAEL KALLET founded HeadScratchers in 2004 to train business professionals and leaders in critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, and creativity. Through workshops, webinars, and keynote speeches, he teaches people to apply critical thinking techniques to real world business challenges. Mike has held leadership positions in business environments ranging from ten-person startups to a $500 million public company.
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Melissa Torra, Wiley, http://www.wiley.com, +1 201-748-6834, [email protected]
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