Developing Cognitive Readiness and Critical Thinking

Developing Cognitive Readiness Competencies & Critical Thinking Skills

Introduction

In a VUCA world what is needed is Cognitive Readiness: the preparedness and agility to handle the situation at hand and still prevail. Chief among the new VUCA-related competencies that leaders need to develop is a high level of Cognitive Readiness, which is the mental, emotional, and interpersonal preparedness for uncertainty and risk.

Organizations are prioritizing the development of Cognitive Readiness as one of their priorities for leading in a VUCA business environment. This may reflect recognition of its importance for current and emerging leaders and a serious commitment to developing these mental capabilities, or it may simply reflect curiosity about the latest leadership development topic and a desire to avoid being left behind. Either way, two issues are present. First, organizations will need to think creatively about the processes they employ to accelerate the development of Cognitive Readiness in High Potential Leaders. Second, organizations may want to explain why, in practice, Cognitive Readiness is important to their success and then define in much greater depth their expectations of perspective.

- Prof Sattar Bawany (2023) - Leadership in Disruptive Times: Negotiating the New Balance

Importance of Cognitive Readiness in a VUCA World

Traditional Critical Thinking is the ability to recognize assumptions, evaluate arguments and draw conclusions. The traditional Critical Thinking competencies typically include strategic thinking, creative thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. The 2021-2024 “Trends in Executive Development – A Benchmark Report” by Executive Development Associates (EDA) has defined Cognitive Readiness, on the other hand, as the mental, emotional, and interpersonal preparedness for uncertainty and risk. It complements Critical Thinking by emphasizing non-rational, non-logical skills.

Executive Development Associates (EDA) has defined Paragon7 which consists of the following Cognitive Readiness Competencies:

• Mental Cognition: Recognize and regulate your thoughts and emotions

• Attentional Control: Manage and focus your attention

• Sensemaking: Connect the dots and see the bigger picture

• Intuition: Check your gut, but don’t let it rule your mind

• Problem-Solving: Use analytical and creative methods to resolve a challenge

• Adaptability: Be willing and able to change, with shifting conditions

• Communication: Inspire others to action; Create fluid communication pathways

Overall, heightened Cognitive Readiness allows leaders to maintain a better sense of self-control in stressful situations.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this Masterclass, the participant will be able to better appreciate and/or understand the importance of developing their cognitive readiness and critical thinking skills which would be of great relevance and importance in problem-solving and decision-making in their roles as a leader in a highly disruptive VUCA World.

The program incorporates a number of unique features and works on a number of levels. It is specifically aimed at enhancing and developing the skills, knowledge, and behaviors of the participants.

The participants will develop their understanding of Leadership Effectiveness and how it will lead to a creation of a sustainable competitive advantage for their respective organizations through the development of an organizational climate that will contribute towards enhancing employee engagement and productivity during challenging times when operating in a disruptive VUCA business environment.