Introduction

HR professionals are expected to make sound decisions, solve workplace problems effectively, evaluate information critically, and contribute strategically to organisational success. As businesses face digital transformation, workforce disruptions, AI-driven changes, economic uncertainty, and evolving employee expectations, HR practitioners can no longer rely solely on traditional HR practices or routine decision-making processes. Critical thinking has become one of the most essential competencies for modern HR professionals.

Critical thinking enables HR professionals to analyse situations objectively, evaluate evidence carefully, identify root causes, challenge assumptions, make informed decisions, and develop practical solutions to workplace issues. Whether managing employee conflicts, conducting investigations, evaluating HR policies, handling performance issues, interpreting employment legislation, or supporting organisational transformation, strong critical thinking skills help HR practitioners navigate complex challenges with greater confidence and effectiveness.

This one day course is designed to equip HR practitioners, managers, and business leaders with practical analytical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and reasoning skills that can be directly applied in workplace and HR environments. The highly interactive and practical programme also helps participants strengthen their ability to think strategically, analyse problems systematically, and make better HR and business decisions. As AI increasingly transforms HR operations and workplace decision-making, participants will also learn how AI tools can support analytical thinking and HR problem-solving.

Course Details: 

Learning Objectives

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and importance of critical thinking in HR.

• Develop structured and logical thinking approaches.

• Analyse workplace problems systematically and objectively.

• Identify assumptions, biases, and flawed reasoning.

• Evaluate information, evidence, and data critically.

• Improve problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

• Apply analytical thinking to HR and workplace issues.

• Strengthen judgment and reasoning skills.

• Improve communication and questioning techniques.

• Make more balanced and evidence-based HR decisions.

• Handle workplace conflicts and complex HR situations more effectively.

• Improve strategic thinking and organisational contribution.

• Strengthen adaptability and decision-making in rapidly changing environments.

• Use of AI-assisted decision-making in HR.

Outline

1. Introduction to Critical Thinking

• Definition and key elements of critical thinking

• Importance and relevance of critical thinking in HR

• Barriers to effective critical thinking

 

2. Critical Thinking Process

• Identifying and clarifying issues

• Gathering and assessing relevant information

• Evaluating evidence and arguments

• Formulating logical conclusions and recommendations

 

3. Overcoming Biases and Assumptions

• Recognizing common cognitive biases in HR decision-making

• Techniques to mitigate biases and assumptions

• Practicing objectivity and neutrality in HR roles

 

4. Critical Thinking in Problem Solving and Decision-Making

• Structured problem-solving frameworks

• Real-world HR case studies and scenario analysis

• Effective decision-making strategies for HR issues

 

5. Enhancing Strategic Thinking and Innovation

• Applying critical thinking to strategic HR planning

• Encouraging innovative thinking in HR practices

• Aligning HR strategies with broader organizational goals

 

6. Cultivating a Critical Thinking Culture in HR

• Leading by example: Modelling critical thinking behaviors

• Training and coaching team members

• Creating policies and processes that promote reflective thinking

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures and group discussions

• Practical exercises and real-life case studies

• Role-playing scenarios and group activities

• Reflective exercises and group presentations

 

Who should attend

• HR Directors and HR Managers

• HR Business Partners

• HR Executives and Specialists

• Employee Relations Practitioners

• Learning & Development Professionals

• HR Operations Personnel

• Supervisors and Managers involved in people management

• Anyone seeking to improve workplace decision-making and analytical thinking skills

 

Benefits of Attending

Participants will gain:

• Stronger analytical and reasoning skills

• Improved workplace problem-solving capabilities

• Better decision-making confidence

• Enhanced ability to manage complex HR situations

• Greater objectivity and professionalism in HR practices

• Improved communication and questioning skills

• Stronger strategic thinking abilities

• Better understanding of AI-assisted risks and opportunities

Trainer

Michael Giam is an international business professional with decades of senior management experience working in highly complex and cross-cultural business environments. Michael’s international breadth of experience spans both in public institutions and private corporations focusing mainly on business fundamentals and human capital to establish clear and achievable strategic business goals.

From a Senior HR Business Partner to Senior Vice President, Michael has worked for several MNCs including CWT Distribution Limited (Singapore), International Data Corporation (USA), the Millennium & Copthorne International Hotels Group (Singapore), Marriott International (in China) and Melco China Resorts (Holding) Limited (Macau). In his tenure at CWT, Michael was appointed by the CEO as the Management Representative to lead in corporate culture development and change. He has developed, implemented and coached several action programs that were necessary in the development of a learning culture within the organization and beyond. In 2003, Michael was selected by the industry to become one of the Executive Committee Members representing the Singapore hospitality industry to provide value-added initiatives and plans to the local government in enhancing the skills and value of the local workforce. He is active in helping the community, especially those unemployed and in poverty to reskill them and bring them back to the workforce.

In recent years Michael worked in China for Marriott to open new properties and some of its flagship hotels. Michael also worked for the Society of Petroleum Engineers in Malaysia as their Asia Pacific Director of Operations responsible for organizing and managing industry-related MICE activities. In his tenure, he has also developed good relationship with key stakeholders and decision makers in many national oil companies and international oil and gas corporations. Michael also worked as an independent consultant handling several pre-opening and restructuring projects. This include assisting the GM in opening the first Wyndham flagship hotel in Singapore; worked as an interim General Manager to open an exclusive club for arts & culture professionals in Guangzhou; developed and implement a comprehensive strategic Customer Service Excellence Program for United Overseas Bank in China as well as providing professional HR service & consultation to the new rebranded Hotel Jen in Singapore.

Michael has always been interested to develop the next generation of talents and leaders. Since 1995, Michael has served as an adjunct faculty for several local and foreign universities as well as some adult learning institutions on topics including Human Resource Management, Coaching & Counselling, Business Contract & Maritime Law, Organizational Behavior, Customer Service Training and many others.

Michael received his MBA from an Australian University and holds an Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (Facilitated Learning). He is a registered Practicing Management Consultant (PMC), a recognized SkillsFuture Mentor for SMEs in Singapore and also a Certified Senior Professional with IHRP Singapore.

Administrative Details:

Scheduled Dates

• 8 December 2026  (Face-to-Face)  (2nd Run) - Confirmed

• 4 May 2027  (Face-to-Face)  (3rd Run)

Online/Virtual

• Available for in-company customised training

Duration / Venue

• One day

• 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

• Sheraton Towers Singapore  (2nd Run)

Certification

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded at the end of the course.

 

Cost

• S$ 566.80 w/GST (S$520.00) for Community/Corporate Subscriber

• S$ 599.50 w/GST (S$550.00) for Non-Subscriber

Funding

• Grants/Subsidies/SkillsFuture Credit are not applicable.

IHRP CPD Hours 

• 7

(Please refer to the IHRP website)

Refreshment

• Coffee & tea with snacks during the morning and afternoon breaks

• Lunch will be provided

Past Participants:

Past Participants' Comments

Past Participant Organisations

• Banque Pictet & Cie SA, Singapore Branch

• Big Box International Pte Ltd

• MOL Chemical Tankers Pte Ltd

• Mount Alvernia Hospital

• Seatrium (SG) Pte Ltd