INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE
In a world marked by rapid change, complex challenges, and constant disruption, organizations need leaders who can think critically, foster innovation, and inspire creativity. The Leading with Critical Thinking, Creativity and Innovation training course is designed for forward-thinking managers and professionals who aspire to become catalysts for change within their teams and organizations.
This dynamic 5-day training course empowers participants with practical tools and insights rooted in innovation management theories, design thinking principles, and agile working methods. Participants will explore how to challenge assumptions, encourage debate, promote open collaboration, and convert fresh ideas into impactful solutions. The training course also emphasizes fostering a culture of creativity, embracing productive risk-taking, and developing lean, innovation-friendly work habits.
By combining expert-led discussions, group activities, and real-world case studies, this course builds the mindset and capabilities needed to lead transformation confidently and effectively.
This Leading with Critical Thinking, Creativity and Innovation training course will highlight:
- Why innovation is essential in today’s evolving business landscape
- How design thinking and critical analysis uncover breakthrough solutions
- Strategy tools and business canvases for planning innovative initiatives
- Encouraging open debate, risk tolerance, and fail-fast learning cultures
- Leveraging open innovation and external relationships for greater impact
- Promoting productivity, overcoming procrastination, and leading by example
- Practical frameworks to lead conversations that ignite innovation
COURSE DETAILS
Objectives
By the end of this Leading with Critical Thinking, Creativity and Innovation training course, participants will be able to:
- Engage in strategic discussions on innovation and organizational change
- Develop business models and plans for new initiatives and opportunities
- Encourage creative thinking and collaborative team dynamics
- Apply leadership techniques that promote open dialogue and innovation
- Foster agile work habits that accelerate delivery and drive results
Training Methodology
This training course is designed for active and motivated managers who are willing to contribute to business conversation. In a confidential and professional setting, where debate is encouraged and respected, they are expected to bring their own thoughts to the discussions on challenges and opportunities we face. Those that contribute and engage fully in material and team exercises will gain the most.
The training course will blend  learning formats that will stimulate and stretch participants, including simple tests, formal seminar style presentations from trainer structured and informal discussions, along with solo work, group exercises and case studies, to allow the time to encourage critical thinking and reflection. Workshops and content will use a mix of printed material, slides and videos.
Organisational Impact
Organizations that invest in this training course will benefit from leaders who are better equipped to:
- Contribute to strategic innovation and critical planning discussions
- Embed creative thinking into daily operations and business processes
- Drive cultural change toward innovation and agile responsiveness
- Support teams with tools to generate and execute new ideas
- Initiate and lead innovation models that strengthen competitive advantage
Personal Impact
By attending this training course, participants will gain powerful leadership competencies and personal growth opportunities, including:
- Enhanced confidence in contributing to innovation at the executive level
- Recognition as a leader who drives creativity and change within the organization
- Greater strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities
- Deeper self-awareness of one’s creative leadership style
- Broader insights into cross-industry innovation and cultural transformation
Who should Attend?
This training course is designed broadly for a range of talented managers across the organization who are expected to be involved in new products, services and processes and who are being tasked to drive change and new ways of working..
This KC Academy Leading with Critical Thinking, Creativity and Innovation training course is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:
- Managers tasked with driving new products, services and processes.
- Commercial, technical (it) or operational areas involved in change projects.
- Professionals advising on innovation projects (e.g., lawyers, accountants, HR)
- General managers involved in business development, sales and customer service.
- Managers promoting change and wanting to build more creativity in their teams.
DAILY AGENDA
DAY 1: The Innovation Challenge – Leading in Times of Uncertainty.
- Why Innovation? Organizational Change And Leadership in Context.
- Understanding Innovation Horizons, Oceans and Funnels.
- Sensing And Responding to Trends and Changes In Our Environment.
- Classic Environmental Scanning Tools and Methods of Analysis
- Traditional R&D And Product Life Cycles
DAY 2: The Business Challenge – Moving Away From Comfort
- Systems Thinking Thinking Fast and Slow Design Thinking.
- The Business Case Essentials – Corporate Intrapreneurship.
- Developing and Challenging The Business Model.
- Lean Strategy and Agile Methods.
- Building, Testing, Learning And Failing Fast.
DAY 3: The Creative Challenge – Encouraging Risk And New Ideas
- The Creative Process: Where Do Good Ideas Come From?
- Creative Teams, Creative Culture – And Creative Conflicts.
- Ways to Encourage More Creative Work and Better Meetings.
- Encouraging The Deep Work and Avoiding Procrastination and Bureaucracy.
- Open Innovation – Using Alliances, Networks, Suppliers And Partners To Innovate.
DAY 4: The Leadership Challenge – Developing Talent and Delivering Results.
- Understanding Personality and Our Style of Leadership.
- The Leader As Servant – Being Adaptive and Authentic.
- The Art of Persuasion – Selling Your Ideas.
- Talent Management – Recruiting The Team and Raising Competencies.
- Improving Performance And Attitudes – The Use of Coaching and Feedback
DAY 5: The Productive Challenge – Taking The Next Steps.
- Incremental Gains: Making Small Changes That Make A Big Difference.
- Project Management – Balancing Risks and Innovation Measures.
- Learning From Successful Organizations.
- From Good Organization To Great Organization.
- Your Innovation Leadership and Direction.
Certificate
- On successful completion of this training course, KC Academy Certificate will be awarded to the delegates.