Paradigm Learning Releases New White Paper on Developing Critical Thinking Skills in Today's Leaders: No Room for Old-School Leadership Development in the New Normal

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – September 8, 2011- Paradigm Learning, a leading training and communications organization specializing in the design of business games, simulations, and Discovery Maps®, released a new white paper today about developing the critical thinking skills of today’s managers and leaders.

Many organizational leaders are not prepared to navigate their companies through the volatility of the “new normal” marketplace.

As global economies continue to recover from the instability of the past few years by reshaping how business is done, organizations will need to do things in new and innovative ways to be successful. But many studies indicate that current and emerging leaders often lack the critical thinking skills necessary to make good decisions within the context of the changing business landscape. This looming “leadership competency gap” will make it increasingly difficult for their companies to compete—and survive.

To close this gap, smart companies are investing in the training of managers throughout the organization in areas like critical thinking, business acumen, leadership accountability and big picture, holistic thinking.

Download this new white paper from Paradigm Learning, titled “Developing Critical Thinking in Today’s Leaders: No Room for Old-School Leadership in the New Normal,” which examines what critical thinking is, why it is needed by today’s managers and leaders and how learning leaders can use a discovery learning approach to accelerate learning and increase application and retention. In the article, author Catherine J. Rezak also overviews the importance of “context” as an adjunct to critical thinking skills.

“Now more than ever, business acumen is foundational to effective leadership. It is impossible to apply critical thinking skills to the business of making money without an understanding of the business drivers that connect day-to-day decisions and actions to key financial and strategic performance goals of the organization”.

For more information about discovery learning, or the programs and services used by Fortune 500 companies globally to develop managers and other organizational leaders, please visit www.ParadigmLearning.com.

About Paradigm Learning

Paradigm Learning is a leader in learning innovation, offering unique education and communication programs to organizations around the world. Its award-winning, classroom-based business games, simulations and Discovery Maps®, enhanced with online options, customizing and consulting services, have been used by leading companies since 1994. Paradigm Learning’s core methodology is discovery learning, a powerful educational approach that engages employees, accelerates learning and increases retention.

Fully customized programs and tailored off-the-shelf programs are available in areas like business acumen, talent leadership, employee alignment, leadership accountability, team building, project management, organizational change and change management.

The company’s flagship business acumen training program, Zodiak®: The Game of Business Finance and Strategy, has been conducted with over one million managers and employees worldwide.

About the Author

Catherine J. Rezak is chairman and co-founder of Paradigm Learning. With more than 25 years experience in the human resources consulting and training field, she has worked with Fortune 500 clients on issues including employee selection, leader assessment, management training, employee development, project management, customer service, financial literacy, team effectiveness and change management. She has appeared on CNN Financial News and has had articles published in such journals as Strategic Communication Management, The Journal of Organizational Excellence, Pfeiffer Annual Management Development, and Project Management Network.

This press release was distributed through PR Web by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed above.