Training Proposal for the Office of Executive Inspector General 9.19.25.pdf

Training Proposal for the Office of Executive Inspector General (OEIG)

Training Proposal Office of Executive Inspector General (OEIG)

Prepared by: Dr. Sean Bailey, PhD, CPLP, CBT | HBS Date: September 19, 2025

Session Title

Critical Thinking in Action: Using the RED Model to Improve Decisions, Reduce Conflict, and

Navigate Complexity

Overview

This proposal outlines a customized training session for the Office of Executive Inspector

General (OEIG) staff with practical tools to apply critical thinking in real-world scenarios across investigations, compliance reviews, internal communications, and public engagement. Using the

RED Model (Recognize Assumptions, Evaluate Arguments, Draw Conclusions), participants will build cognitive discipline, improve situational judgment, and better navigate difficult conversations or decisions.

To enrich and deepen this approach, the session will also incorporate De Bono’s Six Thinking

Hats as a complementary toolset. These six distinct thinking styles provide a structured, emotionally intelligent framework that helps participants explore their own biases, regulate emotional responses, and strengthen the RED model's application. The Six Hats framework reinforces personal reflection and perspective-taking, allowing participants to not only think critically, but also with awareness, empathy, and strategic agility.

The training includes interactive exercises, individual and group work, and application-based scenarios. Concepts from generational diversity and conflict de-escalation will be embedded to demonstrate how RED thinking, supported by the Six Hats, improves cross-functional communication and response management.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, participants will:

● Understand the RED Model of critical thinking and how it applies to their daily roles.

● Recognize personal and organizational assumptions that influence decisions.

● Evaluate the strength, relevance, and logic of arguments presented by others.

● Draw sound conclusions based on objective analysis, not bias or reactivity.

(Continued)

● Use the Six Thinking Hats to strengthen emotional intelligence, increase self-awareness, and recognize different cognitive modes.

● Apply RED thinking—supported by the Six Hats—to defuse tension in high-stress or high-conflict interactions.

● Use critical thinking to bridge generational communication gaps and increase clarity in decision-making.

Session Structure (2.5 hours)

0:00–0:15 — Opening & Framing

● Welcome & session goals

● Quick pre-assessment: "What influences how I make decisions under pressure?"

● Overview of RED Model + Introduction to Six Thinking Hats

0:15–0:40 — R: Recognize Assumptions + White & Red Hats

● Identifying hidden assumptions in case review, communication, and interactions

● White Hat: Focusing on facts & data

● Red Hat: Identifying emotional filters and intuitive reactions

● Small group exercise: "Assumption audit" on a workplace scenario

0:40–1:05 — E: Evaluate Arguments + Black & Yellow Hats

● Distinguishing fact vs. opinion vs. judgment

● Black Hat: Risk awareness and critical caution

● Yellow Hat: Optimism and value identification

● Paired activity: Analyze a sample argument and identify gaps or strengths

1:05–1:30 — D: Draw Conclusions + Green & Blue Hats

● Synthesizing information, weighing evidence, and avoiding snap judgments

● Green Hat: Creative alternatives and broader perspectives

● Blue Hat: Meta-cognition and process control

● Case simulation: High-stakes decision with ambiguous input

1:30–1:55 — RED in Action: Application Lab

● Choose-your-own-scenario exercise:

○ Option A: Managing a frustrated caller (de-escalation)

○ Option B: Bridging generational miscommunication

○ Option C: Assessing a politically sensitive complaint

● Teams apply RED and the Six Hats to analyze and present conclusions

1:55–2:10 — Group Reflection & Wrap-Up

● What changed about how I approached the scenario?

● Personal RED commitment: How will I use this next week?

● Post-assessment: Changes in confidence, awareness, or strategy

Success Measure

Participants leave with:

● A clear, repeatable mental model (RED) for better decision-making

● The ability to spot and manage their own biases and emotional tendencies

● Tools for clearer thinking under stress

● Confidence in applying critical thinking to real OEIG challenges

Creating an Authentic Learning Environment

To reinforce practical application and relevance, the training will include:

● Real, Anonymous Case Scenarios: Participants will engage with authentic examples of both effective and ineffective first contacts and patron interactions. These examples will be anonymized and curated in collaboration with OEIG leadership. This ensures exercises are directly relevant to the day-to-day challenges staff experience.

● Interactive Learning Stations: The room will be arranged to support movement and hands-on participation. Rotational stations will allow small groups to work through scenarios, practice communication styles, test de-escalation techniques, and reflect on outcomes.

● Live Problem-Solving: Participants will work through real-time problem sets based on issues drawn from OEIG’s work. This creates a collaborative environment where teams learn from each other and apply the session concepts to the kinds of dilemmas they’re most likely to encounter.

● Additional Training Support: Given the expected audience size, an additional training staff member will be included to support small-group facilitation and ensure participants receive the attention they need to fully engage with and practice each exercise.

This authentic, interactive format ensures that learning is actionable—not theoretical—and reflects the complexity of OEIG’s mission and day-to-day responsibilities.

About the Facilitator

Dr. Sean Bailey, PhD, CBT, brings over 20 years of experience in federal law enforcement, military intelligence, and behavioral science. His credentials include:

✓ Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, with clinical experience supporting veterans managing PTSD and Substance Use Disorders

✓ Former curriculum designer and trainer for the FBI (Quantico)

✓ Interrogation specialist with the U.S. Marine Corps

✓ Special counsel to the National Security Agency (NSA)

✓ International training and advisory roles with NATO across 17 countries

Dr. Bailey utilizes his expertise to help participants understand why we behave the way we do under pressure, and how to adjust those behaviors to achieve more productive, intentional outcomes. His sessions are designed to build self-awareness, reduce reactive patterns, and empower individuals with tools they can immediately apply. His facilitation style avoids passive lectures in favor of interactive exercises, reflective discussion, and mission-driven results.

His background allows him to bridge theory and practice in a way that connects deeply with professionals in high-stakes roles.

Pricing

● Flat/Standard Rate: $5,999

This includes all preparation, delivery, and customized materials.

● Discounts to apply

○ First time customer

○ Non-profit discount

● Support Staff: Due to the audience size, a second training staff member will accompany the session to support facilitation, ensure breakout engagement, and manage group debriefs.

Grand total = $4,999

*Price includes development, travel, materials, delivery of sessions (one instructor, and one facilitator) and a post-session survey