Have you ever wondered why some people can process through a problem or challenge and find a solution, while others seem to struggle? Often it is related to how they approach the problem or how they critically think through their options.
The Importance of Critical Thinking
Lets take a closer look at this crucial skill that can make or break your business efforts. Critical thinking is identifying and evaluating evidence to guide decision-making. It is a disciplined thought process that is clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence.
Evidence Provides Clarity
A critical thinker uses in-depth analysis of evidence to make decisions and communicate beliefs clearly and accurately. While some challenges and difficulties can cause us to look inward for solutions, critical thinkers are open to new ideas and perspectives. For this reason, they are willing to challenge their beliefs and investigate competing evidence and even look to others for insight and advice.
[bctt tweet=”Misinformation or lack of being informed can lead to reactive emotions rather than reason guiding our thoughts. ” username=”JasonCarthen”]Misinformation Derails Progress
Critical thinking is important because much of our thinking is distorted, biased or uninformed on its own. This misinformation or lack of being informed can lead to reactive emotions rather than reason guiding our thoughts. In contrast, the process of critical thinking involves carefully acquiring and interpreting information and using it to reach a well-justified conclusion.
According to a recent Harvard Business article, four things point to an individual’s ability to critically think and have success:
- Question Assumptions
- Adopt Different Perspectives
- See Potential
- Manage Ambiguity
Relevance and Critical Thinking
Many employers view having critical thinking skills as more important than subject knowledge in an area. For this reason, critical thinking is a skill that is in high demand among organizations seeking quality team members. In fact, the earlier one develops critical think skills, the more productive he or she can be in the future.
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Critical Thinking and Changes in Business
Critical thinkers tend to be better prepared for the challenges of the modern work environment. For example, critical thinking is the best way to solve problems since it requires looking at an issue from several viewpoints before reaching a final conclusion. This skill separates innovators from followers, and helps neutralize the influence of an unsupported argument. The resultant outcomes are increased creativity, performance and literacy.
Foster a Culture of Critical Thinking
At the end of the day, critical thinkers must consider the contexts of every situation and think on multiple levels in order to come to objective conclusions. For your organization to be successful, leadership must create an atmosphere that encourages and rewards critical thinking.
Point of Clarity Quote:
Diversity: The Art of thinking independently together.
-Malcolm Forbes
