Critical thinking is an essential life skill that we all need. This article reviews how we can think critically without criticising! We all problem solve and make decisions every day meaning that we're critical thinkers without even knowing it. To be a critical thinker you will need to have an open mind.
Critical thinking is the process of using the information, experience and observation available to you to guide your decisions and actions. Be skeptical - challenge the information presented to you and talk things through.
Being a critical thinker can lead to having additional key skills including; problem solving, creativity, innovation, and decision making.
To be a critical thinker you need to challenge the information that you have, look for diverging views and bring them in to your conversations. Diverse views will lead to open thinking, if a group or team all share the same view you risk heading into 'group think', with consistent agreement and potential stagnation.
What skills do you need to think critically?
- Curiosity - explore alternative approaches and ask relevant questions.
- Active listening - to engage fully we need to actively listen to what's happening around us.
- Information gathering - Be open to where and how you find information and different approaches, don't limit yourself to what you already know.
- Self-awareness - Practicing self-awareness will allow you to reflect on the beliefs you have and the choices you make. This will prepare you to challenge your own thinking and and make better decisions.
- Analysis - Observe and review the information that you gather. Ask questions- What does the evidence point to, what are the key findings and take-aways?
- Observation - Look for the details within the information. Use your powers of observation to notice trends or similarities in the information.
- Evaluate - Challenge the information that you find and rationalise your arguments. Once you have considered all of the arguments you will make an informed decision. Step back and review your decision from the bigger picture.
Reflection
- Are you a critical thinker?
- What skills do you think you need to develop to think critically?
- How can you apply this learning in your team?
