What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking refers to the ability to objectively analyze and evaluate an issue or situation in order to form a judgment. Too often confused with being critical, critical thinking is core to any leadership role.

It is the disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information gathered from observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication. As a soft skill, critical thinking involves a willingness to confront complexity, uncertainty, and ambiguity head-on, to make sense of difficult material, and to apply logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

In the workplace, critical thinking is the foundation of strategic planning, problem-solving, decision-making, and other key management functions. It requires an individual to not only gather all the relevant information but also to assess it for accuracy and relevance. Critical thinkers are skeptical of information presented to them, and they do not accept all arguments and conclusions at face value. Instead, they question the information, sources, and methods used to arrive at a particular conclusion, seeking to determine whether the arguments are valid and the conclusions are justified.

The critical thinker is curious, inquisitive, and open-minded, yet also skeptical and discerning. They are able to distinguish between facts and opinions, identify biases, recognize unstated assumptions, and evaluate the credibility of sources of information. Furthermore, critical thinking involves being able to construct and defend a reasoned argument, and to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively to others. It also includes the ability to reflect on one’s own beliefs and values, to recognize personal biases, and to understand how these can affect one’s conclusions.

Critical thinking as a soft skill is about being an active learner rather than a passive recipient of information, and it is a vital component of professional development and personal growth. It empowers individuals to make decisions that are logical, well-thought-out, and based on a thorough analysis of all available information, which is crucial in a rapidly changing and complex world.