The critical thinking mindset

In leadership today, across any domain, critical thinking is essential and the most important skill today for leaders to lead organisations seamlessly with the best choice decisions. To come to think of it, critical thinking has become critical for success! Critical thinking is a learned skill and basically involves the ability of thinking with a crystal-clear unbiased vision to make decisions under pressure which are the best keeping organisational goals a priority. Actually, when you evolve to the critical thinking mindset, your natural responses to taking important decisions become better and more effective.

Michael Scriven, an American philosopher, defines critical thinking as “the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skilfully conceptualizing, applying, analysing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication as a guide to belief and action.” The critical thinking mindset needs an analytical quick thinking mind equipped to take quick and logical decisions. The two basic foundations of this mindset are a mature mind with deep thinking abilities and an empathetic nil bias logical approach.

Here are some practical pillars you need to create in your mind which will support the critical thinking mindset you would like to evolve to.

Are you here with the problem or with the solution?

Problem solving is the main component of any leader’s role. It is also the core of critical thinking. At any level of leadership, the leader expects their teams to understand the problem at hand in every dimension of its depth and bring the problem forth with possible remedial actions. This includes real and deep understanding of the problem and its causes, brainstorming for real time effective solutions and then selecting together the best in category solutions. The next step is as vital as getting to the bottom of the problem. Effective and dynamic implementation of the chosen solution with flexibility to change course mid path depending on two indicators. One the outcome versus expectations and two change in the nature of the problem, as change is indeed the only constant.

Deepen your critical thinking skills to become an auto response

Use the Socratic approach to stimulate your brain to inspire critical thinking as an auto response when you face problems you need to solve quickly and effectively. Ask yourself questions about the problem however banal or basic these questions sound. Challenge all assumptions or postulates for a thinking reboot. Learn to think of new ideas and solutions, remember the human mind can think of anything. We only use a very small percentage of the human brain usually. Another important state of your mind you need to develop to evolve into this mindset- An open mind. If you have a closed mind full of bias or you have and unsteady mind, drastic change is needed immediately, or you will flounder on the path of critical thinking. Remember the  saying ‘Curiosity killed the cat’? Actually curiosity fosters your development of critical thinking skills.

Leverage ‘SWOT analyses’ to fast track critical thinking

We are aware of SWOT and tend to use the term frequently in our work conversation. However leveraging SWOT in our workspace as a catapult to critical thinking propels you forward in acquiring and maintaining the critical thinking mindset. One caveat emptor though. The SWOT has to be based completely on facts and should be devoid of any bias. Look at the problem at hand like you would look at the mirror to see yourself. Strengths should basically be the top three real positives. Weaknesses should be viewed as three top inherent deep rooted shortcomings. Opportunities could be again the top three external beneficial factors and Threats top three external factors that could limit your problem solving efforts.

There are actually the 5Cs of the Critical thinking mindset which are- curiosity, creativity, clarity, consistency and commitment.

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” ― Socrates

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Amitesh Banerjee

Amitesh is a seasoned positive integrated communications disruptor with several years of multi- country/multi- domain experience. He has worked for reputed organisations in senior leadership positions including JWT, ITC, New Zealand Dairy Board, Seychelles Marketing Board, Perfect Relations, Genesis BCW, Adfactors, Della Group, H+K Strategies among others. Amitesh is Senior Vice President of Beanstalk Asia- a leading Integrated Marketing Communications firm.