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Great entrepreneurs are able to question widely held beliefs, make connections between seemingly disparate ideas, and essentially see what no one else can.
This is what is called critical thinking, and you don’t have to be born with it, it’s a learned skill. There are many experts available for one-on-one mentoring sessions who can help you look at things differently, whether it’s coming up with new ideas or solving old problems. Allie Webb, founder of Drybar, and Jason Pfeiffer, editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur magazine, are two experts in the field who are now available for one-on-one video calls through the Intro Expert Platform.
Related: Search our database of business experts available for one-on-one video calls to help you succeed
Why is critical thinking important?
Critical thinking allows individuals to objectively analyze information, identify and evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions.
SolutionCritical thinking helps you approach problems in a structured and systematic way. This is when you put on your consultant hat with a systematic process; Define the problem -> gather information -> analyze the information -> identify possible solutions -> implement -> evaluate -> make adjustments. By evaluating the different options and weighing their strengths and weaknesses, you can arrive at an effective solution.
Decision makingEffective decision-making requires the ability to evaluate information, weigh the pros and cons, and come to an informed conclusion. Critical thinking skills are essential for making informed choices in both personal and professional settings.
Effective communicationThis starts with active listening. By analyzing information and arguments, you can articulate your thoughts and ideas more clearly and persuasively.
Tips for improving your critical thinking skills
Engage in questioning5 Why’s is a problem solving method used to uncover the root cause of a problem by asking “why” questions. The idea is to keep asking “why” until the root cause is discovered. Here’s how to apply the 5 Whys.
- Define the problem clearly. Find out what’s going on and what needs to be fixed.
- Ask “Why” questions. Ask “Why” the problem occurs and record the answer. Repeat this step five times.
- Analyze the answers. Evaluate the responses and see if they provide insights into the root cause of the problem.
- Identify the root cause. Use the answers to identify the root cause of the problem.
- Develop a solution. use root cause understanding to develop a solution to the problem.
Seek out new information and different perspectivesBe informed and exposed to different opinions, perspectives and sources of information. This will help you expand your understanding of the world and improve your critical thinking skills.
Analyze the argumentsLook for logical fallacies, flaws in reasoning, and bias when evaluating arguments. This will help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of the argument and come to an informed conclusion.
Think about your own thinkingTake time to reflect on your own thoughts and beliefs. Consider how your experiences and background might influence your perspective.
The ability to think critically is rare. And vital. By developing this skill, you can raise your ceiling. You can become a better problem solver, a more effective communicator, and a more valuable employee. The world is constantly changing and evolving, and by adopting critical thinking, we can adapt and thrive to meet new challenges.
Let’s make critical thinking the cornerstone of the modern workplace.