The Foundation for Critical Thinking defines CRITICAL THINKING as the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.

Sounds complex, but simply put, critical thinking is about meticulously processing information. Maybe you recall Critical Thinking as a Philosophy course in High School or College . . . 

Critical thinking skills are applicable to a wide range of problems, topics, theories, and questions. Developing a proficiency in this area of philosophy can prove to be helpful in many situations. Strong critical thinkers try their best to refrain from bias, avoid judging based on preconceived notions, suppressing prejudices and self -correcting for them. Critical thinking requires an immense amount of discipline. Above all, and more generally speaking, it requires one to have an open mind.

Quote: Critical thinking is not something you do once with an issue and then drop it. It requires that we update our knowledge as new information comes in. Time spent evaluating claims is not just time well spent. It should be considered part of an implicit bargain we've all made.

- Daniel Levitin

It can be a laborious process, but that’s the point. In a business setting, critical thinking can be used in all phases of strategic planning: when identifying market opportunities and trends, conducting a competitive analysis, performing a SWOT analysis and feedback management. Critical thinking is a 360-degree, full circle audit, so it also involves examining the outcomes, the product of decisions made, and then executing change where feasible.

Evaluating informational critically can make you a bit of a cynic. You’ll be able to see right through the bullsh*t ads for the next revolutionary iPhone release, miracle diet pill and/or get rich quick from home scheme. The public doesn’t think critically, and corporations, government and influential individuals take advantage of that; they rely on us being easily manipulated. Critical thinking is a skill that will set you apart from the majority, be a UNICORN!

So, how the hell do we even begin to think critically?! To begin, when approaching a situation, it’s important to understand the basics. What do you already know? How do you know that? What hypothesis are you trying to prove or disprove? Where are the gaps in your information and understanding? 

The value of gaining perspective and understanding different viewpoints can be impactful on their own, but when you have confidence in your convictions, courage and faith in our decision making, we become UNSTOPPABLE! 😊

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