Empower Your Success: The Essence of Critical Thinking

In the early 1900s, automobiles were expensive commodities but Henry Ford sought to make the motor car accessible to all. He designed a simple but sturdy car- the Model T. Though the Model T was less expensive than the other cars of the time, it still wasn’t accessible for the common man. First, Ford looked into why this was and identified the key problem points: the lack of efficiency, the use of custom-made parts, and the skilled labor scarcity. Then, he came up with solutions to these challenges:

• Interchangeable parts that fit every Model T car- boosted efficiency and reduced the need for skilled labor.
• Moving assembly lines- reduced the efforts and time taken to manufacture
• Division of labor- to reduce skilling needs
• Increased labor wages- so that they eventually join his consumer base

In just a few years of these solutions being implemented, Ford was able to manufacture cars at a record-breaking pace and affordable prices. Soon, his own laborers were able to buy Model T cars.

This is an example of critical thinking- a potent weapon for not just problem-solving, but also for innovation.

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to:

• Analyze information in an objective manner
• Draw reasonable conclusions from this analysis
• Make an informed judgment based on these conclusions

It is true: critical thinking belongs in the same ‘thinking’ lineup as creative thinking, design thinking, analytical thinking, lateral thinking, and systems thinking. What makes it different is that it is one of the most valued workplace skills. For instance, a 2020 survey ranked critical thinking in the second spot, only after team working skills.

How to think critically?

1. Lead with Questions: When approaching a problem, make it a habit to question everything. The objective of these questions must be to deepen your understanding. This is called the Socratic thinking approach. This helps remove biases and gain clarity.
2. Explore Diverse Perspectives: Broaden your worldview by engaging with diverse viewpoints. An opportunity may be visible from one angle but not from another.
3. Practice Solving Problems: Regularly challenge yourself to solve puzzles, games and scenarios to keep your problem-solving abilities in top shape.
4. Complex Decision-making: Some situations put you in a spot. You have multiple factors feeding into and tied to your decision. In such situations, start by identifying and considering the various alternatives. Weigh the pros and cons and choose the most feasible one.
5. Reflect on the Past: They say don’t dwell in the past, but reflecting on your past experiences and decisions has valuable lessons for the future. Take note of where you made mistakes and which of your strategies worked well. You will find these insights useful when the time comes.
6. Cultivate a Learning Mindset: Take every opportunity to learn new information and techniques that could help you address challenges and innovate. This could take you places in both- personal and professional life.

Critical thinking is a must in your soft skill arsenal. Getting the right guidance can help you hone the right soft skills, including critical thinking, alongside your core domain skills.

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