Why Critical Thinking is Critical to High Performance Teams

A recent study by the Society of Human Resource Management posits that one of the technical skills most lacking in the workplace is data analysis. In terms of soft skills there are even more missing pieces such as problem solving, innovation, creativity, the ability to deal with complexity and ambiguity, communication, and critical thinking. Having this bit of information begs three questions. First, why are these elements of critical thinking important to you and your team?  Second, why are they missing? Third, if they are important, yet missing, how do you ensure that your team has the critical skill of critical thinking?

The Importance of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is part of the foundation of the other skills in the above list. The foundation to critical thinking comes from self-assessment. See this article, “The Importance of Self-Assessment” for further information. These skills are essential tools for any high-performance team (HPT). Making a business case for any of these on the list is a no brainer, so let’s examine a few on and not on the list.

Data Analysis – This article will not address the different types of data analyses. But one of the most common types of data are Key Performance Indicators or KPIs. HPTs need the ability to measure people and product performance, sales, the effectiveness of training programs, risk, shipping, and revenue, just to name a few.

Decision Making – Clearly, we make numerous decisions daily. Many small ones, some medium ones, and a few large ones that can have a great impact on an organization. One example might be to change locations. Think about all the activities, people affected, convenience or inconvenience to your customers, and so on. Other, even more complicated decisions, might be a merger, taking your business global, or bringing artificial intelligence into your mix of technology.

Dealing with Ambiguity – Just looking back over 2020 and 2021 should give you plenty of cause for pause and consider if your organization handles ambiguity well. Do your teams fall apart in the face of the unknown?  Does your culture embrace trends and change? The answers to these questions should give you a clue as to your team’s ability to embrace change.

Where is the Critical Thinking Store?

The bad news is there isn’t one, the good news is, it’s not that complicated to help team members become better critical thinkers. Here are a few ideas:

Opinions – Yes everyone has one and even better, allowing people to express theirs is a step in the right direction. Why? We call it allowing everyone to have a voice. Further, conversation, especially difficult ones, lead to better decision making.

Brainstorming – Often a fun part of training activities, brainstorming is also a powerful tool for thinking of the next new, creative, and innovative idea to propel your organization ahead of the competition. Being stagnant is the death knell for HPTs and successful organizations.

Training and Development – This topic often receives more talk than action, it is the first to be cut during a budget crisis and the last to add to a business or strategic plan. However, being a continuous learner helps an individual to become a better critical thinker and it helps an organization to create a culture of and for critical thinking.

Critical thinking is a critical tool in building HPTs and successful organizations. Let me help you build your HPT. Let's get started

Graphic Credit: BigStock.com