Why Critical Thinking is Critical

There are many critical thinkers who have literally changed the world. A few examples are, Edwin Hubble, discovering that galaxies are expanding. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his “I have a dream speech” that still resonates and has impact after 50 years. Simone de Beauvoir arguing for the individuality and voice for women. And Madame C.J. Walker who was the first female black self-made millionaire. What have what these people did have to do with team and career building and how is critical thinking critical to both?

Good Questions

To begin, let’s examine the components of critical thinking each of these people were using to achieve their dates with destiny.
Edwin Hubble was busy collecting more evidence than anyone else. In other words, he kept peeling the layers off basic assumptions.
Martin Luther King, Jr. came up with a new strategy other than violence to solve a problem, spent time carefully structuring his argument for peaceful assembly, and took the time to understand how to influence others through this timeless speech and his talent to deliver it.
Simone de Beauvoir was busy challenging the status quo of societal thoughts and offer a different perspective.
Madame C.J. Walker, although born to slaves, who died early in her childhood, became a continuous learner, and accepted accountability for her own fate.

Each of these individuals are known for achieving great heights using a skill available to us all. Are we born critical thinkers? While some of us may have higher IQs, we can all learn how to think more critically just as we learn any other skill. This still begs the question, why is critical thinking critical to teams and careers?

High performing teams are highly desirable and essential for success in business. Teams are made up of individuals. Every individual can achieve great heights just as the individuals in the beginning of this article. Neither high performing teams nor individual great heights occur over night. How and where do we get started on the path to critical thinking?

How to Think More Critically

To answer the question in the earlier sentence, the idea “begin where you are with what you have now” comes to mind. If critical thinking was left out of your childhood or education, then now is the time to begin. If you do have critical thinking skills, you know to keep honing them. Let’s look at each of the elements above and unpack them.

Assumptions

Basic assumptions are ideas such as  

• If you just work hard, success will come.
• I must wait until I’m _____________ (fill in the blank) enough before I can ____________ (fill in the blank). Example: I must wait until I’m educated or experienced enough before I can apply for the director position.
• I know the VP would never approve my application for that training.
• Pat wants that position (or the opening on the new product roll out team) and I can’t compete.

You, no doubt are aware about what the saying is about making assumptions. (Assumptions make assess out of you and me.)  Challenging assumptions. Challenge the ones in our society, challenge the ones in your head, and challenge the ones in your organizational culture. Challenging assumptions is critically important to breaking you free to make an impact on your career and in the organization.

Problem Solving

Solving problems takes practice and ingenuity. What process can be put together to create a better one to solve a supply chain issue? What piece or process can be taken away to make something more efficient? Think about problems in your organization, not just in your department, but there may be an issue in another area that affects your area or another area. What new strategies can be implemented to create better hiring, team building, or promotions? Think of the critical impact to the organization’s success and bottom line in streamlining or enhancing these areas.

Thinking Differently

Thinking like the “herd” doesn’t allow you to stand out, be innovative, or make an impact. Herd mentality is not critical thinking. At one time everyone thought the earth was flat, that didn’t make it true. There have been many other incredulous, wrong ideas entertained throughout our society and the world. It doesn’t make them true, right, or fair. If there was one thing about your job, department, division, company, or industry that needs to change, what would that be? How could things be different? Until we began thinking differently about the statement, “We’ve always done it that way.” cultures didn’t change, innovation didn’t take place, and amazing and impactful products such as cell phones, computers, dishwashers, and little plastic thingies that keep a pair of socks together in the wash would not be here. Just entertaining the thought, “Why not.” is thinking critically and can have a critical impact.

Accountability

Who is responsible for building your career? You are the who. Who is responsible for building high performing teams? You are the who. This doesn’t mean you never ask for help, that’s not critical thinking. But you must be the one who initiates action and change in your career and life goals. Here is a critical thought, no one is going to come in and swoop you off your feet, give you all the answers, shower you with resources, or pay the mortgage. Part of being accountable is surrounding yourself with people who have your best interests at heart and who are critical thinkers. Therefore, you must think critically about who is in your environment. Changing your environment can have a significant impact on your success.

Summary

You don’t have to be famous to think critically or make an impact or even have a job in the C Suite. Ah! More assumptions DOA. This week, I challenge you to begin analyzing what can be different or better about your organization, your career, or your life. First, kill all the assumptions, solve the problems, think differently, and then be accountable for taking action to think critically and make your impact.

Thank you for reading this blog. If you would like more information about how you or your organization can be better critical thinkers, Let's get started

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