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How Leaders Should Think Critically

• John Baldoni

If you want to succeed in 21st Century business you need to become a critical thinker. Roger Martin of the Rotman School of Management figured this out a decade ago and as dean, has been working to transform his school’s business curriculum with greater emphasis on critical thinking skills. As Lane Wallace explained in the […]

If you want to succeed in 21st Century business you need to become a critical thinker. Roger Martin of the Rotman School of Management figured this out a decade ago and as dean, has been working to transform his school’s business curriculum with greater emphasis on critical thinking skills. As Lane Wallace explained in the New York Times , what Martin and many others are seeking to do is approach learning and problem solving from a multicultural platform that borrows from academia, business, the arts and even history.

• John Baldoni is an internationally recognized executive coach and leadership educator. His most recent book is MOXIE: The Secret to Bold and Gutsy Leadership .

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Critical Thinking in leadership: Is it necessary?

October 23, 2020 by Lauren Dunleavy

Critical thinking in leadership;Is it Necessary?

Is critical thinking an important component of leadership? One would think it is a useful tool to have in your thinking toolbox. So, what exactly is critical thinking? It was easy to find many similar definitions but; Critical thinking is defined as “ the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement” (Merriam-Webster, 2020). Critical thinking has been around for at least 2500 years. Mr. Socrates himself supposedly established a method of questioning that was able to shut down claims of knowledge back in the BC era that was very similar to critical thinking as we know it today(Paul et al., 1997). So what is critical thinking used for? It should be used for many things, but mainly we use critical thinking when we want to analyze options in making decisions(Paul et al., 1997). 

How and why is critical thinking applied in the workplace? Critical thinking in the workplace comes in many forms. We see critical thinking being used in teams to help effectively resolve problems. We even see critical thinking being used in the workplace to help teams figure out what issues exist, and then we see teams come up with possible answers for those issues. Why is critical thinking applied to research theories? Lets evaluate this question! 

One place where critical thinking has become a necessity is in leadership. Leadership is defined as a process where a person influences a group of people to achieve a set of common goals (Northouse, 2016). Leadership in theory has dated back to over 5000 years ago, where it was found to have been written in ancient Hieroglyphics (Paul et al. 1997). In ancient times, leadership was suggested that those who appeared powerful were to be followed. The need for critical thinking in leadership has always been around. A model was developed in 1925, called the watson-glaser critical thinking model which helps organizations identify factors in people that are important for critical thinking and judgement making, which explains why critical thinking needs to be a part of leadership approaches (Cox, 2011). 

Critical thinking is applied to leadership approaches because it’s important for leaders to have critical thinking skills, be able to understand logical relationships between ideas, recognize the importance and the relationship of an argument, as well as recognize mistakes in reasoning and then be able to make the right decisions (Sanscartier, 2013). 

There are many different leadership approaches to look at in applying critical thinking. Let’s evaluate critical thinking within the transformational approach of leadership. Transformational leadership theory suggests that it is a process that changes people(PSU WC L10 P2).  It is a leadership approach that is able to get leaders to motivate followers to do more than what is expected (PSU WC L10 P2). A leadership approach that enables a leader to generate and build an empire. It is part of the “new leadership paradigm” which focuses more attention on charisma and affect in leadership (Northouse, 2016). There is a lot of evidence that Transformational leadership focus is highly successful (Northouse, 2016). One factor affects another, in that a leader must appeal to the followers by appealing to their principals and higher cause (PSU WC L10 P4). Critical thinking is a larger component of the transformational theory because, in order to go through a process and be able to transform a person would need to make real, sometimes hard decisions. 

What if a person is not a good critical thinker? Can they still be a good leader? Having poor critical thinking skills can lead a person to make bad decisions, errors, repeated mistakes and even make bad assumptions. Weak critical thinking skills can cause a person to be unable to evaluate and prepare for situations (Sanscartier, 2013). So it looks like being a leader may require some critical thinking skills. So, are leaders that lack critical thinking skills doomed forever? WIll they be able to lead in a productive way? Apparently, there are still ways to develop and master critical thinking skills. 

So what does this all mean? Catherine Rezak from the International Institute of Directors and Managers suggests that leaders should take control of their critical thinking processes, evaluate them and then take action on them (Rezak,2020). So critical thinking skills could be learned, it just depends on a person’s discipline and drive to follow through with the learning process as well as adaptations to understanding it. Whether or not a person has critical thinking skills, the implications of the research suggest that critical thinking skills can be learned, or they can be innate and either way, they are useful in leadership. This is significant because although not everyone may have these skills, they still have an opportunity to learn them. 

       So what’s next? Being able to attain critical thinking skills means that possibly anyone could be a leader because the skills are transferable as long as the person is able to take control and use discipline to learn.  All of this information suggests that a less than good leader, who lacks critical thinking skills may make bad decisions, misjudge an issue, and ultimately fail the leader systems in place. One example of this is when I first started working in wraparound as a family support worker. WHen i first started I had no idea what I was doing. The job was really a fly by the seat of your pants kind of job, until you can learn the skill sets. There was a lot of critical thinking involved, when I was untrained. I had to be able to understand a full situation that I had never experienced before and know when and what skillset to use with the family member. When I used the wrong skill set, the team was unable to plan with a family, in turn creating turmoil. Being able to understand, evaluate and come to the correct decision is such an important part of leading a team. The good thing is that if we don’t know what we are doing, there is always an opportunity to learn! 

In conclusion, the evidence presented today suggests that leaders who have, or attain good critical thinking skills will be able to evaluate, judge, better understand and resolve issues more efficiently. We need more critical thinkers in this world! Using critical thinking within leadership approaches is an important component and probably should not be overlooked. A leader should have good critical thinking skills. 

Paul, R., Elder,L., Bartell, T. (March 1997). Critical Thinking: Research, findings and policy recommendations. Retrieved from: https://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/a-brief-history-of-the-idea-of-critical-thinking/408 

Cox, K. (November 25, 2011). The evolution of leadership. A look at where leadership is heading. Retrieved from: https://cvdl.ben.edu/blog/the-evolution-of-leadership-a-look-at-where-leadership-is-heading/

Rezak, C. (April, 2020). Developing your Critical thinking skills. Retrieved from: https://www.marchfifteen.ca/leadership-the-importance-of-critical-thinking/#:~:text=A%20leader%20with%20critical%20thinking,reasoning%2C%20and%20make%20proper%20decisions .

https://www.iidmglobal.com/expert_talk/expert-talk-categories/leadership/leadership_skill/id45293.html#:~:text=Developed%20in%201925%2C%20the%20model,Inference

Northouse, P.G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice. 7th Edition. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.

Pennsylvania State University (2020). Leadership in work. Module 7: Power and influence Retrieved from https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2075467/modules/items/30110461

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Critical Thinking

Developing the right mindset and skills.

By the Mind Tools Content Team

We make hundreds of decisions every day and, whether we realize it or not, we're all critical thinkers.

We use critical thinking each time we weigh up our options, prioritize our responsibilities, or think about the likely effects of our actions. It's a crucial skill that helps us to cut out misinformation and make wise decisions. The trouble is, we're not always very good at it!

In this article, we'll explore the key skills that you need to develop your critical thinking skills, and how to adopt a critical thinking mindset, so that you can make well-informed decisions.

What Is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the discipline of rigorously and skillfully using information, experience, observation, and reasoning to guide your decisions, actions, and beliefs. You'll need to actively question every step of your thinking process to do it well.

Collecting, analyzing and evaluating information is an important skill in life, and a highly valued asset in the workplace. People who score highly in critical thinking assessments are also rated by their managers as having good problem-solving skills, creativity, strong decision-making skills, and good overall performance. [1]

Key Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinkers possess a set of key characteristics which help them to question information and their own thinking. Focus on the following areas to develop your critical thinking skills:

Being willing and able to explore alternative approaches and experimental ideas is crucial. Can you think through "what if" scenarios, create plausible options, and test out your theories? If not, you'll tend to write off ideas and options too soon, so you may miss the best answer to your situation.

To nurture your curiosity, stay up to date with facts and trends. You'll overlook important information if you allow yourself to become "blinkered," so always be open to new information.

But don't stop there! Look for opposing views or evidence to challenge your information, and seek clarification when things are unclear. This will help you to reassess your beliefs and make a well-informed decision later. Read our article, Opening Closed Minds , for more ways to stay receptive.

Logical Thinking

You must be skilled at reasoning and extending logic to come up with plausible options or outcomes.

It's also important to emphasize logic over emotion. Emotion can be motivating but it can also lead you to take hasty and unwise action, so control your emotions and be cautious in your judgments. Know when a conclusion is "fact" and when it is not. "Could-be-true" conclusions are based on assumptions and must be tested further. Read our article, Logical Fallacies , for help with this.

Use creative problem solving to balance cold logic. By thinking outside of the box you can identify new possible outcomes by using pieces of information that you already have.

Self-Awareness

Many of the decisions we make in life are subtly informed by our values and beliefs. These influences are called cognitive biases and it can be difficult to identify them in ourselves because they're often subconscious.

Practicing self-awareness will allow you to reflect on the beliefs you have and the choices you make. You'll then be better equipped to challenge your own thinking and make improved, unbiased decisions.

One particularly useful tool for critical thinking is the Ladder of Inference . It allows you to test and validate your thinking process, rather than jumping to poorly supported conclusions.

Developing a Critical Thinking Mindset

Combine the above skills with the right mindset so that you can make better decisions and adopt more effective courses of action. You can develop your critical thinking mindset by following this process:

Gather Information

First, collect data, opinions and facts on the issue that you need to solve. Draw on what you already know, and turn to new sources of information to help inform your understanding. Consider what gaps there are in your knowledge and seek to fill them. And look for information that challenges your assumptions and beliefs.

Be sure to verify the authority and authenticity of your sources. Not everything you read is true! Use this checklist to ensure that your information is valid:

• Are your information sources trustworthy ? (For example, well-respected authors, trusted colleagues or peers, recognized industry publications, websites, blogs, etc.)
• Is the information you have gathered up to date ?
• Has the information received any direct criticism ?
• Does the information have any errors or inaccuracies ?
• Is there any evidence to support or corroborate the information you have gathered?
• Is the information you have gathered subjective or biased in any way? (For example, is it based on opinion, rather than fact? Is any of the information you have gathered designed to promote a particular service or organization?)

If any information appears to be irrelevant or invalid, don't include it in your decision making. But don't omit information just because you disagree with it, or your final decision will be flawed and bias.

Now observe the information you have gathered, and interpret it. What are the key findings and main takeaways? What does the evidence point to? Start to build one or two possible arguments based on what you have found.

You'll need to look for the details within the mass of information, so use your powers of observation to identify any patterns or similarities. You can then analyze and extend these trends to make sensible predictions about the future.

To help you to sift through the multiple ideas and theories, it can be useful to group and order items according to their characteristics. From here, you can compare and contrast the different items. And once you've determined how similar or different things are from one another, Paired Comparison Analysis can help you to analyze them.

The final step involves challenging the information and rationalizing its arguments.

Apply the laws of reason (induction, deduction, analogy) to judge an argument and determine its merits. To do this, it's essential that you can determine the significance and validity of an argument to put it in the correct perspective. Take a look at our article, Rational Thinking , for more information about how to do this.

Once you have considered all of the arguments and options rationally, you can finally make an informed decision.

Afterward, take time to reflect on what you have learned and what you found challenging. Step back from the detail of your decision or problem, and look at the bigger picture. Record what you've learned from your observations and experience.

Critical thinking involves rigorously and skilfully using information, experience, observation, and reasoning to guide your decisions, actions and beliefs. It's a useful skill in the workplace and in life.

You'll need to be curious and creative to explore alternative possibilities, but rational to apply logic, and self-aware to identify when your beliefs could affect your decisions or actions.

You can demonstrate a high level of critical thinking by validating your information, analyzing its meaning, and finally evaluating the argument.

Critical Thinking Infographic

See Critical Thinking represented in our infographic: An Elementary Guide to Critical Thinking .

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Mastering Critical Thinking: A Guide for Leaders

Summary: Critical thinking is a fundamental skill for effective leadership. Top leaders think clearly and rationally, analyze and evaluate information, and make sound judgments and decisions. Here is what to know, what matters.

Dear Dr. Sylvia,

I am a great leader. I’m not bragging. I know what I know.

For example, I am great at the thirty-thousand view of what needs to be done.

However, I am a total failure at the lower level, where the weeds (daily work systems) need to be cleared. I also suck where the trees (employees or products) must be pruned.

Similarly, I want to teach my executive team how to be critical thinkers and come to me with their solutions. Then, I, as the CEO, can be extremely helpful with long-term plans.

Critical thinking is falling way behind for most of us.

What can I do to help the various teams I support grow to be the best possibl e?

At the thirty-foot level, I can help them see we are building cathedrals rather than just being stone setters.

Cathedral Builder

Dear Cathedral Builder,

I am sure you are referring to the well-known “Cathedral Story.” It goes like this: a man who passed a bricklayer and asked what he was doing.

The worker responded. “Oh, I am here every day, just putting one brick atop another. It’s a tedious and meaningless job. I can’t wait to go home.”

Then, the same man went around the corner, talked with another worker, and asked, “What are you doing?”

Above all, the response was quite different. “Oh, I’m here putting one brick on top of another to help as we build a beautiful cathedral. I know I am part of a meaningful venture. And I love how most of us work together to create what matters. I only have a small yet important part in the process.”

Critical thinking means seeing both root causes along with future vision.

Leaders skilled in critical thinking are better equipped to solve problems. They also make informed decisions and communicate their ideas effectively.

In addition, great leaders cut through the noise and distractions. Once they identify the root causes of problems, they develop creative solutions that can transform their organizations.

Consider the example of Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon. Bezos has been widely credited with transforming the retail industry through his innovative ideas and business strategies.

Subsequently, one of the keys to his success has been his ability to think critically. For example, when Bezos first started Amazon, he recognized that the traditional retail model was not working. He saw an opportunity to leverage the power of the internet to create a new type of retail experience. The hypothesis was that his way would be more convenient and accessible to customers.

Jeff Bezos used critical thinking to launch Amazon.

This required him to think creatively and develop a business model based on customer-centricity, innovation, and long-term growth.

Similarly, Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motor s, has been praised for her leadership skills, particularly her critical thinking ability.

In addition, when Barra took over as CEO of GM in 2014, the company faced several challenges. A major one included a significant safety crisis related to faulty ignition switches.

Mary Barra at GM recognized that the company needed to change its culture and problem-solving approach.

In short, she emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and collaboration. In addition, she encouraged employees at all levels to speak up and share their ideas. This helped GM to address the safety crisis, restore trust with its customers, and improve its overall performance.

Let’s explore the fundamental principles of critical thinking. This means we will provide practical strategies for leaders to apply these principles daily.

For example, we will discuss the common thinking errors and biases that impede effective decision-making. This includes the importance of effective communication.

Next, We will provide examples and case studies of leaders who have successfully applied critical thinking to achieve their goals.

By mastering critical thinking, you can become a more effective leader and positively impact your organization and community.

Critical thinking objectively analyzes and evaluates information to make informed decisions and solve problems.

All in all, it is a fundamental skill for effective leadership. This means it is essential for making sound judgments in complex and rapidly changing environments. Here we explore the basic concepts of critical thinking and the importance of developing this skill for leadership success.

• Definition of Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is analyzing and evaluating information objectively, without bias or prejudice. It involves using logic and reason to identify the strengths and weaknesses of arguments, knowledge, and evidence. By thinking critically, leaders can make informed decisions, solve problems, and communicate their ideas more effectively.
• Importance of Critical Thinking in Leadership: Effective leaders must make decisions quickly and confidently. This includes the ability to evaluate information carefully. Next, to ensure that their decisions are based on sound evidence. Critical thinking is essential for influential leaders to identify problems’ root causes and evaluate potential solutions.
• Key Components of Critical Thinking: There are several key components of critical thinking, including:

Without critical thinking, mistakes can be costly.

• Evaluating evidence : This involves examining the credibility and reliability of evidence. Then to determine its usefulness in supporting a particular argument or position.
• Identifying biases and assumptions : involves recognizing personal biases and assumptions that may influence one’s thinking and considering alternative perspectives.
• Generating and evaluating alternatives: This involves developing multiple solutions or options. The next step is to assess them based on their feasibility, effectiveness, and potential consequences.
• Critical thinking objectively analyzes and evaluates information: This is how to make informed decisions o and solve problems.

Each specific area of business has its way of looking at what is critical to success.

• Example 1: Effective Decision-Making in Healthcare: In healthcare, critical thinking is essential for making decisions that can significantly impact patient outcomes. For example, a physician treating a complex medical condition must analyze and evaluate the available information. Next, identify potential treatment options and assess their effectiveness and risks. By using critical thinking skills, the physician can make informed decisions that lead to better outcomes for the patient.
• Example 2: Strategic Planning in Business: Critical thinking is essential for strategic planning and decision-making. For example, a CEO planning to expand the company’s operations into new markets must analyze and evaluate potential risks and benefits. After that, identify potential obstacles and challenges and develop a plan that maximizes the chances of success. Using critical thinking skills, the CEO can make informed decisions leading to long-term growth and profitability.

Without critical thinking, we can end up with lost revenue and expensive legal concerns.

3. Example 3: Evaluating Scientific Research: Critical thinking is essential for evaluating the credibility and reliability of research findings. For example, a scientist conducting research on a new drug must analyze and evaluate the available data. That way, identify potential biases or flaws in the study design and evaluate the potential risks and benefits. By using critical thinking skills, the scientist can make informed decisions about the safety and effectiveness of the drug.

4. Example 4: Effective Problem-Solving in Engineering: Critical thinking is essential for effective problem-solving in engineering. For example, an engineer tasked with designing a new product must first analyze and evaluate the available information. Then go on to identify the potential design flaws or issues. And finally, develop a solution that meets the customer’s needs while adhering to safety and quality standards. Using critical thinking skills, the engineer can develop innovative solutions that improve the product and enhance customer satisfaction.

5. Example 5: Effective Communication in Public Policy: Critical thinking is essential for effective communication and decision-making in public policy. For example, a policy analyst evaluating a proposed policy starts by analyzing the potential impacts of the policy after identifying potential unintended consequences and communicating the results to the public.

All leadership teams do better if they are schooled in critical thinking. That is the major way to keep the potholes and pitfalls limited.

In summary, business, the essential motor of society, has an opportunity to be the most creative force on the planet using critical thinking as a base.

In conclusion, to everyone, and especially you, dear Cathedral builder, let’s do deep thinking so that we all have the opportunity to engage in dignified and satisfying work.

Here’s to your success,

Sylvia Lafair

PS. Much of what I learned about critical thinking is based on the work of my mentor, Willis Harma n, who taught at Stanford University and was President of The Institute of Noetic Sciences in California. You would enjoy looking at some of his books for the thirty thousand views of modern business.

PSS. Much of what I learned from Dr. Harman is now available in our Total Leadership Connections online program. Contact us for more information and to join now.

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How Critical Thinking Helps Leaders Work Through Problems

March 10, 2022 | Category: Blog , Critical Thinking

When it comes to drawing the right conclusions and making the right decisions to benefit an organization, critical thinking is a vital leadership skill, indeed.   Critical thinking allows leaders to rise above the noise, assumptions, and biases that sabotage decision-making. Leadership coaching can help develop and train critical thinking skills in many ways.  

Critical thinking is an analytic approach to problem-solving and decision-making. By developing their critical thinking skills, leaders take direct action to improve their decision-making and their organization’s position. Leadership coaching can help leaders develop critical thinking, training their minds to think instead of merely learning facts.

Critical thinking helps you differentiate facts from assumptions.

Why Critical Thinking is Vital for Leadership

Critical thinking optimizes decision-making. But in the context of intelligent leadership, it does more. Critical thinking makes desirable outcomes more likely.

Like intelligent leadership itself, it is reasoned, purposeful, and goal-focused. It allows leaders to formulate informed and relevant inferences, solve problems, calculate probabilities, and make better decisions.

In my book,  Wheel of Intelligent Leadership , I have  defined   critical thinking as an essential outer-core leadership competency. Since the quality of leadership depends on the leader’s quality of thoughts, critical thinking skills define one’s effectiveness as a leader. Critical thinking is the core component of strategic thinking, a less abstract measure of one’s ability to lead. In addition to strategic thinking, critical thinking allows leaders to:

• Embrace change
• Inspire others
• Create a vision and rally the “troops’ around it
• Understand how the different parts of the organization work together as a whole

Shallow thinking on the part of the leader is costly. It hurts the organization, the employees, and the clients.  Critical thinking  enables leaders to apply their knowledge to the everyday challenges of their work. Thus, instead of walking-talking encyclopedias, they become valuable decision-making assets for their organizations and employees.

Leaders with good critical thinking skills can model this behavior for their peers and reports, further improving the company’s talent pool.

Can Critical Thinking Skills Be Trained? 

As a leadership coaching expert, I firmly believe that it is possible to learn and practice all inner and outer-core leadership competencies. That includes critical thinking.

In my executive coaching books and blog posts, I have deconstructed critical thinking into three components.

• The ability to recognize assumptions .  An assumption  is a conclusion one reaches through the filter of one’s biases, desires, and views. Facts are observable. They exist without the need for validation. Basing decisions on assumptions instead of facts is risky and ill-advised.
• The ability to evaluate arguments.  Leaders capable of critical thinking look to break problems down to basic principles, consider alternatives, and challenge or test assumptions.
• The ability to draw conclusions.  Having gathered plenty of quality data and putting it through the filter of their critical thinking skills, intelligent leaders can draw better, more relevant conclusions that lead to better decisions.

Executive coaching  can improve  critical thinking by improving the sub-skills that contribute to it.

How Leadership Coaching Can Help Develop Critical Thinking Skills

Leadership coaching, at least the way I understand it, views critical thinking as one of the fundamental levers through which it can effect meaningful, sustainable positive change.

Leadership coaching can make you a better critical thinker. 

Business coaching and executive coaching professionals work with leaders, helping them gain a measure of their existing critical thinking skills, providing them practical solutions to improve their skills, and helping them measure the progress they make.

• A leadership coach can give you an objective assessment of your critical thinking skills.
• Executive coaches know how to ask the right questions to steer their coachees onto the path of improvement.
• Leadership coaching considers self-awareness and emotional intelligence the cornerstones of intelligent leadership. Self-aware and emotionally intelligent leaders understand the value of different perspectives.
• Business coaching encourages leaders to understand the strategic drivers of success for their organization in practical, financial terms.
• Coaches can provide valuable input, critique, and opinions, introducing alternative views and improving the decision-making skills of their clients.

Critical thinking is the leader’s best friend when it comes to decision-making. This outer-core leadership competency allows you to rise above the fray, eliminate distractions, and draw the correct conclusions.

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The Importance of Critical Thinking to Successful Leadership

Bryan zaslow.

Nov 16, 2021

There’s a crisis brewing in the business world, but almost nobody has been paying attention to it.  

More and more evidence points to a lack of critical thinking skills in today’s youngest aspiring leaders down to today’s college graduates. The Wall Street Journal reported that after four years of classes,  students at some of the country’s most prestigious universities don’t show any improvement in critical thinking skills .

This lack of critical thinking skills is causing what one expert calls a “competency gap” in the newest crop of leaders. According to a survey released by Morning Consult,  64% of employers say it’s difficult to find qualified applicants with critical thinking skills . That’s more than any of the other so-called “soft skills” that employers say they urgently need.

In business, critical thinking is independent thinking that isn’t clouded by bad advice, misleading assumptions, or personal biases. It is the ability to see past public opinion and popularity polls. Do you see a correlation between this and emotional agility, which I discussed in great detail in  one of my previous posts ? Critical thinking allows leaders at every level to evaluate their decision-making and how these decisions ultimately impact results across every part of an organization. 

The leaders who stand out from the crowd as critical thinking rock stars are balanced thinkers who are aware of their own feelings and emotions, as well as those of the people around them, but can set them aside when making a decision. An example could be reacting emotionally to a story. A critical thinker knows there are always at least two sides to the truth and takes the time to put away their initial reactions, uncover the facts, and react thoughtfully. 

Personally, I think that critical thinking is one of the top job requirements for me as a parent of two teenagers. I want to spring into action every time my daughter shares a story filled with emotions about how someone has been mean. The reality is that her story is best handled by setting aside my own emotions and guiding her with care and thoughtfulness that perhaps she is a participant to that chaos as well.

Critical thinking is crucial in the current economic climate. In the “new normal” of the post-pandemic era, leaders have to be more than brilliant spokespeople or charismatic figureheads. They also have to be strategic and forward-thinking, with an emphasis on forward thinking. What made a leader successful in the past is often not what will make them successful in the future.

I want to offer a couple of things to help you work on and develop your critical thinking. Here are a few traits leaders with good critical thinking skills share:

They question assumptions.  Just because something is true today, or has been true for a while, doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be true tomorrow. Financial firms learned that lesson after the meltdown in 2008. We all faced that fact in 2020 when Covid-19 shut down offices and businesses around the world. “Crisis can bring out the best critical thinking,” John Baldoni wrote in Harvard Business Review, “because it forces you to question how and why you ended up in trouble.”

They are open-minded and curious.  We all have certain biases based on our personal experiences. We were successful when we did something before, so there’s no reason to do it differently now. But critical thinkers know that the latest data can point to different ways of accomplishing something. New technology can speed up a process that was otherwise working just fine. They gather all the information they can before making a decision. Exceptional leaders know they need to draw on past experiences, but can’t let them be their only criteria. Leaders must ask questions.

They seek out other perspectives.  We all fall into this trap: We trust the people that we work most closely with, so we don’t see the need to cast a wider net. But the best leaders look for other opinions. They talk to people outside of their inner circle who might have an interesting point of view. They reach out to peers outside their company or even outside their industry. They might end up making the same decision, but they have heard what others have to say.

They observe and listen intently.   There is so much to learn from the people that you lead, both individually and in groups. Whenever possible, spend time with them. Be inquisitive and curious. Ask them questions and listen to their answers. Pay attention to their concerns and challenges. You might find valuable information about what can be improved in your organization. A deeper exploration of the situations people bring to your attention can result in a big win for you, your teams, and your companies.

They are comfortable with change.  If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that we can’t predict everything that’s going to happen. We all have to be adept at what’s known as “managing ambiguity,” or being comfortable not knowing every possible variable. We must be able to make decisions often with limited knowledge.

Business schools have largely given up teaching critical thinking and other soft skills, largely because education has become more and more transactional: “If I’m paying this much for a college degree, how much can I expect to make when I graduate?” Also, business degrees have become more and more specialized. There are additional required courses in their major, so what gets left behind are the liberal arts classes. The only business school students learning critical thinking are those that specifically seek them out (or those, like me, that put their entrepreneurial spirits to work in startups and side hustles while still in school).

The good news is that like any other skill, critical thinking gets better with practice. If you have team members who you can see moving into leadership positions, it’s time to start passing along some of your knowledge. When you can, include them in the decision-making process, taking them through the steps you go through when solving a problem. Talk about why this particular solution made sense for your teams or company.

When they grasp the concept, let them come up with the solutions on their own. Don’t weigh in until they have explained their thought process. Ask them about alternatives they considered and the pros and cons of each.

You’ll know when one of your employees is a potential leader when they can move from making recommendations about a problem you bring to them to generating ideas on their own. Chances are they’ll become an even more valuable member of your team as time goes by. As it gets harder and harder to hire people with great critical thinking skills, you’ll be able to promote from within.

We’re in the middle of a crisis of leadership, but you can turn the “competency gap” into an advantage for your company. Make critical thinking a priority in your organization. Nurture your staff’s abilities. As your competition is searching for candidates with the right skills, you’ll already have them on your team.

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Why Critical Thinking Is Important (& How to Improve It)

Last updated May 1, 2023. Edited and medically reviewed by Patrick Alban, DC . Written by Deane Alban .

By improving the quality of your thoughts and your decisions, better critical thinking skills can bring about a big positive change in your life. Learn how.

The quality of your life largely depends on the quality of the decisions you make.

Amazingly, the average person makes roughly 35,000 conscious decisions every day! 

Imagine how much better your life would be if there were a way to make better decisions, day in and day out?

Well, there is and you do it by boosting a skill called critical thinking .

Learning to master critical thinking can have a profoundly positive impact on nearly every aspect of your life.

What Exactly Is Critical Thinking?

The first documented account of critical thinking is the teachings of Socrates as recorded by Plato. 

Over time, the definition of critical thinking has evolved.

Most definitions of critical thinking are fairly complex and best understood by philosophy majors or psychologists.

For example, the Foundation for Critical Thinking , a nonprofit think tank, offers this definition:

“Critical thinking is 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.”

If that makes your head spin, here are some definitions that you may relate to more easily.

Critical thinking is “reasonable, reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do.”

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Or, a catchy way of defining critical thinking is “deciding what’s true and what you should do.”

But my favorite uber-simple definition is that critical thinking is simply “thinking about thinking.”

6 Major Benefits of Good Critical Thinking Skills

Whether or not you think critically can make the difference between success and failure in just about every area of your life.

Our human brains are imperfect and prone to irrationality, distortions, prejudices, and cognitive biases .

Cognitive biases are systematic patterns of irrational thinking.

While the number of cognitive biases varies depending on the source, Wikipedia, for example, lists nearly 200 of them ! 

Some of the most well-known cognitive biases include:

• catastrophic thinking
• confirmation bias
• fear of missing out (FOMO)

Critical thinking will help you move past the limitations of irrational thinking.

Here are some of the most important ways critical thinking can impact your life.

1. Critical Thinking Is a Key to Career Success

There are many professions where critical thinking is an absolute must.

Lawyers, analysts, accountants, doctors, engineers, reporters, and scientists of all kinds must apply critical thinking frequently.

But critical thinking is a skill set that is becoming increasingly valuable in a growing number of professions.

Critical thinking can help you in any profession where you must:

• analyze information
• systematically solve problems
• generate innovative solutions
• plan strategically
• think creatively
• present your work or ideas to others in a way that can be readily understood

And, as we enter the fourth industrial revolution , critical thinking has become one of the most sought-after skills.

According to the World Economic Forum , critical thinking and complex problem-solving are the two top in-demand skills that employers look for. 

Critical thinking is considered a soft or enterprise skill — a core attribute required to succeed in the workplace . 

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According to The University of Arizona, other soft skills include : 

• interpersonal skills
• communication skills
• digital literacy

Critical thinking can help you develop the rest of these soft skills.

Developing your critical thinking can help you land a job since many employers will ask you interview questions or even give you a test to determine how well you can think critically.

It can also help you continually succeed in your career, since being a critical thinker is a powerful predictor of long-term success.

2. Critical Thinkers Make Better Decisions

Every day you make thousands of decisions.

Most of them are made by your subconscious , are not very important, and don’t require much thought, such as what to wear or what to have for lunch. 

But the most important decisions you make can be hard and require a lot of thought, such as when or if you should change jobs, relocate to a new city, buy a house, get married, or have kids.

At work, you may have to make decisions that can alter the course of your career or the lives of others.

Critical thinking helps you cope with everyday problems as they arise.

It promotes independent thinking and strengthens your inner “BS detector.”

It helps you make sense of the glut of data and information available, making you a smarter consumer who is less likely to fall for advertising hype, peer pressure, or scams.

3. Critical Thinking Can Make You Happier

Knowing and understanding yourself is an underappreciated path to happiness. 

We’ve already shown how your quality of life largely depends on the quality of your decisions, but equally as important is the quality of your thoughts.

Critical thinking is an excellent tool to help you better understand yourself and to learn to master your thoughts.

You can use critical thinking to free yourself from cognitive biases, negative thinking , and limiting beliefs that are holding you back in any area of your life.

Critical thinking can help you assess your strengths and weaknesses so that you know what you have to offer others and where you could use improvement.

Critical thinking will enable you to better express your thoughts, ideas, and beliefs.

Better communication helps others to understand you better, resulting in less frustration for both of you.

Critical thinking fosters creativity and out-of-the-box thinking that can be applied to any area of your life.

It gives you a process you can rely on, making decisions less stressful.

4. Critical Thinking Ensures That Your Opinions Are Well-Informed

We have access to more information than ever before .

Astoundingly, more data has been created in the past two years than in the entire previous history of mankind. 

Critical thinking can help you sort through the noise.

American politician, sociologist, and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan once remarked , “You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.” 

Critical thinking ensures your opinions are well-informed and based on the best available facts.

You’ll get a boost in confidence when you see that those around you trust your well-considered opinions.

5. Critical Thinking Improves Relationships

You might be concerned that critical thinking will turn you into a Spock-like character who is not very good at relationships.

But, in fact, the opposite is true.

Employing critical thinking makes you more open-minded and better able to understand others’ points of view.

Critical thinkers are more empathetic and in a better position to get along with different kinds of people.

Critical thinking keeps you from jumping to conclusions.

You can be counted on to be the voice of reason when arguments get heated.

You’ll be better able to detect when others:

• are being disingenuous
• don’t have your best interests at heart
• try to take advantage of or manipulate you

6. Critical Thinking Makes You a Better, More Informed Citizen

“An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people.”

This quote has been incorrectly attributed to Thomas Jefferson , but regardless of the source, these words of wisdom are more relevant than ever. 

Critical thinkers are able to see both sides of any issue and are more likely to generate bipartisan solutions.

They are less likely to be swayed by propaganda or get swept up in mass hysteria.

They are in a better position to spot fake news when they see it.

5 Steps to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills

Some people already have well-developed critical thinking skills.

These people are analytical, inquisitive, and open to new ideas.

And, even though they are confident in their own opinions, they seek the truth, even if it proves their existing ideas to be wrong.

They are able to connect the dots between ideas and detect inconsistencies in others’ thinking.

But regardless of the state of your critical thinking skills today, it’s a skill set you can develop.

While there are many techniques for thinking rationally, here’s a classic 5-step critical thinking process . 

How to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills

Clearly define your question or problem.

This step is so important that Albert Einstein famously quipped:

“If I had an hour to solve a problem, I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.”

Gather Information to Help You Weigh the Options

Consider only the most useful and reliable information from the most reputable sources.

Disregard the rest.

Apply the Information and Ask Critical Questions

Scrutinize all information carefully with a skeptic’s eye.

Not sure what questions to ask?

You can’t go wrong starting with the “5 Ws” that any good investigator asks: Who? What? Where? When? Why?

Then finish by asking “How?”

You’ll find more thought-provoking questions on this Critical Thinking Skills Cheatsheet .

Consider the Implications

Look for potential unintended consequences.

Do a thought experiment about how your solution could play out in both the short term and the long run.

Explore the Full Spectrum of Viewpoints

Examine why others are drawn to differing points of view.

This will help you objectively evaluate your own viewpoint.

You may find critical thinkers who take an opposing view and this can help you find gaps in your own logic.

Watch the Video

This TED-Ed video on YouTube elaborates on the five steps to improve your critical thinking.

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• Improve your mental clarity and focus.
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• Increase your capacity to think critically, solve problems, and make decisions.

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By Colin Baker Leaders Staff

Colin Baker

Leadership and Business Writer

Colin Baker is a business writer for Leaders Media. He has a background in as a television journalism, working as...

Learn about our editorial policy

Updated Apr 29, 2022

6 Critical Thinking Skills That Create Great Leaders

5 steps to becoming a good critical thinker, a list of critical thinking skills, the impact of changed critical thinking.

“Thinking is hard work; that’s why so few do it.” Those words from Albert Einstein ring true in so many areas of life. In the business world, a lack of thinking often leads to disappointment and disaster. As important as it is to think in the first place, it’s also crucial for leaders to change  how  they think. In Thinking for a Change , John Maxwell states, “One of the reasons people don’t achieve their dreams is that they desire to change their results without changing their thinking. ” To do so, people need to adopt critical thinking skills.

When someone uses critical thinking skills, they begin to transform into the best version of themselves. Doing so is no small feat, though. Your level of critical thought is tied to your beliefs and your expectations.   Because the critical thinking process requires growth and introspection, there are few critical thinkers out there.

However, if you’re reading this article, you’re likely interested in developing the mindset of a critical thinker—someone who is capable of solving the world’s greatest problems. 

Take the next five minutes to learn how to become an effective critical thinker who can successfully tackle any challenge. 

Determining how to think critically can be a challenge, but  John Maxwell  provides a helpful guide to transforming how you think. By adopting this process, you’ll be able to solve problems and embrace an  entrepreneurial spirit  that will change you and your business. Here are the five steps to gaining critical thinking skills as Maxwell describes.

1.  Expose yourself to good input.  Read as much as you can from reputable sources and other good thinkers. When you come across a great idea, record and save it. Use the idea in the future as a way to stimulate more thinking.

2.  Expose yourself to good thinkers.  Don’t just sit at your desk and read a book or article from a critical thinker. Seek out other people (in person) who will challenge your thinking as well. These should be people who are also trying to grow and learn. One way to do this is by joining a mastermind group full of high-performers and entrepreneurs like yourself. 

3.  Choose to think good thoughts.  Be intentional about your thinking process. Focus on the positive. If you dwell on the negative, it should come as no surprise when adverse outcomes happen.

4.  Act on your good thoughts.  It’s not enough to simply think good thoughts. Act on them as well. More importantly, act on them quickly. Ideas end up having a short shelf life, so you must work on them before they hit their expiration date.

5.  Allow your emotions to create another good thought.  Use the momentum of good thinking as a tool to fuel more good ideas. Allowing your emotions to feed that process continually creates a self-feeding system you can capitalize on.

So, what are critical thinking skills?  Maxwell provides a helpful list in  Thinking for a Change . After all, critical thinking is the ability to think rationally and put together logical connections. These skills can help in all aspects of your life as they cultivate  innovative leadership . To become a skillful critical thinker, master the following critical thinking skills from Maxwell’s book.

1. Big Picture Thinking

Someone who looks beyond the immediate moment and considers the ramifications of their actions is a person who engages in big picture thinking. They understand that others think and see the world differently.

To practice big picture thinking, actively listen to others and set aside any agendas. All of this is in service to greater goals. As Maxwell puts it, “The person who forgets the ultimate, is a slave to the immediate.”

To practice big picture thinking:

• Have a vision for the future.
• Think like a leader.
• Account for all the variables you may encounter.
• Note what obstacles you may find.
• Draw a road map of where your team is going.
• Connect the past with the future to show a meaningful journey.

2. Realistic Thinking

Though leaders may have far-reaching dreams, they must also be realistic in their thinking. That includes developing a deep appreciation for the truth, which can be challenging for some. 

Winston Churchill famously said, “Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing has happened.” To be a realistic thinker, you need to become comfortable with facing the truth, even if it’s difficult.

To become a realistic thinker:

• Show appreciation for the truth.
• Do your homework, including making sure you collect concrete facts.
• Consider the pros and cons of each solution.
• Imagine the worst case scenario just to be ready for it.
• Align your thinking with the truth to promote the right solution.

3. Strategic Thinking

Every solution and goal requires having a plan. Without a plan, you can’t expect to make much progress in achieving your top objectives. 

Planning means developing strategic thinking. While some challenges may feel insurmountable, strategic thinking helps to break the journey down into more manageable “bite-size” parts. When you do this, you can focus on each step more effectively. 

Which parts can you tackle yourself, and which can involve  delegation  to others? Strategic thinking shows that it’s not just what you hope to accomplish that matters, it’s  how  you do it.

4. Focused Thinking

As much as you might like, you can’t devote all of your thinking to every topic under the sun. While you might feel tempted to engage in exhaustive thinking, you must be more selective. 

In other words, practice focused thinking. 

Understand that it’s impossible to know everything and everyone. If you focus your energies, you can concentrate on the most important things you want to learn.

To get more focused:

• Remove all distractions.
• Set aside time dedicated to focused thinking.
• Establish specific goals.
• Monitor your progress toward your goals.
• Keep items of focus in sight when you work.
• Identify your strengths and areas of expertise.

5. Unselfish Thinking

John Maxwell describes unselfish thinking the best when he wrote, “There is no life as empty as the self-centered life. There is no life as centered as the self-empty life.”

Unselfish thinking means not thinking of yourself all the time. Think of others and what their needs are first, and identify how you can provide value to their lives.

To practice unselfish thinking, you must examine your motives carefully. Is what you’re doing for your benefit or the benefit of others? If you’re not careful, you could slowly, but surely, slide back into selfish motives.

6. Bottom-Line Thinking

When referencing bottom-line thinking, John Maxwell doesn’t mean thinking of the bottom line in financial terms. Instead, it means setting standards that you have to meet if you want to succeed. 

Bottom-line thinking involves thinking about what has to occur to reach the most important goal in various areas of your life. Once you set aside any emotions and wants, you can determine what accomplishments really matter to you. 

Take a moment to think of what your bottom line is in the following areas:

• Life Purpose

As you develop your critical thinking skills and become a critical thinker, you’ll understand the power of change. Any significant change has to come from within, and that all starts with how you think.

As a leader, you can not only change the way you think, but you can inspire others to think differently as well. From there, the impact of critical thinking spreads to touch all parts of your life, leading to beneficial results.

For those wanting to change the world, it begins with what’s in your head.

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Critical Thinking: A Simple Guide and Why It’s Important

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Critical Thinking: A Simple Guide and Why It’s Important was originally published on Ivy Exec .

Strong critical thinking skills are crucial for career success, regardless of educational background. It embodies the ability to engage in astute and effective decision-making, lending invaluable dimensions to professional growth.

At its essence, critical thinking is the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information in a logical and reasoned manner. It’s not merely about accumulating knowledge but harnessing it effectively to make informed decisions and solve complex problems. In the dynamic landscape of modern careers, honing this skill is paramount.

The Impact of Critical Thinking on Your Career

☑ problem-solving mastery.

Visualize critical thinking as the Sherlock Holmes of your career journey. It facilitates swift problem resolution akin to a detective unraveling a mystery. By methodically analyzing situations and deconstructing complexities, critical thinkers emerge as adept problem solvers, rendering them invaluable assets in the workplace.

☑ Refined Decision-Making

Navigating dilemmas in your career path resembles traversing uncertain terrain. Critical thinking acts as a dependable GPS, steering you toward informed decisions. It involves weighing options, evaluating potential outcomes, and confidently choosing the most favorable path forward.

☑ Enhanced Teamwork Dynamics

Within collaborative settings, critical thinkers stand out as proactive contributors. They engage in scrutinizing ideas, proposing enhancements, and fostering meaningful contributions. Consequently, the team evolves into a dynamic hub of ideas, with the critical thinker recognized as the architect behind its success.

☑ Communication Prowess

Effective communication is the cornerstone of professional interactions. Critical thinking enriches communication skills, enabling the clear and logical articulation of ideas. Whether in emails, presentations, or casual conversations, individuals adept in critical thinking exude clarity, earning appreciation for their ability to convey thoughts seamlessly.

☑ Adaptability and Resilience

Perceptive individuals adept in critical thinking display resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges. Instead of succumbing to panic, they assess situations, recalibrate their approaches, and persist in moving forward despite adversity.

☑ Fostering Innovation

Innovation is the lifeblood of progressive organizations, and critical thinking serves as its catalyst. Proficient critical thinkers possess the ability to identify overlooked opportunities, propose inventive solutions, and streamline processes, thereby positioning their organizations at the forefront of innovation.

☑ Confidence Amplification

Critical thinkers exude confidence derived from honing their analytical skills. This self-assurance radiates during job interviews, presentations, and daily interactions, catching the attention of superiors and propelling career advancement.

So, how can one cultivate and harness this invaluable skill?

✅ developing curiosity and inquisitiveness:.

Embrace a curious mindset by questioning the status quo and exploring topics beyond your immediate scope. Cultivate an inquisitive approach to everyday situations. Encourage a habit of asking “why” and “how” to deepen understanding. Curiosity fuels the desire to seek information and alternative perspectives.

✅ Practice Reflection and Self-Awareness:

Engage in reflective thinking by assessing your thoughts, actions, and decisions. Regularly introspect to understand your biases, assumptions, and cognitive processes. Cultivate self-awareness to recognize personal prejudices or cognitive biases that might influence your thinking. This allows for a more objective analysis of situations.

✅ Strengthening Analytical Skills:

Practice breaking down complex problems into manageable components. Analyze each part systematically to understand the whole picture. Develop skills in data analysis, statistics, and logical reasoning. This includes understanding correlation versus causation, interpreting graphs, and evaluating statistical significance.

✅ Engaging in Active Listening and Observation:

Actively listen to diverse viewpoints without immediately forming judgments. Allow others to express their ideas fully before responding. Observe situations attentively, noticing details that others might overlook. This habit enhances your ability to analyze problems more comprehensively.

✅ Encouraging Intellectual Humility and Open-Mindedness:

Foster intellectual humility by acknowledging that you don’t know everything. Be open to learning from others, regardless of their position or expertise. Cultivate open-mindedness by actively seeking out perspectives different from your own. Engage in discussions with people holding diverse opinions to broaden your understanding.

✅ Practicing Problem-Solving and Decision-Making:

Engage in regular problem-solving exercises that challenge you to think creatively and analytically. This can include puzzles, riddles, or real-world scenarios. When making decisions, consciously evaluate available information, consider various alternatives, and anticipate potential outcomes before reaching a conclusion.

✅ Continuous Learning and Exposure to Varied Content:

Read extensively across diverse subjects and formats, exposing yourself to different viewpoints, cultures, and ways of thinking. Engage in courses, workshops, or seminars that stimulate critical thinking skills. Seek out opportunities for learning that challenge your existing beliefs.

✅ Engage in Constructive Disagreement and Debate:

Encourage healthy debates and discussions where differing opinions are respectfully debated.

This practice fosters the ability to defend your viewpoints logically while also being open to changing your perspective based on valid arguments. Embrace disagreement as an opportunity to learn rather than a conflict to win. Engaging in constructive debate sharpens your ability to evaluate and counter-arguments effectively.

✅ Utilize Problem-Based Learning and Real-World Applications:

Engage in problem-based learning activities that simulate real-world challenges. Work on projects or scenarios that require critical thinking skills to develop practical problem-solving approaches. Apply critical thinking in real-life situations whenever possible.

This could involve analyzing news articles, evaluating product reviews, or dissecting marketing strategies to understand their underlying rationale.

In conclusion, critical thinking is the linchpin of a successful career journey. It empowers individuals to navigate complexities, make informed decisions, and innovate in their respective domains. Embracing and honing this skill isn’t just an advantage; it’s a necessity in a world where adaptability and sound judgment reign supreme.

So, as you traverse your career path, remember that the ability to think critically is not just an asset but the differentiator that propels you toward excellence.

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Why Is Critical Thinking Important? A Survival Guide

Updated: December 7, 2023

Published: April 2, 2020

Why is critical thinking important? The decisions that you make affect your quality of life. And if you want to ensure that you live your best, most successful and happy life, you’re going to want to make conscious choices. That can be done with a simple thing known as critical thinking. Here’s how to improve your critical thinking skills and make decisions that you won’t regret.

What Is Critical Thinking?

You’ve surely heard of critical thinking, but you might not be entirely sure what it really means, and that’s because there are many definitions. For the most part, however, we think of critical thinking as the process of analyzing facts in order to form a judgment. Basically, it’s thinking about thinking.

How Has The Definition Evolved Over Time?

The first time critical thinking was documented is believed to be in the teachings of Socrates , recorded by Plato. But throughout history, the definition has changed.

Today it is best understood by philosophers and psychologists and it’s believed to be a highly complex concept. Some insightful modern-day critical thinking definitions include :

• “Reasonable, reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do.”
• “Deciding what’s true and what you should do.”

The Importance Of Critical Thinking

Why is critical thinking important? Good question! Here are a few undeniable reasons why it’s crucial to have these skills.

1. Critical Thinking Is Universal

Critical thinking is a domain-general thinking skill. What does this mean? It means that no matter what path or profession you pursue, these skills will always be relevant and will always be beneficial to your success. They are not specific to any field.

2. Crucial For The Economy

Our future depends on technology, information, and innovation. Critical thinking is needed for our fast-growing economies, to solve problems as quickly and as effectively as possible.

3. Improves Language & Presentation Skills

In order to best express ourselves, we need to know how to think clearly and systematically — meaning practice critical thinking! Critical thinking also means knowing how to break down texts, and in turn, improve our ability to comprehend.

4. Promotes Creativity

By practicing critical thinking, we are allowing ourselves not only to solve problems but also to come up with new and creative ideas to do so. Critical thinking allows us to analyze these ideas and adjust them accordingly.

5. Important For Self-Reflection

Without critical thinking, how can we really live a meaningful life? We need this skill to self-reflect and justify our ways of life and opinions. Critical thinking provides us with the tools to evaluate ourselves in the way that we need to.

6. The Basis Of Science & Democracy

In order to have a democracy and to prove scientific facts, we need critical thinking in the world. Theories must be backed up with knowledge. In order for a society to effectively function, its citizens need to establish opinions about what’s right and wrong (by using critical thinking!).

Benefits Of Critical Thinking

We know that critical thinking is good for society as a whole, but what are some benefits of critical thinking on an individual level? Why is critical thinking important for us?

1. Key For Career Success

Critical thinking is crucial for many career paths. Not just for scientists, but lawyers , doctors, reporters, engineers , accountants, and analysts (among many others) all have to use critical thinking in their positions. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum, critical thinking is one of the most desirable skills to have in the workforce, as it helps analyze information, think outside the box, solve problems with innovative solutions, and plan systematically.

2. Better Decision Making

There’s no doubt about it — critical thinkers make the best choices. Critical thinking helps us deal with everyday problems as they come our way, and very often this thought process is even done subconsciously. It helps us think independently and trust our gut feeling.

3. Can Make You Happier!

While this often goes unnoticed, being in touch with yourself and having a deep understanding of why you think the way you think can really make you happier. Critical thinking can help you better understand yourself, and in turn, help you avoid any kind of negative or limiting beliefs, and focus more on your strengths. Being able to share your thoughts can increase your quality of life.

4. Form Well-Informed Opinions

There is no shortage of information coming at us from all angles. And that’s exactly why we need to use our critical thinking skills and decide for ourselves what to believe. Critical thinking allows us to ensure that our opinions are based on the facts, and help us sort through all that extra noise.

5. Better Citizens

One of the most inspiring critical thinking quotes is by former US president Thomas Jefferson: “An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people.” What Jefferson is stressing to us here is that critical thinkers make better citizens, as they are able to see the entire picture without getting sucked into biases and propaganda.

6. Improves Relationships

While you may be convinced that being a critical thinker is bound to cause you problems in relationships, this really couldn’t be less true! Being a critical thinker can allow you to better understand the perspective of others, and can help you become more open-minded towards different views.

7. Promotes Curiosity

Critical thinkers are constantly curious about all kinds of things in life, and tend to have a wide range of interests. Critical thinking means constantly asking questions and wanting to know more, about why, what, who, where, when, and everything else that can help them make sense of a situation or concept, never taking anything at face value.

8. Allows For Creativity

Critical thinkers are also highly creative thinkers, and see themselves as limitless when it comes to possibilities. They are constantly looking to take things further, which is crucial in the workforce.

9. Enhances Problem Solving Skills

Those with critical thinking skills tend to solve problems as part of their natural instinct. Critical thinkers are patient and committed to solving the problem, similar to Albert Einstein, one of the best critical thinking examples, who said “It’s not that I’m so smart; it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” Critical thinkers’ enhanced problem-solving skills makes them better at their jobs and better at solving the world’s biggest problems. Like Einstein, they have the potential to literally change the world.

10. An Activity For The Mind

Just like our muscles, in order for them to be strong, our mind also needs to be exercised and challenged. It’s safe to say that critical thinking is almost like an activity for the mind — and it needs to be practiced. Critical thinking encourages the development of many crucial skills such as logical thinking, decision making, and open-mindness.

11. Creates Independence

When we think critically, we think on our own as we trust ourselves more. Critical thinking is key to creating independence, and encouraging students to make their own decisions and form their own opinions.

12. Crucial Life Skill

Critical thinking is crucial not just for learning, but for life overall! Education isn’t just a way to prepare ourselves for life, but it’s pretty much life itself. Learning is a lifelong process that we go through each and every day.

How to Think Critically

Now that you know the benefits of thinking critically, how do you actually do it?

How To Improve Your Critical Thinking

• Define Your Question: When it comes to critical thinking, it’s important to always keep your goal in mind. Know what you’re trying to achieve, and then figure out how to best get there.
• Gather Reliable Information: Make sure that you’re using sources you can trust — biases aside. That’s how a real critical thinker operates!
• Ask The Right Questions: We all know the importance of questions, but be sure that you’re asking the right questions that are going to get you to your answer.
• Look Short & Long Term: When coming up with solutions, think about both the short- and long-term consequences. Both of them are significant in the equation.
• Explore All Sides: There is never just one simple answer, and nothing is black or white. Explore all options and think outside of the box before you come to any conclusions.

How Is Critical Thinking Developed At School?

Critical thinking is developed in nearly everything we do. However, much of this important skill is encouraged to be practiced at school, and rightfully so! Critical thinking goes beyond just thinking clearly — it’s also about thinking for yourself.

When a teacher asks a question in class, students are given the chance to answer for themselves and think critically about what they learned and what they believe to be accurate. When students work in groups and are forced to engage in discussion, this is also a great chance to expand their thinking and use their critical thinking skills.

How Does Critical Thinking Apply To Your Career?

Once you’ve finished school and entered the workforce, your critical thinking journey only expands and grows from here!

Impress Your Employer

Employers value employees who are critical thinkers, ask questions, offer creative ideas, and are always ready to offer innovation against the competition. No matter what your position or role in a company may be, critical thinking will always give you the power to stand out and make a difference.

Careers That Require Critical Thinking

Some of many examples of careers that require critical thinking include:

• Human resources specialist
• Marketing associate
• Business analyst

Truth be told however, it’s probably harder to come up with a professional field that doesn’t require any critical thinking!

Photo by  Oladimeji Ajegbile  from  Pexels

What is someone with critical thinking skills capable of doing.

Someone with critical thinking skills is able to think rationally and clearly about what they should or not believe. They are capable of engaging in their own thoughts, and doing some reflection in order to come to a well-informed conclusion.

A critical thinker understands the connections between ideas, and is able to construct arguments based on facts, as well as find mistakes in reasoning.

The Process Of Critical Thinking

The process of critical thinking is highly systematic.

What Are Your Goals?

Critical thinking starts by defining your goals, and knowing what you are ultimately trying to achieve.

Once you know what you are trying to conclude, you can foresee your solution to the problem and play it out in your head from all perspectives.

What Does The Future Of Critical Thinking Hold?

The future of critical thinking is the equivalent of the future of jobs. In 2020, critical thinking was ranked as the 2nd top skill (following complex problem solving) by the World Economic Forum .

We are dealing with constant unprecedented changes, and what success is today, might not be considered success tomorrow — making critical thinking a key skill for the future workforce.

Why Is Critical Thinking So Important?

Why is critical thinking important? Critical thinking is more than just important! It’s one of the most crucial cognitive skills one can develop.

By practicing well-thought-out thinking, both your thoughts and decisions can make a positive change in your life, on both a professional and personal level. You can hugely improve your life by working on your critical thinking skills as often as you can.

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Why Critical Thinking is Important for Leaders to Drive Success of Organization

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In an organization, critical thinking becomes extremely essential to make the right decisions and draw accurate conclusions. The ability of critical thinking fosters strong decision-making power in leaders, so they can rise above the noise, assumptions, and biases and make their own, fair decisions. Being a leader, if you often find yourself sitting on a fence a  leadership development program   can be the best help to develop your critical thinking skills.   It   trains the mind to think instead of just learning facts. With critical thinking ability, you can employ an analytic approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

Importance of Critical Thinking for Leadership

Besides optimizing decision-making, critical thinking has a lot more to offer for intelligent leadership that is goal-focused, purposeful and logical. Critical thinking is a core competency for great leadership, as it is one of the elements that define the effectiveness of a leader in the organization. It is the fundamental component of strategic thinking, the least theoretical measure of a person’s ability to lead.

Having the skill of critical thinking as a leader, you become able for the followings:

• To adapt and handle any changes easily, no matter whatever life throws at you;
• To inspire your colleagues, teammates, subordinates, and others in the organization;
• To create a vision and drive the “troops’ around it;
• To understand how the different parts of the organization work together as a whole

A leader cannot afford shallow thinking as it hurts the employees, the clients, and the organization. In contrast to this, leaders with critical thinking can apply their expertise to the routine challenges of their work. They become valuable decision-making assets for their organizations.

How Leadership Coaching Can Help Develop Critical Thinking Skills

There’s always room to learn and grow the skills. You can learn and upscale your critical thinking ability and other core competencies with a leadership training course. Executive coaches work in collaboration with leaders to help them improve their existing critical thinking skills. Coaches provide practical solutions to hone their skills and help them measure the progress they make.

Leadership coaches can help you if the following ways:

• You can get an objective assessment of your critical thinking skills.
• They ask the right questions to direct their coachees toward the improvement path.
• Encourage leaders to understand the strategic drivers of success for their organization in practical and financial terms.
• They provide valuable input, feedback, and opinions helpful in improving the decision-making skills of the clients.

When it comes to decision-making critical thinking becomes the most vital skill a leader must-have. It is one of the cornerstone leadership competencies that allow you to rise above disagreements, eliminate unnecessary interferences, and draw the best conclusions.

If you want your overall development as a leader and need to focus on improving your core competencies, you can join the leadership training program for Managers offered by Coach Masters Academy. They offer a unique executive coaching training program that enables managers to acquire the skills for impactful and sustainable results.

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Thinking About Kahneman’s Contribution to Critical Thinking

A nobel laureate on contributions on the importance of 'thinking slow.'.

Updated April 10, 2024 | Reviewed by Lybi Ma

• Kahneman won a Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics for his work.
• He found that people are often irrational about economics.

During my Ph.D. studies, I recall focusing on reconceptualising what we know of as critical thinking to include reflective judgment (not jumping to conclusions and taking your time in your decision-making to consider the nature limits, and certainty of knowing) on par with the commonly accepted skills and dispositions components. The importance of reflective judgment wasn’t a particularly novel idea – a good deal of research on reflective judgment and similar processes akin to critical thinking had already been conducted (see King and Kitchener, 1994; Kuhn, 1999; 2000; Stanovich, 1999). However, reflective judgment – as opposed to intuitive judgment – didn’t seem to have ‘the presence’ in the discussion of critical thinking that it does today.

The same month I submitted my Ph.D. back in 2011, a book was released that massively helped to accomplish what I had been working to help facilitate – changing the terrain of thought surrounding critical thinking: Thinking, Fast, and Slow . Its author, Daniel Kahneman, passed away a couple of weeks ago at age 90. Psychology students will likely recognise the name associated with Amos Tversky and their classic work together in the 1970s on the availability, representativeness, and anchoring and adjustment heuristics (for example, Tversky and Kahneman, 1974). Indeed, such heuristics, alongside the affect heuristic (Kahneman and Frederick, 2002; Slovic and colleagues, 2002) play a large role in how we think about thinking and barriers to critical thought. In 2002, Kahneman won a Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics for his work on prospect theory concerning loss aversion and people’s often irrational approach to economics. Indeed, Kahneman’s resume is full of awards and achievements.

However, the accomplishment I will remember him best for is the publication of Thinking, Fast, and Slow and its contribution to the field of critical thinking. Funny enough, I don’t recall the term, critical thinking being used very often in the book, if at all – and I read it two or three times. No, critical thinking was not the focus of his book; rather system 1 (fast) and 2 (slow) thinking (see also Stanovich, 1999) – intuitive and reflective judgment. Not only did this book put into the spotlight many of the mechanics of reflective judgment for fellow academics and researchers of cognitive psychology, it also did so l for non-academic audiences – becoming a New York Times bestseller. Moreover, it won the Los Angeles Times Book Award for Current Interest, and the National Academy of Sciences Communication Award for Best Book (both in 2011). Good thinking was cool again in popular culture.

In the critical thinking literature, reflective judgment – regardless of what you want to call it (for example, system 2 thinking, epistemological understanding, ‘taking your time’) – is becoming more accepted as a core component of critical thinking. The field of critical thinking research and psychology more broadly, owes Kahneman a debt of gratitude for his contributions in helping shine a light on the importance of ‘thinking slow’. Thank you .

Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow . 2UK: Penguin.

Kahneman, D., & Frederick, S. (2002). Representativeness revisited: Attribute substitution in intuitive judgment. Heuristics and biases: The Psychology of Intuitive Judgment , 49 (49-81), 74.

King, P. M., & Kitchener, K. S. (1994). Developing Reflective Judgment: Understanding and Promoting Intellectual Growth and Critical Thinking in Adolescents and Adults. CA: Jossey-Bass.

King, P. M., & Kitchener, K. S. (2004). Reflective judgment: Theory and research on the development of epistemic assumptions through adulthood. Educational Psychologist, 39 (1), 5–15.

Kuhn, D. (1999). A developmental model of critical thinking. Educational Researcher , 28 (2), 16-46.

Kuhn, D. (2000). Metacognitive development. Current Directions in Psychological Science , 9 (5), 178-181.

Slovic, P., Finucane, M., Peters, E., & MacGregor, D. G. (2002). Rational actors or rational fools: Implications of the affect heuristic for behavioral economics. The Journal of Socio-economics , 31 (4), 329-342.

Stanovich, K.E. (1999) Who is rational? Studies of individual differences in reasoning. Mahwah, Erlbaum.

Tversky, A., & Kahneman, D. (1974). Judgment under Uncertainty: Heuristics and Biases: Biases in judgments reveal some heuristics of thinking under uncertainty. Science , 185 (4157), 1124-1131.

Christopher Dwyer, Ph.D., is a lecturer at the Technological University of the Shannon in Athlone, Ireland.

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More From Forbes

How leaders click with people.

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 07: Satya Nadela speaks on stage at the "A Conversation with ... [+] Microsoft's Satya Nadella" panel at the on November 07, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Fast Company)

The mystery of why we "click" with certain individuals more than others remains one of science's most captivating puzzles. Thalia Wheatley, a prominent neuroscientist, and her colleagues have shed light on this phenomenon, suggesting that our brains crave the deep connections formed through successful communication . This inherent desire to connect has been pivotal in the evolution of human communities and the survival of our species. Aligning our thoughts and feelings with others through conversation is not just a social skill but a critical leadership capability.

Understanding how brain activities align, or neural entrainment, is vital in leadership. This process helps leaders communicate effectively, uniting their teams and encouraging cooperation . By mastering this skill, leaders can better handle group dynamics and build strong connections, increasing their impact and success.

1. The Power of Neural Entrainment in Team Building

Neural entrainment, where people's brain activities sync up during interactions, is key to good communication. Research indicates that some individuals, dubbed supercommunicators, possess an exceptional ability to align with others effortlessly . This ability is crucial for creating united teams and a teamwork-focused atmosphere. Leaders who excel at this can manage complex group situations well and build strong relationships, making them more influential and effective.

2. The Experiment: Unveiling the Secrets of Supercommunicators

Beau Sievers, a neuroscientist, conducted a fascinating study where people watched confusing, silent movie clips and then talked about them in groups . The aim was to see why some people are good at syncing with others. Results showed that after discussing the clips, the brains of people in some groups started working in remarkably similar ways.

3. The Importance of Certain Group Members

This study highlighted the importance of certain individuals—called high centrality participants—who were especially good at bringing people together through their communication. Contrary to expectations, groups with a dominant leader didn't sync up as well as those with these special participants. These key individuals were curious, understanding, and flexible in their approach, making them essential for effective group communication.

Why You Should Stop Sending Texts From Your iMessage App

Apple ipad pro 2024 release date: latest news on when it will launch, the best air purifiers for pets to help reduce allergens and odors, 4. characteristics of supercommunicators.

In his latest book, Charles Dunning delves into the traits that set apart what he calls " Supercommunicators ." He outlines key behaviors that are instrumental in distinguishing effective leaders who excel in fostering open, productive dialogues within their teams:

Inquisitiveness:

Supercommunicators utilize questions to spark discussions and open up new viewpoints, thereby creating an atmosphere where everyone feels their voice matters. Leaders can foster a culture of curiosity and ongoing learning by asking open-ended questions such as, "Can you share more about your perspective on this?" or "What are some alternatives we haven't considered yet?"

By openly acknowledging their uncertainties and displaying vulnerability, these communicators establish a space where communication is open and sincere. When leaders express genuine concern for their team members' experiences and feelings with questions like, "It sounds like this was a challenging experience for you. How are you feeling about it now?" they lay the groundwork for trust and openness.

Adaptability:

Their skill in aligning their tone and approach with those of their conversation partners encourages a smooth flow of ideas. A leader's flexibility and responsiveness to change are evident when they ask, "Given the new information, how should we adjust our approach?" This showcases an ability to adapt to evolving circumstances and maintain effective communication.

Supercommunicators have a subtle yet powerful capacity to steer conversations and achieve consensus among group members, often doing so without overt recognition. By asking, "What consensus are we forming, and how do we communicate this effectively?" leaders can guide their teams toward unified decision-making that embraces diverse perspectives.

5. Strategies for Becoming a Supercommunicator

1. Cultivate Curiosity: Encourage curiosity within your team by asking open-ended questions and promoting a culture of learning and exploration.

2. Practice Active Listening: Demonstrate a genuine interest in your team members' ideas and concerns by practicing active listening and providing thoughtful feedback.

3. Embrace Vulnerability: Share your challenges and uncertainties to create a culture of trust and openness.

4. Adapt Your Communication Style: Be mindful of your audience and adapt your communication style to meet their needs, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.

Implications for Leadership

The ability to synchronize with others through effective communication is a hallmark of exceptional leadership. Leaders who embody the traits of super-communicators can significantly enhance team cohesion, drive innovation, and navigate the complexities of organizational change. By fostering an environment that values empathy, inquisitiveness, and adaptability, leaders can unlock the full potential of their teams.

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Leadership in the Sciences: Being an Expert Is Just the Beginning

An insightful q&a with applied science professors.

Listen in on a conversation between two regulatory affairs experts and instructors in the Applied Sciences Leadership program about the importance of leadership and other soft skills in the science industry.

Brent Kobielush , PhD, Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs, Conagra Brands Ruth Petran , PhD, CFS, Senior Advisor, Food Safety, The Acheson Group and Ruth Petran Consulting, LLC

What skills are most critical for success in the sciences right now?

Brent Kobielush : In the food/feed safety and regulatory roles, a delineation between hazard and risk is very important. Hazard is the possibility of something causing harm, whereas risk is the likelihood of a hazard causing harm. Mathematically, risk equals hazard times exposure. As toxicologists, we talk about “dose makes the poison.” Oftentimes, risk assessors are dealing with issues in shades of gray, from what the literature tells us on safety and how to interpret certain regulations throughout the world. All these factors come into play. So, a healthy understanding and comfortability in that gray space is very important, because you're going to be called upon to make decisions. If you continually waffle, no one's going to come to you to make decisions.

I will say from a scientific perspective, the most important thing that someone entering the field should do well is communicate. Communicating PhD-level science isn't easy. If an executive is asking you about a certain issue, you can't use words that may not make any sense except in that academic, scientific sphere, because that individual may not have a scientific background. How you communicate, how you interact with different people, how you make decisions from an integrity and character standpoint, are invaluable. If you can't make relationships up and down the supply chain, cross functionally with peer sets, in other companies, you're going to struggle.

Ruth Petran : I think historically, we've thought about scientists as experts having a lot of deep technical knowledge because they've researched or studied something extensively, which is still a really important starting place. An old mentor of mine always used to say, well, if you ever don't know what to say, always go back to the science, and the science is typically not going to fail you, and that is true. But when we have a particular level of expertise, we have to make sure we communicate this information effectively to whoever the audience is. This means thinking about alternate ways of communicating the same kinds of messages, for example, to a more lay audience who may not have that same technical level of knowledge, but still can benefit from hearing about it.

Critical thinking is really important as well. There's a lot of information out there. With social media and the speed of everything being transmitted, we're bombarded with lots and lots of information. We need to be able to sift through that quickly and ensure that we're communicating what's most accurate. That's where that technical knowledge comes in handy, to make sure that the messages you send forward are valid.

What skills are you looking for when hiring for leadership roles?

Brent Kobielush : I think servant leadership is the strongest leadership quality anybody can have. I think people are saying, well, servant leadership is more of a weakness, you want to be visionary and strategic. I think that's important, but if you aren't advocating [for] or serving the individuals that report to you, that organization is not going to thrive while you're there. That's what I'm looking for as a leader.

More importantly, I believe, is serving the consumers . You and I are consumers; I just happen to be a consumer that works within a food organization. So serving the consumer, doing what's right by them from a safety, regulatory, quality standpoint, in that order, I think is very important. Character is defined as making the right decisions when no one's watching. That has to be part of any leader’s ability to make change, especially in the food safety and regulatory space. If you don't have character and integrity to make solid decisions, then you shouldn't even be interviewing.

Ruth Petran : I think adaptability is really important—being able to take that technical knowledge and apply it in different situations, being ready to be challenged, and standing your ground when it makes sense, but also being open to others' perspectives. The whole idea of risk communication or risk management approaches is making sure that the message you need to get across is going to work for the intended audience and those who need to go out and implement those strategies. It's one thing to come up with a strategy in a laboratory that looks really promising and can earn you a publication, but if it can't be done in the field, it's kind of a failure. So I think adaptability is really key, along with proper communication.

How do you provide growth opportunities for staff?

Brent Kobielush : When we see a great leader, we want to make sure we're elevating and challenging and rewarding them appropriately so that they stay. My approach to leadership is more hands-off than hands-on, because I feel that the more hands-on you are, the more you're viewed as a micromanager. If I get in the way, I'm impeding their growth potential. Not to mention, I'm draining their energy by always looking over their shoulder. Something like that will decimate your organization and the drive of an individual. You're not only doing a detriment to your team, but you're doing a detriment to the broader organization.

There's this whole idea of managing up, and I think that gets talked about as a way of managing your boss. But managing up also is, “Hey, have you thought about this? Maybe we should go this direction?” As a leader, you should allow your employees to express other ideas that you haven’t thought about and have the humility to say, “That's a way better direction than I thought.” Being humble will differentiate you as a leader.

Ruth Petran : I think it’s vital to give folks opportunities to practically apply what is traditionally learned in a four-year college or university. The more opportunities that we all have to get out in the real world and practice these, the better. Approaches can be: 

• Allowing staff to take over for the leader when they can, in perhaps a lower risk situation so that they're more likely to succeed
• Letting a junior person craft a message, and then with the leader, reviewing that before it gets sent out
• “Setting them loose” in a sense and letting them try things out and being open to the fact that it's probably not going to be the way I would do it or perfect the first time or ever

But this approach does a couple things ... It recognizes that there are different ways to pull facts together and send that message, and there may be different perspectives. None of us certainly has all the answers. So being open to what others may have experienced or learned in their course of study is key. And giving folks the chance to practice is so helpful and empowering!

How do you work in an integrated way with stakeholders from different industries and backgrounds?

Brent Kobielush : First of all, you’ve got to find the commonality . The goal, as a partner, is to come alongside that individual or that industry and support them in their initiatives, knowing that when you have tough times they're going to come support you. That's how I view collaboration, coming alongside, if it helps that industry. It's human nature to say, they supported me here, we're going to support them there.

Collaboration across industries is important where there is a shared interest of basic principles. We do collaborate across companies because safety is not competitive, and it never should be. So when I was at General Mills I'd call my Kellogg colleague, even though there's fierce competition in that marketplace. Not only is it ethically important to say and live by that, but there's also a business component to it. If they have a problem, it's going to indirectly affect us because the consumers don't see brands as much as they see product categories. Something that impacts one cereal brand will, inevitably, impact the cereal category. Again, ensuring the safety of the food supply is of the utmost importance beyond anything.

Ruth Petran : It's hard to do. But I think doing our best to understand different stakeholders’ points of view is important. For example, business leaders are focused on the bottom line, growth, and maintenance of the business or entity, and communication with them is important. This includes understanding how they can help support the company collectively getting to a more effective and balanced solution.

I've spent a lot of time working with food companies, and I think a food plant is a good analogy for this in that there's typically a quality assurance department, then there's maintenance people, some operators who are working in the plant, the plant manager, various supervisors, probably an HR person. At the end of the day, the goal of that facility is to make food that is saleable, of high quality, and in line with what consumers are going to buy. No one can do that alone. It's only by coming together and understanding how the whole “machine” works together that that goal will be achieved consistently. So everybody has to have the mindset of relying on and working collaboratively with these other functions to reach that common goal.

What about the siloed nature of thinking within certain disciplines? 

Brent Kobielush : I use this example all the time when I teach: We’re watching a football game and there's a 30-second commercial for pharmaceutical medication, but the whole 30 seconds is scrolling side effects. But as a consumer, I will take that risk so long as my elbow feels good. Imagine if we put potential side effects in a food commercial. There's this part of us that says food should not have any risk associated with it. Well, anything has risk, it's a matter of driving down the risk. The unique thing in the food or feed industry that the consumer cannot get their arms around is the fact that there's risk with food.

And that's what sets food apart in trying to communicate risk effectively, and no one has gotten it right. There's mercury in fish. If you don't cook chicken, you might have salmonella. If you're using raw dough, there is potential risk there. That's where it's really hard to collaborate, especially on the communication piece.

Ruth Petran : To some extent I think that's just the nature of tradition and “how we've always done things.” I think some of the newer regulations and focuses from the regulatory bodies have forced cooperation and collaboration among these different kinds of silos. It'd be nice if this had been happening on its own, and to some extent, it has, but when you have a regulator pushing something at the industry, it does encourage it, perhaps a little more quickly and effectively.

We know that it works; there's been lots of published work on the value of collaborating . At the end of the day it gives you a better solution than just one entity going at it themselves.

Why does having a blend of soft skills and hard science skills make for effective leadership?

Brent Kobielush : If you 100% know the science but you can't communicate it, it means nothing except to you. Likewise, if you can talk a great game, people are gonna pick that apart by asking harder questions. So you have to have both to be successful. Are there successful individuals who want to focus on the science but can’t explain it? Yeah … but they will hit a ceiling. I think if you want to have the quintessential whole package, you understand the science and you can communicate and translate it. If you can play and work in both ladders, that will set you apart.

We have to have a really firm understanding of what people are capable of and what their potential is. They might have the potential to do it, but they have to want to do it. In some cases, an individual will have to move organizations for the opportunity to lead. This is sometimes a difficult realization. The vast majority of individuals who have deep technical knowledge, as well as an appreciation and knowledge of the business side of things, tend to really accelerate up the ladder.

Ruth Petran : I think it's interesting because 20, 30 years ago, I don't think we would have thought about scientists really needing to have too many soft skills. But as we've seen, with the advent of the internet and more communication channels, there’s a need to be hyperaware of the audience and the need for effective communication in a variety of media.

So now you need to get your message across within a sentence or two, versus in the past you could write a publication or article that would be pages and pages. I think the pandemic certainly demonstrated examples where we had scientists communicating messages that, to them, were very accurate from a research standpoint. But the practical application of getting this information to the general public and having them do something about it failed in some cases. So we need to be able to blend those in order to be more effective as we're working to lead across these industries.

Brent and Ruth teach Regulatory Affairs for Food Production and Distribution (ASCL 6213).

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