Little-Known Examples of Critical Thinking in the Workplace
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Critical Thinking Defined
Critical thinking is a skill that every employer loves to list in their job descriptions. According to a World Economic Forum survey of HR professionals, it will be the second most important workplace skill in 2020.
But what exactly does ‘critical thinking’ mean, especially in a work context?
Critical thinking refers to a person’s ability to see the big picture, use relevant information and data to understand the situation and come to a reasonable judgment about what to do.
Some characteristics of a critical thinker are:
Objective - Able to recognize biases and look at things from a neutral perspective.
Logical - Sets standards and criteria for assessment, step-by-step approach.
Evidence-based - Takes into account facts and data, does not rely on feelings or unsubstantiated claims.
Collaborative - Receives input from multiple sources and is willing to consider other people’s ideas.
Examples of Critical Thinking in the Workplace
Being open to trying something new
Imagine that during a strategy brainstorming meeting someone suggests a new way of generating leads for the sales team. People who are resistant to change may object and say "We've always done cold-calling and had success, why change it now?"
Instead of shooting down a new idea without giving it any thought, a critical thinker would seek out more information. Why is this a good idea? Is there data that shows a different method could increase sales? What metrics can be used to measure results?
Perhaps the market has shifted or there is an emerging channel that is yielding great opportunities for marketing. Employing critical thinking could result in a more effective way of doing business.
Determining the right course of action
High-risk situations call for a quick and accurate decision that will not prove to be the wrong move later on. When these important decisions need to be made, critical thinking is a must.
Doctors and nurses are professionals who constantly use critical thinking skills and reasoning in their workplace. They need to rapidly analyze information and decide on an action plan based on what they observe. A lapse in judgement could mean life or death for patients.
As an example, at the patient intake stage hospital nurses need to assess people’s symptoms and utilize critical thinking to judge in which order to treat patients. Factors such as urgency, level of pain, and combination of symptoms will help guide the decision.
Controlling emotional response
Many workers in certain professions often are faced with ethical challenges. Sometimes emotions or moral standards get in the way of work and put people in a tough spot.
For example, a social worker might feel that she could be so much more useful to a struggling single mother if she made a false report resulting in increased financial assistance. Critical thinking skills help someone in this situation be aware of their emotions and examine all aspects objectively. The social worker should weigh the potential consequences of committing fraud and how this could negatively affect her career and the single mother she wants to help. Thinking through the details may reveal more appropriate alternatives that will still be beneficial, like recommending a low-income child care provider.
Critical thinkers make better business decisions because they collect more information, analyze it thoroughly and come to a logical conclusion.
Be sure to actively employ critical thinking in the workplace to up your performance and make decisions effectively.
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