Source: https://www.linkedin.
com/pulse/what-critical-thinking-skills-how-improve-
them-
Published by: by LinkedIn news. (2022, July 23)
What Are Critical Thinking Skills and How to Improve Them
Critical thinking is the act of thinking based on reason rather than emotion. Employees
benefit from being critical thinkers because they are better at their jobs and more e;ective
with team members. Even though critical thinking is challenging for some, focusing on the
main critical thinking skills helps.
Can you objectively examine information to draw a reasonable conclusion? Many people
believe they can, but this is a learned skill not all humans possess.
Critical thinking provides many benefits in everyday life, such as curiosity, creativity,
independence and well-informed opinions. These factors impact almost all areas of a
person’s life.
Critical thinking is also vital in the workplace. It helps employees figure out solutions and
become more eDective at their jobs. Employers love workers that can come up with
creative, logical solutions for problems to save time and resources.
What Are Critical Thinking Skills?
People use critical thinking skills to analyze and understand information more eDiciently.
The goal when thinking critically is to come to the best conclusion possible based on
provided data and information. It is thinking based on reason rather than emotion. Critical
thinkers will ask questions, consider diDerent viewpoints and make educated decisions
based on their knowledge.
Why Are Critical Thinking Skills Important?
Critical thinking skills help people understand concepts and ideas better. It provides a
foundation for personal growth and mental strength.
Workers with good critical thinking ability will have an easier experience with:
• Finding and understanding problems
• Solving problems as a team
• Reflecting on self and skills
• Focusing on strengths over weaknesses
• Planning and strategizing to avoid conflict
Certain professions, such as scientists, doctors or educators, require critical thinking. Any
job that requires analyzing information without bias and solving problems with creative
ideas is a great fit for critical thinkers.
Critical thinkers are often happier individuals because they find reasonable conclusions to
big, overwhelming problems. They are also well-informed, strengthening their self-
reflection, emotional intelligence and extrospective skills.
What Critical Thinking Skills Are the Most Important?
Critical thinking is a way of thinking people learn, and many skills relate to thoughtful
exploration. Hard skills and soft skills are helpful when critically thinking.
The critical thinking skills examples that you should focus on include:
• Observation and analysis
• Drawing inferences
• EDective communication
• Informed problem-solving and decision-making
1. Analysis
Before thinking about something critically, you need to understand what it is. Observational
skills are necessary to identify a new issue and realize why it is a problem.
Once a person becomes more observant, they can quickly tell when something might
become a problem later, which is a valuable skill in the workplace. Take time to process
information and pay close attention to your surroundings to become more observant.
After identifying the problem, evaluate the situation to determine the most critical factors.
Among them are collecting evidence, doing research or asking questions. Considering new
ideas and pushing yourself to learn more about unfamiliar topics are great ways to improve
your analytical skills.
2. Inference
Analyzing the problem will lead to a conclusion. Inference involves coming to conclusions
based on knowledge and information. You would often need industry-specific expertise or
experience for a workplace concern to draw a reasonable conclusion.
Create logical conclusions by focusing on educated guesses instead of initial instincts or
thoughts. Use brainstorming sessions to develop general ideas and narrow them
down until you find the answer that aligns most closely with your knowledge and the
evidence available.
3. Communication
Specific issues require constant communication throughout the problem-solving process.
Others require a report once you have a conclusion.
Either way, communication skills are essential. If someone cannot communicate what
they’ve learned, others won’t understand the thought process.
Having thought-provoking conversations with others is a great way to learn how to
communicate complex ideas eDectively. In particular, if the other party has an opposing
viewpoint. Additionally, active listening and respect are essential when rationally explaining
concepts.
4. Informed Decision-Making
The final step in the process is executing your concluded solution. This involves problem-
solving and decision-making skills.
A person must implement the solution and determine if it works as intended toward the
initial concern and the overall goal.
Gaining knowledge within an industry is an excellent opportunity to improve problem-
solving skills. Once you know more about the field, you will better understand why
problems exist. Additionally, observing others and learning new techniques or processes in
the workplace can improve decision-making skills.
How to Improve Critical Thinking Skills
Work on your critical thinking skills to improve and become a more eDective thinker. Start
by:
• Learning new skills
• Practicing problem-solving
• Exercising your brain
Expand Your Skill Set
Set goals for yourself related to the skills you want to master. Consider what your strengths
and weaknesses are and how you can better yourself.
Learn about your biases and the biases, prejudices and perspectives of others. Read more
books on critical thinking and the specific skills you want to improve.
Opening your mind to new ways of thinking will give you more tools when developing
solutions.
Take the Initiative to Solve Problems
If you see a problem (or the potential for a problem to arise), take time to think about the
issue before providing a solution.
Asking questions is key for a critical thinker. Always consider:
• What do you know about this issue?
• Why is this information provided now (and by whom or what)?
• What are other views on this issue?
• What are potential solutions to the problem?
Researching to learn more about a topic or brainstorming answers is also a great way to vet
information. Use trusted resources to form an opinion and devise a solution to the
problem.
Particular work-related concerns take more critical thinking before a solution forms, but it
is worth it to improve your workplace. Austin Belcak, the founder of Cultivated Culture,
states, “Going the extra mile is a skill. Like any other skill, it’s something you can build and
hone. It doesn’t take much to train your brain either. All you need to do is go slightly beyond
the goals you set.” Being the employee that solves issues is a great way to show your
employer you care about the company and are willing to work hard.
Play Brain Games
Critical thinking involves many diDerent skills that take time and energy to learn.
Brain games help people develop some of these skills for the workplace or their personal
lives. They might test cognitive abilities or strengthen essential skills.
Examples of brain games to play more often include:
• Logic puzzles
• Riddles
• Chess
• Solitaire
• Crosswords
Key Takeaways:
• Critical thinking involves analyzing and understanding information to draw a rational
conclusion.
• Organizations and employees benefit from hiring employees with strong critical
thinking abilities.
• Improving hard and soft skills will help individuals develop insightful thought
patterns.
• Many critical thinking skills help a person establish logical thinking strategies.
