Critical Thinking
Section 2
Critical thinking isn’t about repeating what others believe—it’s about proving ideas to yourself. It means forming your own opinions based on facts, evidence, and reasoning rather than adopting or inheriting viewpoints from others. It also requires the flexibility to question your current thinking and accept that you may not have the full picture. The eight habits that follow offer a practical way to build this kind of thinking for real life and the workplace.
Eight Habits of Strong Critical Thinkers
Strong critical thinkers rely on a set of habits when they process information, solve problems, and make decisions.
Eight Habits of Strong Critical Thinkers
Strong critical thinkers rely on a set of habits when they process information, solve problems, and make decisions.
Get It Right, Not Just Be Right
Strong critical thinkers don’t need to be right all the time. They’re smarter than that. They set aside ego and don’t feel the need to have all the answers. They are comfortable admitting when they don’t know something or when they’ve made a mistake. They ask questions and actively seek the best available information. Is this true of you?
2. Think Before Judging
They take time to understand a situation before reacting. They gather information, especially when decisions have serious consequences, and recognize that some choices deserve more careful thought than others. There are no bonus points for making a decision quickly. Take your time.
3. Question Information—Don’t Just Accept It
They look beyond the surface of the data. They check whether information is accurate, consider how it’s being presented, and ask what might be missing. They understand that information can reflect bias or support a particular agenda. What do different sources or experts say? If they don’t all agree, why? What has your own research—beyond these differing viewpoints—shown you to be true?
Exercising Mental Flexibility
This is a simple exercise to help you practice critical thinking.
Choose a topic or situation.
Write down two opposing views or different options.
Work on your own to find reasons for and against both viewpoints or options.
Compare your findings with others who completed the same exercise.
Then reflect:
Were you able to find research that supports both sides or options? Did you find concrete, verifiable facts? Did any of your findings challenge opinions you originally held? Did you put as much effort into finding facts for opposing viewpoints as you did for your own?
4. Balance Analysis with Action
They look for patterns and clarity without rushing to conclusions. By patiently considering both the big picture and the details, they learn when they have enough information to move forward—even if they don’t yet have every answer.
This means -
Suspending Judgment: Critical thinkers don’t rush to conclusions and adjust their thinking when new information emerges.
In the workplace it applies-
As noted in Simplified Strategic Planning, forcing a conclusion too early is a common mistake. Strong strategies often emerge by waiting for more data and allowing patterns in the market to become clear.
Metacognitive Exercise
This week, pay attention to how often you draw conclusions based on what you observe or believe to be facts. Notice when you make assumptions without checking information, when you draw deductions from limited evidence, and when you interpret situations based on past experiences or expectations. The goal isn’t to judge yourself, but to become more aware of how your thinking works before you decide or respond.
Thought of the Day
"The essence of the independent mind lies not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks."
— Christopher Hitchens