Critical thinking is defined as the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information logically and objectively. It involves questioning assumptions, recognizing biases, and assessing evidence to reach well-reasoned conclusions.This skill is essential in both personal and professional contexts because it enables individuals to make informed decisions, solve complex problems, and navigate uncertainty. By improving your critical thinking skills, you become better equipped to handle challenges, avoid misinformation, and engage in meaningful, constructive conversations that drive innovation and progress.
How to think critically at work
Here are some steps you can take when using critical thinking for problem-solving at work:
- Identify a problem or issue.
- Create inferences on why the problem exists and how it can be solved.
- Collect information or data on the issue through research.
- Organize and sort data and findings.
- Develop and execute solutions.
- Analyze which solutions worked or did not work.
- Identify ways to improve the solution.
Top critical thinking skills
Here are some common and impactful critical thinking skills you might consider highlighting on your resume or in an interview:
Analysis
Once a problem has been identified, analytical skills become essential. The ability to analyze and effectively evaluate a situation involves knowing what facts, data, or information about the problem are important. This also often includes gathering unbiased research, asking relevant questions about the data to ensure it is accurate, and assessing the findings objectively.Improve your analytical skills by taking on new experiences. For example, you might read a book about a concept you are unfamiliar with or take an online math class to push yourself to think in new ways and consider new ideas. Doing so can help you build the skills to interpret new information and make rational decisions based on sound analysis.
Communication
Communication skills are important when it comes time to explain and discuss issues and their possible solutions with colleagues and other stakeholders.
Improve your communication skills within the context of critical thinking by engaging in difficult discussions, for example, in situations when you and another participant may disagree about the topic. Maintain good communication habits, such as active listening and respect, to understand other points of view and to be able to explain your ideas in a calm, rational manner. Doing so can help you evaluate solutions more effectively with your colleagues.
Inference
Inference is a skill that involves concluding the information you collect and may require you to possess technical or industry-specific knowledge or experience. When you make an inference, that means you are developing answers based on limited information. For example, a car mechanic may need to infer what is causing a car’s engine to stall at seemingly random times based on the information available to them.Improve your inference skills by placing focus on making educated guesses rather than quickly drawing conclusions. This requires slowing down to carefully look for and consider as many clues as possible—such as images, data or reports—that might help you evaluate a situation.
Observation
Observational skills are the starting point for critical thinking. Observant people can quickly sense and identify a new problem. Those skilled in observation are also capable of understanding why something might be a problem. They may even be able to predict when a problem might occur before it happens based on their experiences.
Problem-solving
After you have identified and analyzed a problem and chosen a solution, the final step is to execute your solution. Problem-solving often requires critical thinking to implement the best solution and understand whether or not the solution is working as it relates to the goal.
Improve your problem-solving skills by setting goals to acquire more industry knowledge within your field. Problem-solving at work typically becomes easier if you have a strong understanding of industry-specific information. It can also be helpful to observe how others around you solve problems at work. Take note of their techniques and ask questions about their process.
