Madhav Malhotra
In this blog post, let us explore the concept of Critical Thinking. We will explore the formal definitions of the concept and how it is an important skill in the workplace.
What is Critical Thinking?
Excerpt from Wikipedia:
"Critical thinking is the process of analyzing available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments to make sound conclusions or informed choices."
Source: Critical Thinking — Wikipedia
Plainly speaking, it is the process of rigorously evaluating one's thoughts to ensure a state of final rational thought.
Although this definition might look simple, there is a lot of unpack and apply this in the real world. Let us look at how in the real world, each part of this definition has complexity and complex.
Analyzing Available Facts, Evidence, Observations, and Arguments
In real world situations, there are multiple issues that might impact this aspect of critical thinking.
- Access to facts/evidence/arguments/observations: Depending on the context and domain, it might not always be possible to have access to all relevant information. Some data may be unavailable, incomplete, confidential, or simply unknown at the time a decision needs to be made.
- Multiple ways to analyze: Depending on the domain, some mechanisms of analysis may be more suited than others. A financial problem may require numerical modeling, while a people-related issue may require qualitative judgment. Choosing how to analyze is itself a critical thinking step.
- Time: Often, real-world situations where critical thinking is required have limited time available. This constraint directly impacts how much data one can gather and how deeply one can analyze it.
As a result, the “analysis” part of critical thinking is rarely perfect. It is often partial, approximate, and shaped by constraints.
Make Sound Conclusions or Informed Choices
Individuals do not make conclusions or choices in isolation from the environment they are in. In an ideal setting, decisions would be made solely on the basis of rational analysis of information. In practice, this is rarely the case.
Human decision-making is influenced by:
- Prior experiences and mental models
- Organizational incentives and pressures
- Cognitive biases and assumptions
- Emotional states and social dynamics
Because of these factors, even a well-intentioned and careful analysis may lead to conclusions that later turn out to be incomplete or flawed.
Critical Thinking as an Iterative Process
Critical Thinking works far better as an iterative process. It is not a one and done activity.
A more realistic mental model looks like this:
- Analyze the best information available at the moment
- Make a decision or reach a conclusion
- Observe the outcomes of that decision
- Use those outcomes as new evidence
- Re-analyze and refine the conclusion
Each iteration of critical thinking produces new inputs for the next iteration.
In the workplace, this might look like:
- Making an initial project plan with limited information
- Executing part of the plan and gathering feedback
- Discovering unexpected constraints or opportunities
- Revisiting assumptions and updating decisions
Why This Matters in the Workplace
Workplace problems are rarely static. Priorities shift, information evolves, and constraints change. Employees often have to navigate:
- Ambiguity
- Changes
- Mistakes
- Expectations
Applying critical thinking iteratively can help navigate these aspects while also iteratively improving the mental models and outcomes.