What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking refers to a detailed analysis of a problem before making a decision Epstein, Richard L et al. It involves the gathering of data, assessment, and evaluation. Critical thinking is essential in personal life and business activities.

Importance: Critical thinking leads to innovation by ‘thinking outside the box.’ According to Epstein, a critical thinker increases their work productivity, gets promoted often, has higher job opportunities and is happier. Happiness comes from the success of the choices made. Critical thinking helps a manager make sound decisions on; investment, the combination of skills and technology, job division and production process.

Using critical thinking to make decisions: The four aspects of critical thinking are logic, truth, concept and alternatives. Logic evaluates the potential effect solutions on individuals and systems.  Truth, the decisions made is based on facts and not on intuition. Context assesses the effects of an action on the affected external elements. Alternatives, every solution needs to have options in case conditions change. The four factors result in sound decisions.

Critical thinking is an important component in making good decisions.  What is critical thinking?  Why is it important?  How can you use it to make better decisions?