You can listen to the article. If it’s more convenient for you, turn on the podcast.
1. Observation
This is one of the very first skills acquired in childhood. It includes the ability to notice details and collect data using the senses. As a result, our observations lead to the formation of our own opinions and a deeper understanding of reality.
2. Objectivity
It is impossible to be 100% objective because we are greatly influenced by our worldview and past experiences. Nevertheless, always try to look at the situation as impartially as possible and analyze it. Focus on facts and scientific assessment of available information. Try not to let the emotions of others and your feelings influence your reasoning.
3. Curiosity
Interest in the world and the people around them is a trait of many leaders with developed critical thinking. With age, we stop following our innate curiosity, but it is precisely this that helps us be open to everything new and encourages us to deepen our knowledge. To develop it, do not take everything for granted, but constantly wonder why things work the way they do.
Try it 📌
4. Self-analysis
These are reflections on the structure of your thought processes. Self-analysis gives you insight into your possible misconceptions, as well as how attentive you are. It helps you explore your innermost thoughts, feelings and sensations.
5. Analytical thinking
The ability to analyze information is important in any matter: when signing a contract, writing a report or business plan, even in building relationships with people. To do this, you need to break information down into its component parts and evaluate how they function together and separately. The analysis should be based on observation, collection and evaluation of evidence. Only after this can you draw an objective conclusion.
6. Ability to identify misconceptions
Look for evidence of your beliefs and check whether the sources of your knowledge are trustworthy. This will help identify misconceptions that often go unnoticed and distort our perceptions.
When evaluating any information, think about who it might benefit. Is there any hidden benefit for the source? Are facts that contradict this information suppressed?
7. Ability to determine the significance of information
One of the main difficulties is to understand what information is particularly relevant and meaningful in a particular situation. All incoming data seems valuable at first, but this is not always confirmed. Consider whether the source of information is relevant, unbiased, or distracting from a more important point.
8. Ability to make assumptions based on facts
We don’t always receive information with an explanation of what it means. You need to evaluate it and draw your own conclusions based on raw data. In this case, it is necessary to take into account possible scenarios.
But don’t confuse the ability to make assumptions based on facts with simple guesses. For example, if you read that someone weighs 118 kilograms, you might think that person is overweight and in poor health. Although to draw a conclusion, you need to know his height and constitution.
9. Empathy
Compassion may seem unnecessary for critical thinking, because sentimentality and emotionality distort our perception. But without empathy, we consider everything only from the point of view of dry data and facts. This view quickly spreads to all areas, and we begin to doubt everything.
To think effectively critically, you need to consider the human factor. Don’t forget that in the situations you face, it’s not just the data that matters, it’s the people as well.
Find out more 💗
10. Lack of arrogance
Admit your mistakes and don’t exaggerate your strengths. Knowing your own weaknesses and strengths is an important element of critical thinking. So don’t dismiss other people’s opinions without thinking. Try to notice when you are wrong and be willing to change your views if necessary.
11. Willingness to challenge the status quo
Don’t settle for using traditional methods just because you’ve followed them before. Look for reasonable answers and methods that take into account all available information. This willingness to challenge the status quo may seem provocative, but it is at the heart of innovative approaches.
12. Openness to everything new
Don’t make hasty conclusions. Approach each situation with an open mind and accept other people’s views and opinions. Don’t take sides until you know everyone’s points of view. This will help to assess the situation holistically.
13. Awareness of typical thinking errors
Don’t let misconceptions and illusions confuse you. Learn common cognitive errors that often creep into reasoning and debate. Here are some examples:
- An explanation in which the premise or conclusion of an argument is used to support the argument itself.
- The fallacy of the easy route is when you stubbornly hold on to your preferred view even when there are more likely explanations.
- Confusion about causality and connections between phenomena. If two events occur simultaneously, one appears to have caused the other.
14. Creative approach
Typically, creativity is associated with generating ideas, and critical thinking with analyzing and evaluating them. But a creative approach will help you think outside the box about solving any problems.
Don’t cling to patterns. Develop new interests so you can look at things from different perspectives. Experiment and put yourself in someone else’s shoes.
15. Ability to communicate effectively
Communication problems often arise from an inability to assess a situation or look at things from a different perspective. This is what critical thinking is for. It helps you correctly formulate your own judgments and express them, as well as follow the train of thought of your interlocutor.
16. Listening skills
It is important not only to convey your opinion to others, but also to be able to listen to others. Actively participate in the conversation rather than passively listen to the person. Ask questions to clearly separate facts from your assumptions. Try to get more information and understand your interlocutor by delving into the topic of the conversation and clarifying what is not clear.
Take note 🧐
