Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is about applying thinking techniques to the four language skills: speaking, writing, talking and listening. Of course, it is much more than just a set of intellectual tools. It is about your personal transformation and how you impact your life and the life of the people around you.

For me, critical thinking skills are skills that will make you a better PM and it is definitely a must-have. I also believe that critical thinking skills are something that not everybody is adapt to in the same way. Much like numbers, somebody with a natural aptitude would typically at the top end of a good CA. But we can all learn, improve and use these skills. And we should without a doubt.

Critical thinking goes hand in hand with a strategic thinking or management. The skill can be developed by adopting a habit of analyzing each and every situation and applying lessons learned before arriving to a conclusion. It might call for a thorough research on the subject in view.

1. Critical thinking for me means being able to see the interconnection/ dependencies of things and their subsequent relationships. I see it as multi-dimensional thinking vs. linear.
2. Yes, it can be developed through complex problem solving. I'm guessing a rare few are born with this ability, but for the rest of us, it must be developed. I recall in our 3rd year engineering class, everyone was complaining to the profs about the class material and what use if any it would have in real life. His answer has stuck with me over 30 years later. He simply said we are here to train you how to solve problems. That's it. All of the complex calculus, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, etc. was all there to teach us how to think in order to solve problems.
3. IMHO, absolutely without a doubt.

Ability to analyze information and take bold but ethical decisons wiftly with empathy to stakeholders. thats the need of the future.

Skills that complement AI driven decison making

1) Critical thinking: "to find an effective path to get from where we are to where we want to be".
2) this is a learned skill acquired through education (training) and/or experience (lessons learned). Comes easier for some than others.
3) You can't successfully deliver a project without figuring out how to get there from where you are now.

Dear Peter
Thank you for participating in this reflection and for your opinion.

I found your perspective very interesting: "to find an effective path to get from where we are to where we want to be".

I would like to know if, in your opinion:
- What skills are important for critical thinking?