Critical Thinking

I really have problems to identify the number of key competences in Critical Thinking. Critical Thinking is almost as old as humanity, everyone have some level of critical thinking.The persons may not use the best strategy or ask the right questions, but in 21st Century this is worked in school from little children until reach the adult age, and even so, when we think we are in domain of the competences training is needed in most cases because the society evolves and the way of thinking also or the culture if different from our culture.

The key competences (are not core competences of critical thinking) for me to perform effective Critical Thinking is deeply connect to the role performed nevertheless i can point several competences although they may not be necessary in every kind of roles or jobs.
In my point of view we should not confuse competences with steps to perform critical thinking.

As was mentioned before for several members the steps to perform a systematic approach to critical thinking normally are:

1. Identify the problem or question.(being rational, intuitive, analytical )
2. Gather data, opinions, and arguments.( being communicative, open, collaboration and listen is important in this stage )
3. Analyze and evaluate the data.( being rational , analytical, business knowledge )
4. Identify assumptions.( being logical, business aware )
5. Establish significance. ( business and strategic knowledge )
6. Make a decision/reach a solution/solve a problem. ( being creative, communicative, collaborative, social responsible )
7. Present or communicate. ( being communicative , ethical , person awareness )

To me in reality the core competencies of critical thinking are:
Analyze, Infer, Evaluate, Interpret, Generate and Reason. Being good in this competencies is a major contribute to solve the problems but is not enough.

In Fact to do this in a effectively way, we should possess according to the role several other key competences that are not necessarily part of the core of the critical thinking but are needed to achieve success like:
1 - Communication
2 - Collaboration
3 - Creative Thinking
4 - Positive Personal and culture identity
5 - Personal awareness and responsibility
6 - Social responsibility

In the end this is only my modest opinion feel free to disagree , this is a simple subject but that is subject to many interpretations.

Alexandre Costa

Hi Luis,
Wikipedia starts defining Critical thinking as
"...the analysis of facts to form a judgment.[1] The subject is complex, and several different definitions exist, which generally include the rational, skeptical, unbiased analysis, or evaluation of factual evidence. Critical thinking is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. It presupposes assent to rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use. It entails effective communication and problem-solving abilities as well as a commitment to overcome native egocentrism[2][3] and sociocentrism..."

To me means gathering/collecting the facts instead of assuming them, biased by the context perception.
Yes i think it can be developed as everything. Reading, studying, analyzing the work researchers did, are doing.
It's fundamental in project management because actions should be sustained in facts and not in personal traits/opinions.

I am a strong believer that a successful project manager / leader needs to have at least 1 hour per day to think! So critical thinking - and its different skills / components - is no doubt a fundamental part and a contributor to the success of a leader / project manager!
But in my opinion it can go without strategic thinking before otherwise all the analytics, creativity, open minded will be employed without a goal and a meaning! Start always with an end in mind!

Strategic and critical thinking are an inportant element of every project leaders work schedule.

An analytical approach to problem solving is critical for the success of projects

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

I found your perspective very interesting: "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.."

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