Critical Thinking Skills

One powerful skill that can be used in decision-making is critical thinking skills. 

Critical thinking consists of the processes whereby a person applies discernment, as well as evaluation of the elements of the process used in making decisions. It involves the process of reflecting upon both tangible and intangible items contained in the information.  Taking time for reflection that critical thinking requires ensures judgments are based on both evidence and reasonability. 

Critical Thinking is best defined as:

An intellectually disciplined process that involves skillfully conceptualizing,  analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information that is collected from your observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, and communication.  Critical Thinking serves as a guide to the belief you formulate from those actions.  Critical thinking is a process that ensures you take the most positive action toward a desired outcome.

Critical thinking skills require the use of wisdom coupled with knowledge in a way that brings the best possible outcome to any situation.

One of the most important skills an executive or administrator must have is the ability to apply critical thinking to the information provided for their decision-making process. 

As you watch this topic, make certain that you understand each of the critical thinking skills that are presented. Practice using these skills every time information is presented to you.  I recommend you make a checklist of the Critical Thinking skills you learn in this program.  You can use the check when you are asked to make decisions.