Critical Thinking

Examine, manage and connect issues and ideas from multiple perspectives to identify reasoning in a variety of fields with differing assumptions, contents and methods

Type

Functional

Competency Area

Analytical Thinking

Levels

Identify and examine problems to generate ideas and solutions

Identify root causes, patterns or logical errors that may not be obvious

Appraise evidence and evaluate validity of arguments through interpretation of data

Solve problems by breaking them down into manageable parts in a systematic and detailed manner

Reflect on the justifications of own beliefs and values to provide reasons for ideas generated

Summarise, document, report and reflect on progress of solutions in an organised and comprehensive manner

Manage problems from multiple stakeholder perspectives to ensure that the ideas generated are best suited

Examine situations and/or problems from the perspective of different stakeholders

Determine appropriate research methodologies for information gathering

Analyse information gathered for relevancy and credibility

Identify inconsistencies and mistakes in reasoning

Review the strengths and weaknesses of alternative interpretations

Review the relevance and importance of ideas generated by stakeholders

Develop probing questions to attain clarity for the subject matter being discussed

Lead critical thinking processes to formulate connections between ideas and devise solutions

Review proposed solutions to determine alignment against organisation’s long-term goals

Challenge stakeholder consensus to verify their logic, ideas and assumptions

Engage stakeholders in making critical decisions to ensure buy-in and desirable outcomes

Drive new strategies and processes to enhance critical thinking capabilities of stakeholders

Inspire the use of critical thinking skills across the organisation while considering the ‘big picture’ and impact on organisational results

Develop strategies to reduce egocentric and sociocentric thinking to minimise bias in ideas and solutions generated