Critical Thinking Training
What exactly is critical thinking and why is it so important? Critical thinking is an ability to collect data, analyze data, reason logically, and then make an educated and well-researched judgment on what constitutes relevant data, information or data sources. It involves the careful analysis of various studies, data sources and other information to come up with a reasonable and informed conclusion by linking the dots to arrive at a logically possible conclusion. It sounds complicated and it can be. But you don't need sophisticated equipment to perform these tasks.
In the realm of critical thinking skills, you are looking for the ability to quickly and accurately identify limited information, to apply that information to further research, and to generate new limited information to support your previously established logic. If you don't believe me, ask just about anyone on the street who does not already use critical thinking skills as the most effective tool in their toolbox for problem-solving. They will tell you that it is very important, and that without it, they are severely limiting their ability to make even the simplest of decisions or judgments.
Now ask them if they would be able to do any of the jobs required by their job description, and if so, what kind of critical thinking skills would they need? You will find that the majority of people will not be able to meet the job requirements. They are limited by either reasoning too rapidly, or by reasoning too thoroughly, or both.
So, how can you improve your problem solving and reasoning skills? The first step is to learn more about the topic. There are numerous books, tapes and online courses available that will teach you critical thinking skills. Some of these resources may also help you develop additional skills such as critical thinking exercises, which will further hone your skills.
The second step in developing better problem solving and reasoning skills is to participate in problem solving activities within your workplace. There are many thinkers in your workplace - from managers to office employees, and from salespeople to customer service representatives, and even from co-workers to peer leaders. These individuals are called problem solvers and are often critical thinkers themselves. Participating in a group project with other thinkers can expose you to many different ways of thinking and allow you to develop new skills as you learn to interact with others.
A third way to hone your critical thinking skills in the workplace is to consider what you are reading, watching or hearing outside of the work place. Most of us have an extensive range of media at our disposal, including radio, television, the internet and magazines. Most people also have a favorite book or two that they rate highly when it comes to critical thinking skills. Taking time out of each day to read these sources and follow the advice in them can help to reinforce the critical thinking skills you already have, and enhance the process of developing new skills.
Finally, most jobs require critical thinking skills. Even entry-level jobs in the field of finance require a broad range of skills. If you want to climb that corporate ladder and become a manager, a financial analyst or a trader, you need a broad knowledge base of financial issues. It doesn't matter whether you are planning to start your career as a trader on Wall Street or as a trader for a major corporation, all jobs require some basic critical thinking skills.
When writing your resume or applying for a job, you should not focus on just one or two areas of your experience. You should be sure to include everything that an employer is looking for in a successful applicant. Using critical thinking skills to craft your resume or your cover letter is smart, but it is also more than just making a good first impression. Using this tool, when combined with other tools, will put you ahead of the competition and give you the edge needed to get the job you want.
