Critical thinking skills are indispensable tools for navigating and thriving in complex and fast-paced work environments that are characteristic of today’s world. In fact, the World Economic Forum places critical on the top 10 list of skills that will be in high demand in 2025, yet data shows that these skills remain underemphasized and underdeveloped in the workplace. In this article, you’ll learn the practical applications of critical thinking in the workplace, and gain insights into the tools and techniques to better hone these skills.

What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking, coined by American philosopher John Dewey, involves assessing information or analyzing a problem objectively to make a decision or judgment that is logical and informed by evidence, rather than personal bias. Critical thinking enables individuals to tackle challenges with clarity and intentionality, leading to more effective problem-solving and decision-making in life and professional pursuits.

How critical thinking applies in the workplace

Employees and leaders with critical thinking skills are more likely to support successful business outcomes by demonstrating the following skills:

1. Problem-solving: In every workplace, challenges, uncertainties and disruptions are bound to arise. Whether it's troubleshooting a technical issue or resolving a conflict with a colleague, the ability to think critically enables individuals to tackle these challenges with confidence, tact and resourcefulness. 
2. Clear communication: Critical thinkers are clear and persuasive communicators as they are able to coherently articulate their ideas and support their arguments through evidence. Critical thinkers are also active listeners and are prone to fostering transparency, trust, mutual respect, and alignment among colleagues and within an organization as a whole. 
3. Innovative thinking: Supporting a culture of innovation is paramount for organizations to adapt to changing market conditions, seize opportunities, and drive sustainable growth. Critical thinkers fuel creativity within an organization by challenging the status quo, crafting innovative solutions to complex problems, and daring to both explore and question alternative perspectives. 
4. Informed decision-making: Employees and leaders who make decisions based on sound reasoning rather than impulse can contribute effectively to their teams and help navigate disruptions more intentionally. Critical thinkers make valuable team members because they carefully consider the pros and cons of different options, and anticipate potential outcomes before making choices that impact their team and organization.

How to develop critical thinking skills

1. Question your assumptions: Reflect on the unique set of experiences and preconceptions that inform your judgments and beliefs. Learn to recognize and account for your own bias, and explore how your background influences your thinking. This awareness empowers you to make more deliberate choices. 
2. Remain open to other perspectives: Encourage yourself to seek out diverse viewpoints and engage in constructive debates. Exposure to different ideas and opinions supports intellectual curiosity and broadens your knowledge.
3. Practice analytical thinking: Try to analyze problems systematically, breaking them down into manageable components to reveal their patterns and underlying logic. This type of analytical reasoning will help you arrive at a logical solution to problems encountered by the organization.
4. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning: Cultivate a growth mindset and pursue ongoing learning opportunities. By exploring new ideas and learning new things, you can adapt to evolving challenges and remain agile in your thinking.

Critical thinkers and businesses that empower their employees to think critically are better able to adapt to changing environments, analyze and evaluate risks and opportunities, and develop innovative and informed solutions to complex challenges. Workplaces should foster a culture that values critical thinking, and individuals should seek out opportunities to nurture and develop their critical thinking skills in order to stay competitive in today’s world.