When it comes to anything in life — whether you are looking to enhance your performance at work or just live a more fulfilling life in general – you will need a range of hard and soft skills to make decent progress.
The unfortunate truth is that most people focus their energy primarily on upgrading their hard skills and may often neglect their soft skills. However, it is undeniable that soft skills such as critical thinking skills can truly make or break an individual’s career and directly impact the way he or she forms and maintains relationships with others.
These days, the ability to think critically is more important than ever. An individual equipped with critical thinking abilities can think clearly and logically, which allows them to make decisions and solve problems more effectively. Moreover, in an era where information is readily available online, the consequences of ineffective information processing and analysis may have serious repercussions.
Thus, given the importance of critical thinking skills, it is incredibly beneficial that you invest the time and energy to hone these skills and become a better critical thinker. In particular, here are the 6 core critical thinking skills you should cultivate today:
1. Identification
To understand an issue better, questions need to be asked. Critical thinkers need to be equipped with the skills to identify the various factors involved in or surrounding an issue to gain a clearer picture. This will allow them to delve further into a problem and its potential solutions.
2. Research
The ability to conduct independent research is crucial when weighing competing arguments on a subject, choosing between two solutions, or solving complex problems. It is vital to remember that not all sources are reliable, so individuals who have a keen eye for unverified statements will undoubtedly have the upper hand in coming up with solutions backed by reliable and proper research.
3. Identifying biases
Besides conducting research, the ability to identify biases is an excellent critical thinking skill to possess. Biases can affect how an individual interprets the information that is given to them. But when an individual is aware of them, they may challenge their own biases and take into account alternative viewpoints to evaluate information objectively.
4. Inference
Inference refers to the ability to draw conclusions based on information made available to you. Without inference, it can be challenging to act once the information has been examined or the research has been conducted. Being able to process information is essential for making a thoughtful and informed decision.
5. Judging relevance
Determining the information that is most crucial when faced with a difficult situation is one of the hardest components of thinking critically. In many cases, information can appear significant, but it might just be a small piece of knowledge to consider. Moreover, in a digital age wherein a plethora of information is available, the power of analytical thinking and the ability to judge the relevance of the data will allow individuals to make critical judgments.
6. Being inquisitive
Even while it is quite simple to accept everything that is presented at face value, doing so might lead to dire consequences. As we age, many individuals tend to develop the habit of suppressing our curiosity or refraining from asking too many “why?” questions. Unfortunately, that is not a successful strategy for critical thinking. Possessing an active mind and the ability to ask questions will allow an individual to constantly learn and upgrade themselves, their skills and their knowledge.
Conclusion
The cornerstone of self-improvement and professional development is undoubtedly an individual’s critical thinking ability. When you are able to think critically, you are able to challenge the status quo and bring about positive changes both to yourself and to your organisation – making you a valuable asset!
Check out Aventis Learning Group’s Critical Thinking Skills: Think Creatively and Solve Problems Decisively virtual course today! This online course in Singapore will provide you with the 6 core critical thinking skills to propel your professional career forward. This course is intended for everyone and anyone who is eager to learn more about critical thinking and wants to maximise their potential in both their professional and personal lives!
Whether you are looking for IBF funded courses or online courses with certificates in Singapore, Aventis Learning Group is the corporate training solutions provider you can trust! Since our establishment in 2008, we have conducted over 600 successful training programs that meet the developmental needs of working professionals. To learn more about our selection of high-quality courses, feel free to contact us today!
