Critical thinking is the ability to evaluate an issue with the aim of arriving at a conclusion or judgement. The aim of critical thinking is essential to provide solutions. It is also about having independent thoughts and ideas, forming your own opinions about a matter.
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It is always so much easier to concur or follow the crowd when it is time to think critically about issues. But you will never stand out in any way if you choose to become that person. Our thoughts are unique to us, and our opinions are formed from these thoughts. It is always possible to have different perspectives from the bunch, and this should be used to your advantage.
Here are some ways to develop critical thinking skills that will be beneficial to your work:
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Study Yourself
There is a pattern at which you retain knowledge that you come across and this is very important, because our thoughts, no matter how unique, are a cumulation of different information we have fed ourselves. Find out how you learn, so most importantly, you will know how to retrieve information when it is needed. There are visual and auditory learners, that is, some people learn more by reading and others by listening. Choose which you are and capitalize on it, as opposed to trying to be someone else.
You can decide to keep a journal if you learn by reading, writing down striking points and revisiting them for the sake of meditation. This helps you make more informed opinions because of the richness of your thoughts and mind exposure.
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Study Trends
It is not enough to know about yourself, you must know about things around you so your thoughts are well-coordinated and applicable. Be sure that you are not dissuaded by a perspective just because it is common. Find out why this is so, and many people are gravitating towards it. Why is thought so popular? What are the factors that make up for it? Could there be a better solution to this?
Being familiar with trends help you to effectively carry out conversations and then you will go further in bringing your own perspectives and opinions on the subject matter, because you have taken out time to ask the right questions and analyze the situation.
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Think
You should get rid of the pressure to answer questions immediately and give quick opinions about issues. Take a moment to think about the questions you have been asked and create a clear and well-articulated response in line with your thoughts, that you can easily defend. Once you stay proactive like this, you will ease off most of the pressure you currently feel and demonstrate critical thinking.
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Become A Collector
This simply means you should become a collector of every relevant detail, document and ask the right questions. The more resources you have, the more thorough your responses will be. You will cover more grounds and your analysis will be well informed.
Critical thinking can be developed into a lifestyle, and the more these tips are practised, the easier they are inculcated into your life. Embrace critical thinking, so you remain an invaluable member of your team.
Featured Image Source: Times Higher Education
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