The World Economic Forum in 2020 considered that Critical Thinking should be one of the main skills required by companies and, I would also say, very necessary for everyone.
It is said that Critical Thinking's way of thinking and acting is not to impose reason but to seek reasons to consider something as right for everyone.
Critical Thinking includes the ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking.
It's not about merely accumulating information. A person with a great memory and a vast knowledge of facts does not necessarily possess good Critical Thinking (although this knowledge can be a part of improving critical thinking). In other words, it doesn't come solely from accumulating knowledge or the ways we've learned to perform various tasks throughout our lives.
Critical Thinking should not be confused with being an argumentative or critical person towards others, although certain skills can be used to expose falsehoods or faulty reasoning and interfere with the thinking of others.
Putting it into practice in the new models of society and business enhances the ability to analyze and solve problems, facing changes rapidly and effectively. Critical Thinking is the foundation of democracy and science and is crucial for self-reflection.
Seeking this way of thinking promotes the growth and flow of creative and efficient solutions in companies and personal environments. However, it can also lead to many problems in its expression if not presented appropriately.
Critical Thinking should always raise questions and potential issues clearly, gather relevant information, reach well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, setting aside our own beliefs with an open mind and the intention to detect inconsistencies.
Thinking critically is thinking and reflecting to arrive at the best possible solution under the circumstances of that moment. But...
No one can think critically all the time. When we think under the influence of emotions like hatred, pain, anger, envy, or when we think with our hearts or are overly motivated, we are conditioned. In these moments, we may stop fostering Critical Thinking and focus more on our own interests. That's why it's essential to set aside these emotional states.
No one can think critically all the time. When we think under the influence of emotions like hatred, pain, anger, envy, or when we think with our hearts or are overly motivated, we are conditioned. In these moments, we may stop fostering Critical Thinking and focus more on our own interests. That's why it's essential to set aside these emotional states.
As a simple example, think about something someone or several people have said recently. Ask yourself questions like: Who said it? What did they say? Where did they say it? When did they say it? Why did they say it? How did they say it? Reflect on each of these questions.
Is your thinking critical? Do you analyze the situation, or do you go along without further consideration? Do you feel conditioned? Do you believe you are right without concrete evidence? Do you become complicit in what you hear without analysis (fake news)? Do you seek out like-minded individuals to reinforce your thinking and actions? Do you express the same opinions without further thought?
Alternatively, do you avoid preconceptions, identify positions, seek, analyze, and cross-reference sources of information while evaluating arguments? Do you work to improve your thinking to reach a reasoned judgment? Do you feel fully aware of social, ethical, political, and personal realities? Do you formulate your lines of thought? Do you interpret the accumulated information? Do you try to make decisions based on well-founded arguments? Do you express and share your viewpoints with others? Do you strive to achieve clarity, logic, justice, open-mindedness? Do you evaluate your own positive and negative implications?
Most importantly, do you seek discussion on matters that seemingly are accepted as valid by all, with the intention of deepening solutions while understanding that you don't seek absolute truth?
This is just a small personal example, but when we enter the business world (taking the critical infrastructure sector as a model), we realize how crucial Critical Thinking is.
Making decisions based on established thinking that has been functioning for years is straightforward..
Reimagining models from another perspective, seeking solutions, and establishing connections between all possible ideas, contributing experience and data, analyzing with reason, using solid arguments, identifying errors in reasoning, and even reflecting on one's own justifications and beliefs... is something different, isn't it?
That's why we want to thank all those individuals who, with their Critical Thinking, are helping the data center sector evolve more rapidly and in line with the times. They introduce alternative thought models that consolidate information and processes for continuous improvement, without making decisions solely based on what's considered valid beforehand because of its longstanding presence, which diminishes in value each day.
It's indeed challenging, isn't it? Defining Critical Thinking and even more challenging to put it into practice. However, it would be wonderful if we all sought and developed this skill within ourselves to find solutions and perspectives that enable progress without leaving anyone behind, without imposing our convictions and our "exclusive" way of understanding our "sole truth.
Let it work for you
