Are you a Critical Thinker?

Is Critical Thinking necessary in planning?

All too often in today’s business world, planning and other decisions are being made without proper thinking…critical thinking! By definition, Critical Thinking is asking thought provoking questions and utilizing ethical reasoning to obtain all of the information one can so that a decision based on facts can be made. If you look, you will find numerous definitions for this topic, and they are all right.

A true measure of planning success is whether or not detailed critical thinking was completed. “If a man takes no thought about what is distant, he will find sorrow near at hand.” Confucius

Asking questions about funding, marketing, program sustainment, etc. is critical to the success of your business. An old saying that was often used in the Navy (exhibits a Sailor-like-crudeness) is, “Prior Proper Planning Prevents Piss-Poor Performance,” or better known as the Seven P’s. If business leaders and planners spent more time planning, there would be less time assessing and fixing problems.

My challenge to you is to learn how to think more critically. Every time you have a decision to make, ask your self at least three questions regarding the impacts of that decision. It may be as simple as “What should I eat for lunch?”

Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.

**Disclaimer** This Blog is for informational purposes only! Corporate Guidance Solutions (CGS) or any CGS employee cannot be held responsible for any positive outcomes you may experience.