In a constantly evolving and highly competitive market, businesses require employees
who possess the ability to think critically, adapt to new situations, and provide
innovative solutions to complex problems. According to the World Economic Forum's
trend report, critical thinking will be among the top 10 most in-demand skills by
2025 for organizations to tackle future challenges, including the impacts of the
Fourth Industrial Revolution. Unfortunately, only a few companies invest in this
such training.
Critical thinking is a set of interpersonal and analytical abilities and attributes.
It includes the ability to analyze complex information, evaluate the credibility of
information, draw logical conclusions, problem-solve, think creatively, use logical
reasoning, remain open-minded, communicate effectively, adapt to change, and make
informed decisions based on careful analysis. Employees with critical thinking
skills are likely to achieve several accomplishments such as adapting to changing
market conditions and staying ahead of competitors. Here are some examples of how
critical thinking can drive business growth:
1. Problem-Solving: Critical thinking skills can help employees identify and solve complex problems that arise from technological changes in the workplace, leading to more efficient and effective solutions and ultimately driving business growth.
2. Innovation: Employees with strong critical thinking skills can generate new ideas and innovative solutions that drive business growth, particularly in the development of new products and services that meet the changing needs of customers.
3. Strategic Planning: Critical thinking skills can help businesses navigate the
uncertainty and complexity of the Fourth Industrial Revolution by identifying potential risks and
opportunities and developing new strategies and solutions. In uncertain situations, critical thinking
skills can help employees remain open-minded, ask the right questions, and consider multiple
perspectives before making a decision.
Without critical thinking skills, individuals may make decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate
information, fail to consider alternative perspectives or solutions, and overlook potential risks or
opportunities. This can lead to poor decision-making, missed opportunities, increased risk of failure,
and ultimately, decreased profitability and competitiveness for the business. Additionally, a lack of
critical thinking skills can lead to a culture of conformity and complacency, where innovative ideas
and creative problem-solving are discouraged, stifling growth and progress.
To put it simply, critical thinking is like being a detective and trying to solve a mystery. You must
look for clues, ask lots of questions, and think carefully about what you know to figure out what is
going on. Just like a detective tries to find out the truth, critical thinking helps you figure out
what is really true and make good decisions based on that. Similarly, critical thinkers are like
detectives: they engage in a systematic and reflective process of analyzing and evaluating
information, arguments, and ideas to make informed and reasoned decisions. They actively question
assumptions, identify biases, and consider alternative perspectives before arriving at a conclusion.
We at Athiya understand that the ability to think critically is crucial for success in a rapidly
changing business environment. We help our clients encourage the development of critical thinking as a
norm and equip their employees with critical thinking skills. To achieve this, we offer tailored
learning experiences that focus on developing a range of critical thinking skills such as
communication, problem-solving, and decision-making.