| Articles » Power of Critical Thinking |
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The Power of Critical Thinking |
| by Michael Stanleigh |
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| Whenever we have a problem to solve or an opportunity to realize,
how do we know our solution is the right one or that the best options
have been analyzed? Are there other alternatives? Did we really fully
understand the “Problem” or “Opportunity”?
Will we come up with the right solutions…but to the wrong problem? |
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| The intent of the Critical Thinking Process is to confirm that
our thinking is sound and that we have the best solution to what is
the “real” problem, or the right options to realize the
opportunity. |
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| Critical Thinking Process Steps |
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| Stage 1: Determine the Problem/Opportunity
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- Identify the Problem As Given (PAG).
- Ask clarifying questions to ensure it is clear what the priority
of this problem is or to understand the opportunity that is being
addressed. These may include:
- How big is the problem and why is it a problem?
- What are the consequences of doing nothing?
- Who should be involved in the solution?
- Are we likely to develop intense emotions over the problem?
- What should success look like?
- Are we making a decision or a recommendation?
- Complete a Stakeholder Analysis.
- Conduct an Issue Analysis.
- Create the Problem as Understood (PAU).
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| Stage 2: Establish the Possible Causes/Drivers
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- Complete a Root Cause Analysis by asking “why”
up to 5 times on each issue within each Issue Statement.
- Combine all root causes as they relate to each Issue Statement
and related Issues.
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| Stage 3: Identify the Possible Options/Solutions
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- All possible options/solutions can be identified by either;
- Completing a Mind Map of all options/solutions.
- Brainstorming, as a team, recording everything on flip charts
- Brainstorming, individually on yellow post-it notes and then
creating an Affinity Diagram of options/solutions.
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| Stage 4: Select the Best Option/Solution
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- The best options/solutions can be identified by either;
- Multi-voting, as a team, on all identified options/solutions
and thereby reducing the list to those core areas that everyone
agrees are the best ones to move forward.
- Completing a more detailed analysis of each options/solution
by using a Criteria Evaluation process.
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It is possible to reduce the number of options or solutions
through multi-voting and then to apply the Criteria Evaluation
to this reduced list. This will help to identify the key options
or solutions and help you to prioritize them for implementation.
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| Stage 5: Develop the Implementation Plan
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- Develop a high-level implementation plan to ensure it is clear
as to how to proceed with the options or solutions and to determine
who will hold responsibility for their implementation and within
how much time these should be implemented.
- Develop the report and recommendations.
- Gain approval to proceed.
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| Summary |
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| Critical Thinking skills are used by Leaders throughout an organization.
This process will help them to identify and reduce risks facing the
organization, the department and/or a project. It will assist them
in identifying opportunities which will help them to reach their strategic
goals. Critical Thinking skills are essential for all levels of employees
when dealing with issues, concerns and challenges in their own work
environment, on projects and/or on process improvement or Six Sigma
initiatives. |
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| For more information about this article, please contact bia™ at info@bia.ca. |
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| About the Author |
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| As President and CEO of Business Improvement Architects, Michael works with executives and senior managers around the world to help them improve operational effectiveness through strategic planning, leadership development, project management and quality management. He has been instrumental in helping his clients reduce waste and increase efficiencies and profits with his clear processes and quality approach. |
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| For more information about this article, please contact
bia™ at info@bia.ca. |
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| © Business Improvement Architects |
