Is it Possible to Learn to Think Critically?

Thinking hurts. It hurts to think.

This idea, once shared by a boss who noticed the mistakes made by young leaders, still rings true today. Not much has changed in the last fifteen years—young professionals often act like there’s no future without realizing that their decisions are shaping it. The idea that deep, critical thinking can be painful is a reality we can’t escape, especially in leadership roles. But here’s the big question: Is it possible to learn to think critically? And if so, how can we get better at it?

The Pain of Critical Thinking: Different Perspectives

Anthropological:

From an anthropological view, the discomfort of deep thinking is rooted in our evolution. Anthropologist Robert Boyd suggests that quick decision-making was key to our ancestors' survival, which might explain why our modern brains find prolonged critical thinking so exhausting.

Social:

In today’s society, speed and efficiency are king, which often leads to a dislike for deep reflection. Sociologist Zygmunt Bauman points out that our culture favors quick action over deep thought, leading to more surface-level decision-making.

Personality Traits:

From a psychological standpoint, certain personality traits influence how we perceive thinking. Take neuroticism, for instance—people who score high in this trait tend to experience anxiety and worry, making deep thinking feel especially painful. On the flip side, those with a high openness to experience actually enjoy exploring complex and abstract ideas.

Cultural:

Cultural differences also play a huge role. Geert Hofstede’s studies on cultural dimensions show that some cultures highly value critical thinking and reflection, while others may lean more towards conformity, discouraging independent thought.

Is It Possible to Learn to Think Critically?

The short answer: Absolutely. Critical thinking is a skill you can build and refine over time. Here are some effective ways to do it:

Formal Education:

Courses in logic, math, philosophy, and the sciences can help you develop solid reasoning skills. Teaching methods like problem-based learning (PBL) and Socratic questioning, promoted by educators like John Dewey, are great for fostering critical thinking early on.

Practice and Experience:

Engaging in activities that challenge your problem-solving skills, like strategy games or engineering projects, can sharpen your critical thinking. Personal reflection—taking time to analyze past decisions and experiences—is also key. Carol Dweck, known for her work on the growth mindset, argues that deliberate practice and reflection can significantly boost your cognitive skills.

Tools and Techniques:

Organizing your thoughts with tools like mind maps can help you visualize and structure your thinking. Analytical writing, like crafting essays, is another effective technique to organize your thoughts and present them clearly. Tony Buzan, who created mind maps, showed how this tool can enhance critical thinking and creativity.

Social and Cultural Influence:

Participating in debates and discussions exposes you to different viewpoints, strengthening your ability to argue and reason. Reading books, articles, and essays that challenge your beliefs is also crucial. Richard Paul and Linda Elder, big names in critical thinking, emphasize the importance of exposing yourself to diverse perspectives to build more robust and reflective thinking.

Education for Critical Thinking:

Diane Halpern, an expert in education for critical thinking, highlights the importance of systematically teaching and assessing these skills. Her book "Thought and Knowledge: An Introduction to Critical Thinking" offers practical strategies to improve critical thinking in various educational and professional contexts.

CIO.coach Solutions: An Innovative Approach

Given all these insights, it’s clear that developing critical thinking skills is crucial. That’s why at CIO.coach, I’m working on a solution specifically for young professionals starting their leadership journey.

This innovative approach combines storytelling, the power of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), and the Story Design Method of Rance Greene.

Storytelling and GenAI:

I use storytelling to bring real leadership challenges to life, helping young leaders relate to and understand complex concepts. GenAI acts as a “playground” for decision-making, where users can experiment with different scenarios and outcomes in a safe, controlled environment.

The Story Design Method of Rance Greene:

My approach is built on Rance Greene’s four pillars:

• The Story: I create detailed stories that reflect real challenges emerging leaders face. These stories are engaging and educational, offering a practical, relatable context.
• Reflection: After the story, I encourage deep reflection on the characters’ decisions and outcomes. This helps leaders think critically about their own decisions in similar situations.
• The Test: I provide scenarios where leaders can apply what they’ve learned, challenging their thinking and allowing them to experiment with different strategies.
• Feedback: Finally, I offer constructive feedback based on the decisions made in the test. This feedback is vital for continuous learning and growth.

Additionally, I’ve embraced a Building In Public approach, meaning this process is done openly and transparently. By sharing the development of this solution with a vibrant community, I aim to incorporate collective input, making this tool accessible to many rather than just a few who can afford pricey leadership development programs. This approach not only democratizes access to leadership tools but also enriches the process with diverse and valuable perspectives.

Conclusion

Learning to think critically is a challenging journey, but it’s definitely possible. At CIO.coach, I’m committed to helping young leaders on this journey by offering innovative tools and methods that make critical thinking more accessible—and a little less painful. By leveraging storytelling, GenAI, and the story design method, I aim to help develop more robust, informed, and empathetic leaders.

Yes, thinking hurts, but it’s a pain worth embracing. When managed well, it leads to stronger, more informed leadership that benefits everyone involved.

References:

1. Boyd, R. (2005). The Origin and Evolution of Cultures. Oxford University Press.
2. Bauman, Z. (2000). Liquid Modernity. Polity Press.
3. Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations. Sage Publications.
4. Dewey, J. (1933). How We Think. D.C. Heath and Co.
5. Dweck, C. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
6. Buzan, T. (2006). The Mind Map Book: Unlock your Creativity, Boost your Memory, Change your Life. BBC Active.
7. Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2006). The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools. Foundation for Critical Thinking Press.
8. Halpern, D. (2014). Thought and Knowledge: An Introduction to Critical Thinking. Psychology Press.