| To start, be willing to reconsider your initial conclusions. |
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Critical thinking is the ability to analyze and effectively break down an issue in order to make a decision or find a solution. At the heart of critical thinking is the ability to formulate deep, different, and effective questions. For effective questioning, start by holding your hypotheses loosely.
In this essential HBR article, Critical Thinking Is About Asking Better Questions, author John Coleman explains that to begin improving your critical thinking, you must be willing to fundamentally reconsider your initial conclusions—without defensiveness—and to hone your active listening skills.
Looking to take this concept further? Check out:
- HBR on Strategy Podcast: 3 Ways to Build Critical-Thinking Skills
When was the last time you practiced your critical thinking skills? In this episode, Helen Lee Bouygues, an expert in business transformation, outlines three key components of critical thinking: questioning your assumptions, reasoning through logic, and diversifying your thought process.
- From the HBR Store:
HBR Guide to Critical Thinking
Tackle complex situations with critical thinking. Packed with how-to essentials from leading experts, this HBR Guides provide smart answers to your most pressing work challenges on critical thinking. (Use promo code HBRORGREG4 at checkout to get your 20% subscriber discount on HBR Store purchases.)
- The HBR Essential Articles Collection
Just for subscribers, explore more from this set of essential HBR articles. In this collection, you'll find top business classics alongside more recent articles—all featuring practical advice to help you meet today's business challenges.
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