You’re working remotely with a team. How can you ensure critical thinking is still a priority?

1 Define your goals and expectations

Before you start any project or task, make sure you and your team have a clear and shared understanding of what you want to achieve, why, and how. This will help you avoid confusion, ambiguity, and conflicts later on. You can use tools like SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) or OKR (Objectives and Key Results) to set and communicate your goals and expectations. You can also create a project charter or a scope statement that outlines the purpose, scope, deliverables, roles, and responsibilities of your project.

2 Communicate frequently and effectively

Communication is key for remote collaboration and critical thinking. You need to communicate with your team regularly and clearly, using the appropriate channels and tools. You also need to listen actively and empathetically, giving and receiving feedback, asking questions, and clarifying doubts. You can use tools like Zoom, Slack, or Google Docs to facilitate your communication and collaboration. You can also establish a communication protocol or a rhythm that defines when, how, and what you will communicate with your team.

3 Seek diverse perspectives and opinions

One of the benefits of working remotely is that you can access a wider pool of talent and diversity. You can leverage this advantage by seeking different perspectives and opinions from your team and other stakeholders. This will help you broaden your horizons, challenge your assumptions, and generate new ideas. You can use tools like brainstorming, surveys, or polls to solicit input and feedback from your team. You can also encourage a culture of openness, curiosity, and respect, where everyone feels comfortable to share their thoughts and opinions.

4 Evaluate information and sources critically

When you're working remotely, you may have to rely more on online sources and information to complete your tasks and projects. However, not all information is reliable, relevant, or accurate. You need to evaluate the information and sources you use critically, checking their credibility, validity, and bias. You can use tools like CRAAP (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose) or SIFT (Stop, Investigate, Find, and Trace) to assess the quality and reliability of the information and sources you use.

5 Reflect on your own thinking and actions

Finally, you need to reflect on your own thinking and actions regularly, identifying your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. You need to be aware of your own biases, assumptions, and emotions, and how they may affect your critical thinking process. You also need to monitor your progress, evaluate your results, and learn from your mistakes. You can use tools like SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) or PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, and Act) to conduct self-assessment and improvement.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?