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You're managing a complex project. How can you use critical thinking skills to stay on track?

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Managing a complex project can be challenging, especially when you have to deal with multiple stakeholders, uncertainties, risks, and constraints. To succeed, you need more than just technical skills and tools. You also need critical thinking skills, which are the ability to analyze, evaluate, and improve your own reasoning and decisions. In this article, you will learn how to use critical thinking skills to stay on track in your complex project.

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1 Define the problem

The first step in critical thinking is to clearly define the problem you are trying to solve. This means identifying the root causes, the goals, the scope, and the criteria for success. A well-defined problem will help you focus your efforts and avoid wasting time and resources on irrelevant or conflicting issues. You can use tools such as the 5 Whys, the Fishbone Diagram, or the Problem Statement to define the problem in a structured and logical way.

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Jeremiah Miller, PMP

Associate Director | Program Manager | Aerospace Engine Control Systems
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Problem definition is paramount. A recent mentor has taught me to step up a level (or two), think critically, and define the problem first. Until you've done that, the rest is noise, opinions, and emotions. A clear definition of the real issues at hand allows you and team to start to tackle the next challenge, which leads to resolution. Many jump in to problem solving before understanding what the problem IS, and what it is NOT.

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Inderpreet Nag

GLOBAL GCP AUDITOR
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Regularly assess progress, identify potential obstacles, analyze alternatives, and make informed decisions to adapt the project plan as needed, ensuring continuous alignment with goals and objectives.

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Rahul Chandra Srivastava, MS

Associate Director | Supply Chain Leader | Manhattan Active WMS| Data Analytics ??Writing a Book - In Progress
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To stay on track in a complex project using critical thinking skills, regularly: 1. Define Clear Objectives:Clearly outline project goals and objectives to maintain a sense of direction. 2. Analyze Dependencies: Identify dependencies and critical paths to prioritize tasks effectively. 3. Continuous Evaluation:Regularly assess progress against milestones and adjust plans as needed.

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Manish Kumar Sah PMP?CSM?LSSBB?

Digital Strategy & Transformation -Manufacturing Industry | Transforming Business with Emerging Technologies
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Critical thinking is crucial in project management for assessing risks, solving problems, and making informed decisions, ensuring project success amidst uncertainties. Example: By critically analyzing project milestones and potential obstacles, one can develop contingency plans to mitigate risks and keep the project on schedule.

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Unmesh D.

Strategist│ Bridge Builder│ Advisory Board Member
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Defining the problem equally presumes you have one to begin with (usually true, but a rare exception that there's actually no real problem, is always a pleasant surprise). Time tested ways include simply asking the people involved and being a good listener to what you are hearing back. Rarely, a precise problem statement remains elusive -in such cases, it is equally acceptable to remain agile and continue to fine tune the problem statement as progress is made

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2 Gather relevant information

The next step is to gather relevant information that will help you understand the problem and its context. This means collecting data, facts, evidence, and opinions from various sources, such as documents, reports, surveys, interviews, or observations. You should also verify the credibility, accuracy, and relevance of the information you gather, and avoid biases, assumptions, or generalizations. You can use tools such as the SWOT Analysis, the PESTLE Analysis, or the Stakeholder Analysis to gather relevant information in a systematic and comprehensive way.

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Andrew Fox MPM ChPP CPPE FAIPM FAPM FHEA

Managing Director at The Project Bureau | Chartered Project Professional | Helping boards implement their strategy through projects
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In managing complex projects, leveraging critical thinking is key. My approach includes meticulously gathering relevant information to grasp the problem fully. This involves collecting data from diverse sources—documents, reports, surveys, and interviews—while ensuring their credibility. To avoid biases and assumptions, I employ structured tools like SWOT, PESTLE, and Stakeholder Analysis, which provide a comprehensive understanding of the project landscape. This disciplined information gathering is foundational for making informed decisions, allowing me to navigate complexities effectively and keep the project on course.

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Unmesh D.

Strategist│ Bridge Builder│ Advisory Board Member
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Do not forget to critically and objectively assess if you are a part of the problem too. This is an oft and conveniently overlooked aspect, not to be under estimated

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3 Generate possible solutions

The third step is to generate possible solutions that will address the problem and meet the criteria for success. This means brainstorming, researching, or testing different ideas, approaches, or methods that could potentially solve the problem. You should also consider the pros and cons, the feasibility, and the impact of each solution, and compare them with the alternatives. You can use tools such as the SCAMPER Technique, the Six Thinking Hats, or the Decision Matrix to generate possible solutions in a creative and rational way.

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Vidit Darji

Project Coordinator | Project Coordination & Leadership for Successful Outcomes | Turning Ideas into Action
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Encourage brainstorming sessions with your team to explore various perspectives and ideas. Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. Prioritize creativity and innovation in solution generation. Sometimes, unconventional ideas can lead to breakthroughs in complex projects.

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Andrew Fox MPM ChPP CPPE FAIPM FAPM FHEA

Managing Director at The Project Bureau | Chartered Project Professional | Helping boards implement their strategy through projects
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I generally brainstorm, research, and test various ideas, weighing their advantages, feasibility, and impact. Employing tools like the SCAMPER Technique, Six Thinking Hats, or the Decision Matrix enables a creative yet rational exploration of solutions. This methodical approach can facilitate each potential solution being thoroughly vetted against success criteria, allowing me to select the most effective strategy to address challenges and steer the project towards its goals.

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4 Evaluate the best solution

The fourth step is to evaluate the best solution that will solve the problem and achieve the goals. This means applying logic, criteria, and standards to judge the quality, validity, and effectiveness of the solution. You should also consider the risks, uncertainties, and limitations of the solution, and how to mitigate or overcome them. You can use tools such as the SMART Criteria, the Risk Register, or the Cost-Benefit Analysis to evaluate the best solution in a critical and objective way.

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Unmesh D.

Strategist│ Bridge Builder│ Advisory Board Member
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In addition to the usual assessments to identify the best solution, do not forget to conduct a sensitivity analysis on the proposed 'best' solution and see if it holds up

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Vidit Darji

Project Coordinator | Project Coordination & Leadership for Successful Outcomes | Turning Ideas into Action
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Assess potential solutions based on criteria such as feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with project goals. Conduct a risk analysis to identify potential drawbacks and challenges associated with each solution. Involve key stakeholders in the evaluation process to ensure their perspectives are considered.

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Andrew Fox MPM ChPP CPPE FAIPM FAPM FHEA

Managing Director at The Project Bureau | Chartered Project Professional | Helping boards implement their strategy through projects
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Evaluating the best solution involves critical analysis against defined criteria and standards to ensure it addresses the project's challenges effectively. I apply logical reasoning to assess solutions for quality, validity, and potential to meet our goals, while also considering risks and limitations. Utilising tools like SMART Criteria for goal alignment, the Risk Register for potential pitfalls, and Cost-Benefit Analysis for financial viability ensures a comprehensive evaluation. This rigorous process helps me to choose the most effective solution, prepared to mitigate any associated risks, driving the project towards successful completion.

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5 Implement the solution

The fifth step is to implement the solution that you have chosen and evaluated. This means planning, executing, and monitoring the actions, tasks, and resources that are required to implement the solution. You should also communicate, collaborate, and coordinate with your team, stakeholders, and other parties involved in the implementation. You can use tools such as the Project Charter, the Work Breakdown Structure, or the Gantt Chart to implement the solution in a clear and organized way.

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Vidit Darji

Project Coordinator | Project Coordination & Leadership for Successful Outcomes | Turning Ideas into Action
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Develop a detailed implementation plan that outlines specific tasks, responsibilities, and timelines. Communicate the plan to the team, ensuring everyone understands their role in the execution process. Monitor progress regularly, addressing any issues promptly and adjusting the plan as needed.

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6 Review the results

The sixth and final step is to review the results that you have achieved by implementing the solution. This means measuring, analyzing, and reporting the outcomes, outputs, and impacts of the solution. You should also reflect, learn, and improve from the experience, and identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the solution. You can use tools such as the Key Performance Indicators, the Balanced Scorecard, or the SWOT Analysis to review the results in a quantitative and qualitative way.

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7 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?

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Azher Kapadia,FCA,CISA,CIA,CRISC, Corp. Secretary

Chief Internal Auditor | Big4 | Agent for Change | GCC experienced
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Prioritization is essential in keeping on track and critical thinking leads to making a decision, as to which task to prioritize.

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You're managing a complex project. How can you use critical thinking skills to stay on track?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define the problem

2 Gather relevant information

3 Generate possible solutions

4 Evaluate the best solution

5 Implement the solution

6 Review the results

7 Here’s what else to consider

Project Leadership

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You're managing a complex project. How can you use critical thinking skills to stay on track?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define the problem

2 Gather relevant information

3 Generate possible solutions

4 Evaluate the best solution

5 Implement the solution

6 Review the results

7 Here’s what else to consider

Project Leadership

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感谢您的反馈

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