Critical Thinking

This is a skill critical (pun intended) for staying ahead of AI advancements that is not currently taught in schools nor rewarded in corporations.

Critical thinking is also known as "complex thinking" or "higher-order thinking." The ability to think critically calls for a more complex way of thinking than simply mastering the ability to recall information. Corporate Entrepreneurs move from the simplicity of thinking that knowledge is being able to recall information, to that of using knowledge to take ideas to real life application. They use analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data to clarify abstract thoughts. They understand how to synthesize stream of consciousness information and use it to evaluate problems and develop solutions. This is all accomplished through the use of Rapid Thought Switching (RTS), an advanced form of thinking that many confuse with ADD or ADHD.

Rapid Thought Switching Framework

Rapid Thought Switching (RTS) is an excellent Framework for Critical thinking. It can be used for any subject, content, or problem. It allows the thinker to improve the quality of their thinking by embracing and taking charge their of their thought process. By taking simple recall thinking and combining it with the ability to switch from one thought to another without losing sight of the first thought, it will become the framework for critical thinking. RTS must be harnessed and incorporated into all of our thinking, all day…everyday!

The Rapid Thought Switching Framework for Critical Thinking has 6 components:

1. Basic thought which includes basic reasoning which is primarily linear and based on what we are familiar with.

2 Multi-dimensional thinking utilizes advanced elements of reasoning such as using multiple thoughts simultaneously. It is the ability to think creatively while ensuring it stays within a baseline of structure.

3. Stream of Consciousness thinking is the ability to tap into the collective knowledge that is available in the energy around us. It may be something that just comes to you or something you came in contact with, but did not register as important until now. Some call this intuition.

4. Knowledge dimensional thinking is accomplished through the use of data that is known or collected during collaboration with others. Tools such as S.W.A.T. analysis, cause and effect (fishbone) diagrams, mind-mapping, thought leadership pods are all used to gather and assimilate both quantitative and qualitative data into the thinking process. Most times the you do not have to use these tools in a formal manner, however knowing how to use the tools will allow you to take advantage of the concepts when thinking.

5.Wisdom dimension is the ability to recall lessons learned from others we either meet or have studied. This can be from a person we have a chance encounter with, or an encounter with someone we consider a mentor.

6.Experiential dimension is just what it sounds like, our experiences. Critical thinking requires us to use our experiences differently when we encounter different situations.

Critical Thinking Requires A Lot From You

As stated earlier in this newsletter, if you ask most people, they will tell you that they are critical thinkers or at least use critical thinking throughout their day. While most people use more than just information recall, it is not true critical thinking...but at least they are trying! Critical thinking requires the following:

• A purpose. It can be to solve a problem, create a new way of doing something, dealing with an obstacle, handling an objection, or making decisions. Simply Day dreaming, using memorization, or regurgitating what we have memorized is not critical thinking.
• An understanding that we are thinking from a point of view. Once we understand that we all have certain beliefs, opinions, and prejudices, we can then be open to other points of view and engage in critical thinking.
• Agreement that there is a baseline of boundaries that we must work within. Communication is critical to knowing these boundaries. Accepting the boundaries and knowing what they are will allow for real and valuable outcomes from our thought process.
• Ability to identify obstacles and a process to overcome them. Obstacles can be physical, emotional, legal, procedural, etc. can challenge our use of critical thinking. You must have a well-defined process for identifying and dealing with obstacles or your experience or prejudice will interfere with the value of your thought process and possibly the outcome.
• Acceptance that our experiential dimension is strong. It will lead to initial conclusions, interpretations and inferences that may not lead to the desired outcome. If we don't accept our experiential dimension, we may confuse critical thinking with simple recall thinking.
• Clarity of outcome and data used. Clarity allows you to focus on what is important and significant. You must know what you want to achieve and know the data you are using in your thought process. There is an old saying in technology, garbage in...garbage out. This is especially true when we engage in critical thinking.
• Validation is needed to ensure that we are basing our thinking on what is true and accurate. It is hard to do this, but the effort put forth will decide if the outcome can truly be achieved. As stated in the previous paragraph, you need to make sure what data and where it is coming from, or your will compromise the effectiveness of your thought process. Many times, your situation does not allow you to validate all the data, however it is important to question its validity and take that into consideration when presenting your final outcome.
• Incorporate the components of the S.M.A.R.T. framework. There is more detail in a previous newsletter, but in general ask yourself if your thinking takes into consideration if the outcome is systemic, measurable, alignable, relatable and tailorable.

Critical thinking Used Day To Day

The opportunities for the application of critical thinking within the day-to-day business environment are all around us. By promoting experiences that will further allow employees to use and refine their skills in problem solving, critical thinking will become the norm, instead of the outlier approach. For employees who are prepared to apply practical knowledge to their thinking and are willing to improve their critical thinking skills you must be willing to deal with being forced to focus simply on information recall. In many cases your management will look at you as non-conforming or not focused on the task at hand. It is most likely that your boss is not a critical thinker, and you threaten them. This is a classic case of Competitive Obsession!

Of course, most employees and managers will say that they use critical thinking everyday…some do and most have a perceived reality that does not match up with actual reality. Many people will say that it just takes too much time and effort. Most managers are not leaders, and it is up to you to stand up and improve your thinking anyway.

People are always asking how can we stay ahead of AI? My answer is, perfect critical thinking and at least we have a fighting chance. Unfortunately, our education system is still stuck teaching recall thinking. We fear incorporating AI into our student's curriculum under the guise of "cheating." Our corporations are bringing in AI and replacing humans with the misconception of replacement theory. All the while our society is distracted by fantasy football, online gaming, and following ridiculous influencers on tik tok, X, and more. If people would spend just a small percentage of their time perfecting skills (like critical thinking) that allow humans to compete with AI, the future would be amazing.