Are you a critical thought leader? Hopefully, the answer to this double entendre question is yes – the “right” yes. A critical thought leader isn’t someone who’s a negative manager who constantly criticizes. It’s a person who uses critical thinking in order to lead with wisdom and authority.
A recent article in Forbes magazine outlined five types of critical thinking skills that business people should develop to be more effective leaders. The author believes that strategic leaders need to think about the present and the future, the short term and the long term, in order to make better decisions. Critical thought leaders, therefore, should be able to use each of the following thinking patterns:
- Critical thinking
- Implementation thinking
- Conceptual thinking
- Innovative thinking
- Intuitive thinking
Each of these styles has a nuanced meaning, as described by the author. But key is the ability to use the thinking pattern appropriate to the particular situation.
Are you the “right” kind of critical thought leader? Are you a flexible thought leader who’s able to adapt your critical thinking style as you respond to the demands of your work day? Ask, assess, then act.