ESA Skill 5: Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- The Open Mind Institute
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
In our ESA (Essential Skills Assessment) series, we’ve been unpacking the 12 Essential Skills that help individuals and teams thrive in a world shaped by AI, hybrid work, and rapid change.
This week, we’re turning our focus to one of the most defining skills of effective leadership and decision-making: Critical Thinking & Problem Solving, i.e., how asking better questions leads to better outcomes.
Week 5: The Power of Better Questions
In complex, fast-moving workplaces, there’s often pressure to move quickly, to decide, to act, to fix. But when speed replaces clarity, teams can end up solving the wrong problems.
Critical thinking isn’t about slowing things down but about asking the right questions before jumping to conclusions.
Remember, in a world full of noise, clarity is power.
What This Skill Really Means
Critical Thinking is the ability to assess situations objectively, challenge assumptions, and separate facts from opinions. It’s about recognising biases—our own and others’—and using evidence to make sound judgments.
Problem Solving is applying structured thinking to identify root causes, explore alternatives, and design effective solutions.
Together, these skills help teams move from reaction to reflection/from quick fixes to sustainable results.
High-performing teams don’t just think critically; they think collaboratively. They use diverse perspectives to test ideas, pressure-check assumptions, and strengthen decisions.
Why It Matters
In a world where AI can analyse data faster than ever, human value lies not in information, but in interpretation.
Organisations that prioritise critical thinking outperform those that rely on habitual thinking. They avoid costly mistakes, make faster course corrections, and foster a culture of curiosity and accountability.
For individuals, this skill builds confidence. It transforms “What should I do?” into “What’s really happening here, and what’s the smartest next step?”
For leaders, it builds trust. When people see decisions backed by logic and transparency, they follow with confidence, not compliance.
How to Strengthen Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Here are practical ways to build this skill individually and within teams:
1. Ask Better Questions
Instead of “What’s the problem?”, ask:
“What assumptions are we making?”
“What evidence supports this view?”
“What might we be missing?”
Better questions open the door to deeper insights.
2. Identify Root Causes, Not Symptoms
Use tools like the 5 Whys or Fishbone Diagram to trace issues to their origin. Often, what seems like a people problem is actually a process or clarity problem.
3. Embrace Multiple Perspectives
Diverse viewpoints challenge blind spots. Invite input from different functions or levels—it’s often where the best solutions emerge.
4. Slow Down to Speed Up
Take a moment to define the real question before acting. A few minutes of clarity can save hours of rework.
5. Combine Logic with Creativity
Critical thinking doesn’t mean critical of. Pair analytical thinking with curiosity and imagination. Innovation happens when reason meets possibility.
6. Use Frameworks for Decision-Making
Models like the Eisenhower Matrix or Decision Trees help bring structure to complex decisions and reduce bias.
7. Reflect After Action
After solving a problem, ask: “What did we learn?” Reflection turns experience into wisdom.
The Takeaway
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving aren’t just cognitive skills; they’re cultural ones. They shape how teams discuss ideas, make decisions, and learn from mistakes.
For individuals, it’s about replacing autopilot with awareness. For teams, it’s about creating a shared language of curiosity, evidence, and reflection.
Because in today’s world, it’s not the teams with the most answers who succeed; sometimes it’s the ones asking the best questions.
💡 Next Week: We’ll explore Collaboration & Team Dynamics, i.e., why great teams don’t just happen. We’ll look at what truly drives team synergy, how trust is built (and rebuilt), and why balancing individuality with shared purpose is the key to long-term success.
If you’re ready to explore what’s possible with ATAR, we’d love to start that conversation.
Xin Yi Ng (Michelle)
Research & Development Lead
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