Some of us make decisions only after careful deliberation, some will gather their peers to ask for their opinion and still question the decision, and then there are those who are succumbed by stress and just freeze when immediate action is required. The people who take charge, who make needed quick decisions without needing to ponder, those people who are confident in their knowledge and can function well under stressful conditions are Critical Thinkers.
How do we become critical thinkers? The answer is easy--experience. This answer is important to those in the workplace who “eat their young”. It happens too often that co-workers give these newcomers a hard time, tell the boss that these new employees are not “cutting it”, and continually talk badly about these people behind their backs. Do you truly believe that these new employees do not know this? They do. If the harassments continue, most of these new employees will resign, judging themselves for months after, and hindering their next place of employment with an even lower self esteem . These people will have a less likely chance to ever become a productive employee, yet alone a critical thinker.
Instead of attacking these new employees, mentor them. Teach them what you know, (and do not forget that a lot of your knowledge came from others) and slowly give them the reins and confidence to go on their own. We all need great co-workers, so why not create them? If we can help to mold our young to be more like us why wouldn't we?(since we all think that we are great, right?) Our work would be more enjoyable, productive, less stressful, and more peaceful. Remember, that after we retire, these new comers will be taking over. Wouldn't you want a critical thinker at the helm? I would!
Give these people your knowledge and resources. Let them observe you and others on the job, ask questions, and when they start on their own, be there to help and support them.
Critical Thinkers are confident. They have been through many situations and know how to react to them. They read, gather knowledge, and ask the appropriate questions to get the job done. They can make sound decisions without the approval of others when needed. People trust their decisions. These people are constantly learning, and if they are truly smart, they teach others. These are the people you want on your team. Critical thinkers are not critical to others. They enjoy sharing what they know. By doing what they love, most of these people move up the corporate ladder easily. The boss, the executives of the company , and many others recognize these people as the leaders that they are. Companies would be ignorant not to mass produce these critical thinkers.
When a critical thinker mentors a new employee , (and companies, PLEASE assign your preceptors carefully because it makes such a huge difference!) he or she is in the process of creating another critical thinker. These mentors will encourage, guide, correct, and empower the new employees because they truly care. One day, our new critical thinkers will mentor others and the cycle will begin again. What another great way to secure our future!
