We live in an age where discussions of diversity and fairness are everywhere. From justice reform to horizontal leadership initiatives, people are calling for change.
But some are calling “fake news” on things they don’t want to hear.
Ironically, as it becomes easier to share information through global media networks, it’s also getting easier for us to bury our heads in the sand. We choose news channels based on our political leanings. We follow people we already agree with on Twitter. Facebook tailors ads to our likes. When someone has a different opinion from ours, we can block them with the click of a button, ghost them until they take the hint, or troll them just for kicks.
If we want a better world, this isn’t going to get us there.
Whether you’re going to the mat for systemic changes such as UBI or trying to convince your company to digitalize, facing difficult conversations isn’t about confrontation. Communication is a two-way street. If we want to have effective conversations, we need to converse rationally. This is why critical thinking is an essential skill, especially for business leaders.
As Brian Cathcart, Critical Thinking lecturer at GLOBIS University, explains, “Content and delivery are separate. Critical thinking teaches you how to logically construct and revise your message for a particular audience.”
Do you have what it takes to be a master critical thinker and communicator? Take this quiz to find out!
How did you do? Is your grasp of critical thinking frameworks solid, or is it still growing? Neither position is a bad place to be! Masters and apprentices will both be crucial for shaping our future. A learning mindset is an essential first step.
For the sake of a fairer future, don’t be part of the problem. Be part of the communication.