These days, we are all receiving a LOT of information, and it can make the business of running a business more tricky than it should be. Lucky, there's critical thinking to save the day.

We make decisions in business (and all things!) by receiving information and responding to it. If we have reliable, relevant information, we can make good, informed decisions. If we have flawed, irrelevant information, we can make bad decisions. And if there's plenty of information but we can't tell what's what, we can struggle making any kind of decision, let alone the right one. Information crowds our lives through every channel it can find.

We have a finite amount of time, energy, and resources - especially if we are responsible for running a business. Rarely when we are making decisions are we handed the the exact, correct information we need. This is why critical thinking is so important in business.

What is critical thinking?

'Critical thinking' is the practice of encountering information - facts, a case, an argument - and being able to question, analyse, and evaluate its validity, truth, or usefulness. If you're a critical thinker, you're discerning - able to pick out bits which are helpful to you, and discard the bits that aren't. Critical thinkers are, in general, the best decision makers.

In running a business, we want to be capable of making good decisions. Unfortunately, being critical and discerning requires time and effort - things we don't always have in droves. Furthermore, when we're close to an issue and deeply familiar with it, we sometimes lose our ability to see it through fresh eyes. Your lead generation approach might seem fine, until you're shown there's a better way to do it that will earn you more clients. Your staff training may seem great, then you find there are more effective ways to approach it that will get you better results. It's critical thinking that enables these realisations, but when we can't keep on top of it on our own, it may be time to get support.

How can we help?

Helix Planning are trained critical thinkers with extensive experience working across all aspects of a business, from strategy through to human resources and beyond. We can provide support to help you with the tricky intangibles, such as leadership and clarity, that deliver consistently good outcomes via the practical stuff like system planning and structure.

If you'd like to know more about how Helix Planning can support you in improving your day-to-day and ultimately your year-on-year, contact us here.