Critical thinking is an essential skill that enables individuals to make informed decisions and solve complex problems. It has emerged as a buzzword in today's business world, and is placed amongst the top skills for employment. It plays a vital role in business decisions and growth in an environment where individuals are constantly faced with new challenges and opportunities. 

Critical thinking is a crucial skill for student success and career advancement. One of the most prominent advocates of critical thinking is Narayan Murthy, the founder of Infosys, a multinational corporation that provides business consulting, technology, engineering and outsourcing services. Narayan Murthy's insights throw light over the significance of why critical thinking is essential for MBA students in particular. Those who nurture strong critical thinking skills in them will be well-positioned for success in their careers.

Innovative Visionary, Narayan Murthy

Narayan Murthy is a well-known Indian entrepreneur and the founder of Infosys. He is known for his vision and leadership skills, which have helped Infosys grow into a global company with a revenue of over $12 billion. Narayan Murthy is a man of many insights and a strong advocate of critical thinking. 

Murthy has spent his life navigating complex business challenges. He understands that critical thinking is not only valuable in the workplace, but also in our personal lives. His perspective on the importance of critical thinking for student success is no exception. He holds a firm conviction in the potential of critical thinking as a skill for success in today's competitive world.

Narayan Murthy’s Insight

As a successful entrepreneur and thought leader, Narayan Murthy advocates that critical thinking is critical for student success because it helps students develop a rational and logical approach to problem-solving. It enables students to think creatively and outside the box, which is essential for success in today's fast-changing world. Critical thinking allows students to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions, which are critical skills for success in any field.

So, what exactly is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to objectively analyse information, evaluate arguments, and conclude them into informed decisions. It involves the use of rational and logical reasoning, questioning the assumptions, considering multiple perspectives to solve complex problems and make informed decisions. Critical thinking requires individuals to challenge existing beliefs, consider alternative perspectives and use of evidence to support the conclusions.

Significance of Critical Thinking in Job and Career Growth

Critical thinking is a valuable skill in the workplace as it enables individuals to analyze data, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions. Employers value critical thinking skills as it helps employees to solve complex problems, innovate, and adapt to changing environments. According to a study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, critical thinking is one of the most desirable skills for job candidates.

Did You Know about critical thinking….

According to a survey conducted by the World Economic Forum, critical thinking is one of the top 10 skills required for success in the workplace in 2020. 

In a study conducted by the Foundation for Critical Thinking, it was found that students who receive instruction in critical thinking improve their overall academic performance. 

Another study conducted by the University of Michigan found that critical thinking skills are positively associated with job performance and career advancement.

According to a study by Pearson, only 28% of employers believe recent graduates are well-prepared in critical thinking.

A Quick Assessment Exercise

Consider yourself to be the new CEO of a company, where on your first day, you have to take a tough decision regarding whether or not the company should launch the new product. What would be your strategy towards making this decision? 

Practical Tips for Nurturing Critical Thinking Skills

Encourage Curiosity. With curiosity, we feel encouraged and excited to question our assumptions and challenge our beliefs. This, in turn, increases our confidence and enhances our learning and thinking abilities. This will help us to look at alternative perspectives which otherwise could go unnoticed and develop a more rational and logical approach to problem-solving.

Grab Learning Opportunities. Hands-on learning experiences can help you to develop critical thinking skills. You should keep looking for opportunities where you get to solve real-world problems and apply the knowledge acquired to practical situations.

Fostering a Culture of Collaboration. One of the restrictions that one may face at work is when the work demands to collaborate as a team. Hence working collaboratively and engaging in group discussions. This will help you to develop your communication and critical thinking skills by considering alternative perspectives and evaluating diverse arguments.

An Enticing Activity to Enhance Critical Thinking

Practice "devil's advocate" thinking. Pick a topic or an issue that you have a strong opinion about, and then argue against your own position. Try to see the issue from multiple perspectives and explore the strengths and weaknesses of each argument. This exercise can help you develop empathy and perspective-taking skills, as well as the ability to identify and evaluate different points of view.

For example, if you strongly believe that social media is a force for good, try arguing against this position by considering the potential negative consequences of social media use, such as cyberbullying, addiction, and privacy concerns. By challenging your own beliefs and assumptions, you can become more aware of your own biases and develop a more nuanced and informed perspective on complex issues.

Another simple activity to improve your critical thinking ability is to ask questions. Simply reading the news and then asking yourself a few questions about it taps critical thinking centres in your brain. Also, when you encounter some new information or ideas, ask questions to clarify and deepen your understanding. 

By asking questions and seeking out more information, you can become a more critical and curious thinker. Some useful questions can be like:

• What evidence supports this claim?

• How does this idea relate to other ideas already known to you?

• What are the underlying assumptions?

• What are the potential consequences of this decision?

• Are there alternative perspectives to this concept?

Conclusion

Critical thinking is an essential skill for success in today's fast-changing world.  As Narayan Murthy has emphasized, critical thinking is critical for student’s success and it is a skill that can be developed with practice and effort. It reminds us of the importance of this valuable skill in both our personal and professional lives. By understanding what critical thinking is, why it is significant, and nurturing ourselves on these skills, we will gear up our skills for a successful and fulfilling career in the near future. Be Inquisitive! Experiment to Expand Your Brains!