Successful Thinking Definition
Successful thinking is the combination of Critical, Creative, Analytical, and Strategic Thinking in order to identify problems and propose solutions innovatively and efficiently.
Sample Behaviors include:
- Demonstrate Critical Thinking: Make decisions and solve problems using sound, inclusive reasoning and judgment holistically.
- Demonstrate Creative Thinking: Examine information and the situation in order to find new and innovative ways to solve a problem.
- Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Thinking beyond the success of one small problem to thinking about the long-term success of an overarching issue.
- Demonstrate Analytical Thinking: Converging facts, data, information, experiences, and wisdom in search of a solution.
Source: NACE Career Readiness Competencies
- What is my approach to overcoming a difficult problem or barrier?
- How do I express myself creatively?
- How do my current actions align with my long-term goals?
- How do I break down information into digestible portions?
- How are each of the subcategories of successful thinking related to one another, and how do they compliment each other in the workplace?
Critical Thinking
- Participate in an escape room.
- Finish a puzzle.
- Practice explaining a problem or a concept to a younger or less-informed audience (As Albert Einstein once said, “If you can’t explain it to a 6-year-old, you don’t understand it yourself”).
Creative Thinking
- Participate in the Innov8x challenge.
- Journal or write a story.
- Dance! Dancing can aid in problem solving and creativity. See Dr. Peter Lovatt’s TedTalk about it here.
Strategic Thinking
- Play a game of chess. Brain games or certain board games can improve problem solving, planning, and strategy.
Analytical Thinking
- Take a trip into Denver using public transportation. Research routes and schedules to ride the quickest and most fuel efficient option.