Critical Thinking

Critical thinking starts with logic and unfortunately the natural decision process is not one where decisions are made logically, they are made emotionally, and then we apply logic to our emotional decisions. To me, critical thinking is analyzing and giving careful consideration to a decision that is about to be made. This type of thinking is extremely important as it helps us learn and grow, begs for us to look in the mirror and go on a diet if necessary. Critical thinking is an organized and disciplined way of thinking. Critical thinking is thinking logically with clarity and precision, using an approach that is fair and accurate, and focusing on information that is relevant. In retail, as a sales associate it is important to be aware and active in thinking critically. Sales associates deal with crazy customers, who don’t think critically, and blame everything on the sales associate who is tending to them. In a hypercompetitive retail environment, making the “right judgment” is half the battle; translating the judgment into action at all levels of the organization is the other half. For that, critical thinking is vital. Employees who have regular contact with customers use critical thinking skills every time they engage in conflict resolution. Product knowledge and understanding the customer's needs are part of conflict resolution. Using that knowledge to achieve a satisfactory resolution is part of the process of using critical thinking in the retail world.

Many people think that anytime they're working together, they're collaborating. They also assume that everyone has a similar idea of what collaboration means. Actually, there are many ways to work together, with varying levels of intensity in the relationship between partners. Knowing what you want to accomplish will determine whether you need to cooperate, or coordinate, or collaborate. Here is the that good old critical thinking coming into play again. People who can collaborate, are able to work...