The Importance of Analytical Thinking in the Workplace

In the work environment, you will be faced with various demanding problems.  Analytical thinking skills can be a tool for solving problems and making decisions. Objectives and benefits learning analytical thinking skills is to help problem solving and decision making. Analytical thinking skills are important to reach logical conclusions and the right decision. By having and developing analytical thinking skills, you can improve self-quality, self-actualize, and develop a career.

Difference Between Logical Thinking and Analytical Thinking

 Logical and analytical thinking are interrelated. If analytical thinking techniques are used correctly, logical and correct conclusions will be obtained. Logical means in accordance with logic or correct reasoning. Logical thinking is a way of thinking from one thought to another. In logical thinking, a statement is a cause-and-effect relationship. Analytical means based on an analysis. In analytical thinking, the information obtained is dissected to make it simpler and easier to understand, and then analyzed.

Difference Between Analytical Thinking and Critical Thinking

 Think analytically is a way of thinking by dissecting a complex set of information or problems into simpler parts to solve. Critical thinking is the process of evaluating information received with the help of previously known information or knowledge, to obtain a conclusion or assessment of that information. Analytical thinking is part of critical thinking. Critical thinking should be preceded by analytical thinking. A critical person is someone who is able to analyze correctly, plus use the information he knows to determine a view or opinion on information. Someone who is said to be critical is not someone who is often criticized because it is natural that the criticism given is based on analysis and evaluation.

Various Ways of Thinking

Analytical Thinking

Analytical thinking is a way of thinking in which the process of dissecting information that has been obtained or a complex problem into smaller or simpler parts to be solved. The end result of analytical thinking is problem solving and decisions.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is evaluating information based on previously known information or evidence, to obtain an assessment of that information. The end result of critical thinking is judgment.

Creative Thinking 

Creative thinking is the process of finding original solutions to a problem. The end result is solutions and innovation.

Analytical Thinking for Problem Solving and Decision Making

Analytical thinking can be used for problem solving and decision making by applying the stages of analytical thinking skills: gathering information, dissecting information into smaller parts, checking links or correlations between information, developing a theory, Testing the theory,  Developing the right solution, and Evaluating solutions. 

How to improve analytical thinking ability are become an observer or observant, practice by describing the process step by step, look for connections between two different object, play analytical games, such as chess, puzzles, and other strategy games, including riddles, exercise your brain by taking classes, reading books, listening to podcasts, learn how the system works. Try things like: making graphs with various trends, making lists of arguments for your ideas or opinions, making lists of possible solutions to various problems, explaining things to your children or friends, making pros and cons of the ideas or decisions you make.

Common mistakes in the application of analytical thinking such as thinking you’re thinking analytically, even though you’re not, Already have a theory, then look for evidence and data to support that theory, Subjective in searching for data, Wrong analysis, The information obtained is wrong or misinterprets the information

Barriers to analytical thinking such asdon’t want to be complicated and picky in your work. The way to overcome this is to instill in yourself the desire to try to analyze in order to get accurate results, Believe myth,  without seeing the cause. Method Overcome this by always finding out the logical reasons behind the prohibition, There are hidden assumptions. The way to overcome this is not to assume carelessly, especially without being based on valid information