The Crux of Critical Thinking

Are you noticing project teams are “busy” getting on with delivery yet often find themselves in a spin when dealing with critical issues as if they do not know a way out?

​​I am seeing it, and it appears to be an upward trend.

The story I am about to share happened about two years ago, yet I am sure you can relate to it – no matter the context or size of the issue your project team is experiencing right now – the answer is a new way of thinking.​

The project team at an Australian tech company was developing an innovative software solution that promised to have a huge impact on their industry. But halfway through the project, a complex technical challenge emerged, threatening to derail months of hard work. The pressure was immense, and the team initially scrambled to implement quick fixes. However, these hastily constructed solutions only led to more problems, pushing the project further off track.
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This scenario isn’t uncommon in project delivery. Yet, what separates teams that crumble under such pressure from those that thrive is a crucial yet often overlooked skill: critical thinking. For project teams, cultivating and leveraging critical thinking can be the difference between a project’s success and its failure.
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At its core, critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connections between ideas. It’s about being proactive, not reactive – stepping back from immediate tasks to examine them with a discerning eye, questioning initial perceptions, and finding optimal solutions based on evidence and reason. In the context of a project team, critical thinking transforms how problems are solved, decisions are made, and challenges are navigated.
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But why is critical thinking so crucial? According to a 2023 report by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM), over 40% of projects fail to meet their original goals due to inadequate problem-solving and decision-making processes. This statistic highlights the need for a shift in how project teams approach their work, highlighting the importance of embedding critical thinking into their daily practices.
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Let’s return to the story of the tech company. As the project faltered, the team took a step back. Instead of continuing to apply band-aid solutions, they convened a critical thinking workshop, facilitated by an external expert (yes, they engaged me). The team was encouraged to question every assumption, dissect the problem from multiple angles, and explore various potential solutions. They also analysed similar projects within the company to extract valuable lessons learned.
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This approach led them to identify a root cause they had previously overlooked: a misalignment between the software’s intended user interface and the needs of its primary users. Armed with this insight, the team developed a new strategy that involved reworking the interface design, which not only resolved the technical issue but also enhanced the software’s overall usability. In the end, the project was not just saved but exceeded expectations, receiving widespread praise from both users and stakeholders.

The Benefits of Critical Thinking in Project Teams

When project teams embrace critical thinking, they create real impact. Here are three key benefits:

1.Enhanced Problem Solving: Critical thinking enables teams to approach problems analytically, uncovering innovative solutions that might not be immediately apparent. The AIPM report highlights that teams employing critical thinking techniques are 30% more likely to identify effective solutions to complex challenges.

2.Robust Decision-Making: Informed, evidence-based decisions minimise risk. Deloitte’s 2022 survey found that 70% of Australian project failures could be attributed to poor decision-making, often due to a lack of critical thinking.

3.Increased Collaboration: Critical thinking fosters a culture of constructive debate, allowing teams to pool diverse ideas and expertise. PMI’s 2023 Pulse of the Profession report revealed that projects with strong collaborative practices are 28% more likely to meet their goals.

Integrating critical thinking into the project management process can be challenging, particularly in environments where old habits die hard. Resistance may stem from natural biases, comfort with existing routines, or the perceived effort required to think critically.

Here are three key actions to overcome these hurdles:

1.Challenge Biases: Encourage team members to be mindful of cognitive biases that might skew decision-making.

2.Ease Into It: Gradually introduce critical thinking practices rather than enforcing an abrupt shift. A phased approach allows teams to adjust and adapt to new ways of thinking.

3.Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge when critical thinking leads to positive outcomes to encourage its consistent application.

For project teams, the message is clear: harness the power of critical thinking and watch as your projects turn obstacles into achievements and objectives into successes. Today, this skill is not just beneficial – it’s essential for staying competitive and delivering real value.