Here's how you can improve your critical thinking abilities as an executive.

Always question the Status Quo, cultivate a curious mindset by questioning assumptions and exploring topics beyond your immediate scope. Encourage a habit of asking “why” and “how” to deepen your understanding. Stay Open-Minded, remain inquisitive rather than relying solely on assumptions or jumping to conclusions. Ask probing questions and dig deeper to uncover insights. Avoid accepting information at face value.

1. Continuous Learning: Foster curiosity by actively seeking new information and asking probing questions to deepen understanding and challenge assumptions. 2. Question Assumptions: Challenge existing perspectives and assumptions to foster a deeper, more nuanced understanding of issues and opportunities. 3. Explore Diverse Perspectives: Embrace diverse viewpoints and insights to enhance decision-making and promote innovative solutions within your executive role. 4. Cultivate a Learning Culture: Encourage a culture of continuous learning and curiosity among your team to foster innovation and adaptability in business strategies.

Gather Data: Start by collecting relevant information. Use reliable sources, data, and evidence to inform your analysis. Define Criteria, clearly define the criteria or metrics you’ll use to evaluate the situation. What are the key factors that matter? Also, evaluate alternatives, consider multiple options or viewpoints. Weigh pros and cons objectively. Avoid personal biases. Remember, objectivity involves stepping back from emotions and preconceptions, allowing you to make informed decisions.

Remember, seeking feedback is a valuable tool for personal and professional development. Be open, create a safe space for feedback. Encourage honesty and transparency from colleagues, team members, and mentors. Make specific requests, ask for specific feedback on areas you want to improve. For example, inquire about your communication style, decision-making process, or leadership effectiveness. Also be an active listener, listen actively without interrupting. Understand the feedback fully before responding. Just like what Simon Sinek said, "Communication is not about saying what we think, communication is about ensuring others what we mean".

Reflection has really been a helping and creative way of improving my thinking path as an Executive. Reflections makes you put issues into the right perspective while looking at all possible options available.

Start by regularly assessing your own decisions and the reasoning behind them—reflection is key. Adopt the habit of asking strategic questions not only to gather more information but to challenge existing assumptions within your team and organization. Foster an environment where alternative viewpoints are encouraged and explored. This openness can reveal new perspectives and opportunities, helping to refine your decision-making process. Additionally, engage with diverse sources of information and cross-disciplinary knowledge to broaden your understanding and avoid echo chambers. By integrating these practices, you can sharpen your critical thinking and drive more thoughtful and effective leadership.

Ask Questions: Reflect on questions like: What went well? What could have been done differently? What did I learn? How can I improve? Remember, regular reflection helps you refine your strategies, adapt to changing circumstances, and stay aligned with your goals.

As you may know by now, I follow and love Simon Sinek, so in this subject he points out that "the greatest contribution as a leader is to make others leaders". So, when you empower people and build on the trust created, this can go a long way, I mean, the sky is the limit.