Critical Thinking: The Skill You Need Most (But Probably Weren’t Taught)

Hey colleagues,

Let’s talk about a skill that everyone says is important—but hardly anyone can define, let alone teach well. You should learn it in college, but these days are different.

Critical thinking.

If you’ve ever seen it listed on a job description or heard it thrown around in a meeting but weren’t totally sure what it actually meant—you’re not alone.

Today I’m going to break it down.

You’ll learn:
✅ What critical thinking really is
✅ Why it matters now more than ever
✅ Where to use it
✅ How to actually do it (step-by-step)

Let’s simplify the complex—and make it useful.

What Is Critical Thinking?

Put simply:

Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally about what to believe or what to do.

It means asking better questions, spotting BS, weighing pros and cons, and making well-informed decisions—without relying on gut instinct or groupthink.

It’s not about being negative. It’s about being deliberate. Objective. Useful.

And the good news?
You don’t need a degree to do it.
You just need to build the habit.

Why It Matters (Especially Now)

We live in a world where:

• Everyone has an opinion
• Misinformation is everywhere
• Decisions are more complex
• Time is short
• Mistakes are expensive

If you can’t think clearly, you’ll follow someone else’s thinking—and probably pay for it.

Critical thinking is your defense against bad advice, poor decisions, and wasted time.

It makes you a better leader, learner, partner, and problem-solver.

Who Should Use It?

Everyone.

But especially:

• Leaders and managers – You make decisions that affect people, projects, and profit.
• Entrepreneurs – You deal with uncertainty daily.
• Parents – You’re shaping the next generation.
• Employees – You want to stand out and move up.
• Tradespeople and creators – You solve problems hands-on every day.

This isn’t about academics. This is about real life.

When and Where to Use It

Critical thinking isn’t just for big decisions.

Use it when:

• Evaluating advice (especially from “experts”)
• Planning a new project or strategy
• Solving a tricky problem at work
• Navigating conflict at home
• Making a financial choice
• Learning something new

Basically? Use it anytime the stakes are real and the answers aren’t obvious.

How to Think Critically (Step-by-Step)

Here’s your simple process:

1. Ask a Better Question
“What am I really trying to figure out?”
Reframe fuzzy thinking into a clear question.

2. Gather Facts, Not Feelings
What do you know?
What do you not know?
What assumptions are you making?

3. Check the Source
Is this coming from someone credible? Or just loud?

4. Consider Alternatives
What are 2–3 other ways to look at this?
What would someone smarter or more experienced say?

5. Weigh Pros and Cons
Best case, worst case, most likely.
Can you live with the downside?

6. Check Yourself
Are you being emotional?
Are you just confirming what you already wanted to believe?

7. Decide. Act. Reflect.
Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis.
Make the best call with what you’ve got. Then learn from the outcome.

Some Common Pitfalls

Avoid these traps:

• Relying on gut only
• Believing everything that supports your opinion
• Seeking speed over accuracy
• Overcomplicating simple decisions
• Never stopping to ask, “Am I being objective?”

Final Word

You don’t have to be a genius to think critically.
You just have to slow down, ask better questions, and be honest with yourself.

It’s not about being clever.
It’s about being clear.

If you want better results in life, work, and business—critical thinking is the multiplier.

This is the kind of skill that separates those who react… from those who lead.

And here at Myford University, we don’t just talk about it. We make it real.

Until next time—

—George
Dean of Myford University
Driven by an F150. Fueled by truth.

P.S. If this helped, forward it to someone who could use a mental tune-up.
Want to read the full article on my blog? You can catch up here.