Let’s continue building on 2012 with more challenges. This time let’s look at tool that many small business owners neglect. I find that many small business owners “rush” into business and once they are started, they “rush” into product/service selection, marketing, management and all the other necessary aspects of running a business.

Starting with the following statement: Action does not necessarily equate to thinking; I want to focus on what I call “The lost art of thinking”.  Wikipedia defines Critical Thinking as follows: “ reasonable reflective thinking focused on deciding what to  believe or do”: “the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information.”

That sounds like a mouthfull; let’s break it down in simpler steps, as put forth by R.H. Ennis:

 A critical thinker:

• Is open minded
• Is mindful of alternatives
• Is well informed
• Judges well the credibility of sources
• Identifies reasons, assumptions, and conclusions
• Asks clarifying questions
• Can develop and defend a future action
• Plans well
• Implements well

Taking on new projects is not necessarily a positive change. It may be a sign of recklessness and non-fulfillment. But going back to all the levels of non-completion and completing them is a sign of positive change.

John-Roger

Nick J. Petra       www.strategicduck.com     Start the new year with a visit to our site and then action!

Make it a successful today!