Vaughn A
Mentor, Coach, Futurist - Roadblocks or Opportunities ? Your choice! I can help make the difference! <akinsve@gmail.com>
Critical or analytical?
What are the differences between critical thinking and analytical thinking? are they the same? If not, how do they differ? How can each/either be valuable to a company? How can they be a deficit in a company? How can they be managed for value?
Good Answers (18)
Dom D
Chief Operating Officer at Compass Marketing
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Without getting bogged down in the semantic subtleties among these two terms, let me just say that I would love to have more thoughtful, critical thinkers on my teams. Sadly, we don't value these abilities in society. We don't teach them in schools and we certainly don't seem to encourage this behavior in corporate America.
The ability to reason things out, to think critically about problems, to analyze them with the objective of solving problems or articulating the subject in writing or speech has become de-valued in school, downplayed in business, and evaporated from the culture. Apparently, we prefer to be entertained so that we can avoid thinking. It is a very distressing thing, truly.
Companies who encourage this behavior, on the other hand, have an edge over the rest of the marketplace. When we recruit and develop people who want to have these skills (and they are skills that can be learned, rather than talents people are just born with), we engender a company culture that values collaboration and cross-functional strategic planning. This is huge for identifying and exploiting emerging opportunities. When leaders can operate at this higher level, we will benefit more from our people's contributions. We will assign greater value to those contributions. Not least of all, we will also maximize our people's job satisfaction, retention, and professional development.
Your question included how critical thinking and analytical thinking could pose a downside, and it is this: leaders who are insecure in themselves or their abilities will not be able to handle such a culture. They're kidding themselves if they think their personal issues will not be an obstacle to achieving it.
Managing such a culture is not "easy," but it is certainly worth it. You will have to respect the input and encourage the perspective of individuals on their own terms, and you will have to resist the broad application of sweeping command-and-control tactics.
We're not leading troops into battle, we're running a company here. Such a culture is what I've often referred to as "commitment" cultures. I would, frankly, rather have a team of committed players than a company full of merely compliant employees. Leaders who are secure in themselves will thrive in these teams with their fellow players, and they will have an edge that raises their game to a whole new level.
Alberto M. C
Materials Scientist. Experience in materials industry, the financial sector, and entrepreneurship
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Analytical: gather all information available, organize it in a logical sequence, determine possible trends an alternatives regarding the goals and objectives one is seeking by performing such analysis.
Critical: analyze information to produce/emit a judgement
Jeff SKI K
Throughput Consultant and Mentor
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In some industries, they are the same; others, different. To me it is like "primary goal" versus "mission statement". No real difference.
However, there is so little of either that it is scary. Be afraid... very afraid!
-ski
Edward H. B
Commodity Broker for Natural Gas & Electricity, Operations Consultant, Instructor in Operations Management & Strategy
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Depends on the meaning of the words in context..
Critical thinking to me implies an evaluation of something with a view to find a defect in the argument, proposal or suggestion...There is an underlying assumption of proving the argument wrong, of finding flaws, defective logic, or wrong conclusions. It's coming to a negative conclusion, and/or unearthing issues, problems defects, call it what you will. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with critical thinking, provided it's handled properly, with respect for the people whose idea is being put through a critical thinking process.. (which is of course where the wheels come off most of the time ! )
Analytical thinking to me implies understanding how it works, though not necessarily with a view to finding flaws or coming to a conclusion. Analytical thinking is usually part of critical thinking, since you have to analyze the argument/proposal first, before you can determine what’s wrong with it, or why it won’t work.
They are both valuable processes.. Most organizations these days have more than their fair share of poor ideas, ill thought out schemes and proposals, and stuff that just won’t work… Understanding the problem is the first step towards solution, so analytical & critical thinking is required. Unfortunately, what often happens is that Management have a tendency to throw solutions at problems, usually based on fad du jour, or the latest & greatest in technology & management theory, or sometimes even just because someone else it doing it, then fail to subject these ideas to critical thinking..
Sometimes whoever is leading the charge can’t be seen to be contradicted, “emperors new clothes concept”, or some things are organizational sacred cows, and sometimes an analytical or critical thinker becomes perceived as being excessively negative the “doom & gloom guy”.. and if it’s carried to extremes, any organizational Jeremiah or Cassandra tends to be ignored or worse.
Every failure, screwed up implementation, abandoned initiative or solution is a possible indication of a lack of many organizations are in a deficit concerning critical & analytical abilities..
The management challenge is to ensure that any proposal/solution/change is subjected to an appropriate level of critical and analytical analysis before reputations, careers and egos get invested in the idea, and secondly, that those charged with this analysis, are also provided an opportunity to suggest better alternatives or solutions…” it won’t work as it’s designed, but if we …….. then it might have a much better chance of working..”
In terms of how to manage for value, I believe every organization should have a senior manager, who is capable of both critical & analytical thinking, and sufficiently well insulated from the rest of the organization politically to say this emperor has no clothers, and then being capable of moving to the level of either saying “kill it”, or “change it and it might work if we….”
I have been such a person, and saved corporations tens of millions of dollars in mistakes avoided..
Interesting question...
Clarification added August 7, 2008:
actually, now I think of it and add it up, it's more like several hundreds of millions of dollars worth of mistakes avoided
Mary L
ReloMary --> Assembling your selling, buying, moving team
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Hi Vaughn,
I don't view myself as a critical or analytical thinker but do operate with a lot of common sense that has seen me through all these years. I get enough feedback to know that my input is appreciated/valued.
Cheers,
Mary
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Ali S
Software Architect, Team Leader, Researcher in Cognitive Science, Entrepreneur, Futurist, IT Consultant
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Hi Vaughn,
That's of course a wonderful question, Let me try to give you my take on this:
Q1. What are the differences between critical thinking and analytical thinking? are they the same? If not, how do they differ?
Ans: Well there is definitely a difference but line is blurry, so we got to judge it upone some of the factors involved, let's say in Critical thinking when you get a problem, you come to decision first in your mind and then you try to figure our how much right this solution is, is it workable or something else can be done instead. You try to think in both perspectives, things which can turn up positively and things which can turn on negatively, as thinking about results.
While in Anlaytical thinking, you do analyze the facts, figures, all the information in search for a solution of problem in hand and then make your mind and reach some conclusion.
Q2. How can each/either be valuable to a company? How can they be a deficit in a company?
Ans: A Company must involve both of them as major parts of their reaching to any conclusion, company doesn't requires to introduce it in process, this must be tried to built in culture, because culture is something people follow even when they are not being watch by anyone, and to built this up into company's culture, company's pioneers must follow, practice it usually and let everybody in company realize the benefits of both methods, and the way they succesfully complement each other.
Q3. How can they be managed for value?
Ans: So again: Critical or analytical?
Well Actually, Both but according to context, my preference is to order of Analytical and then Critical thinking, so that you make wise decisions, you first Analytically work on some problem and find out solution, and then you critically think on it and value it among different solutions that may have taken place instead of once chosen. This procedure helps me follow: Carpenter's advice: "Measure Twice.. Cut Once!" :)
Being researcher on cognitive science, I can say that Critical thinking is "Very Direct Result Oriented" while Analytical thinking is in longer terms "Very Detailed Goal/Vision Oriented". And In a Nutshell, One must think both Analytically and Critically to reach out on some conclusion. Simple method is anywhere where you find already compiled information, use critical thinking to judge it, and where there is no information compiled, to analytical thinking to make one there and then use critical thinking over it for judgement :)
I hope this comes helpful to you, let me know If I can give you more insight on this perspective of mine or you need any other help.
Regards,
- Ali Sohani
Project/ Product Development Manager - Visionet Systems inc.
Software Architect and Researcher on Cognitive Science - Nanosoft Systems
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Anil M
Founder, Menawat & Co. -- Business analysis using Profit Mapping
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The difference between critical and analytical thinking in my humble opinion is arriving at the thought, which could be a solution to a problem, from two different sides. I view critical as discriminating whereas analytical as incorporating.
I believe the objective of critical thinking is to pare down to narrow the focus to uncover and make decision in isolation. On the other hand, analytical thinking creates a more holistic view by embracing the interconnectedness of various issues. One cannot evaluate “What if” scenario with critical thinking since it lacks details; analytical thinking is the domain of alternative evaluation.
Although analytical thinking can substitute for critical thinking in some situation, but a combination of two is the ideal situation. First begin with critical thinking to narrow the field of view sufficiently such that reasonable analytical thinking can be performed. Without a control of critical thinking first, analytical thinking can become “boil the ocean” approach. And, without the analytical thinking, solutions are arrived at in ad hoc fashion that can (and often do) lead to adverse effects.
We have created a methodology called Profit Mapping that combines both for finding the right solution to management issues (see Menawat & Garfein, Profit Mapping, McGraw Hill, 2006 or visit our website www.menawat.com).
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Rey S
Global Demand Manager at Abbott Diabetes Care
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Analytical is being able to effectively slice and dice, categorize, organize, delineate, outline, and summarize the facts into so many different ways so as to illicit understanding from the audience.
Critical is being able to efficiently point to the key relationships between the facts that drive the momentum of the data set in question so as to draw attention from the audience regarding which buttons and levers need to be pushed and toggled.
I think the rest of the questions can be answered from the information I gave with regards to the differences between the two -- assuming the reader is capable of both analytical... and critical thinking.
Regards,
Rey
Barbara D
Administrative Professional/Soldiers Angel
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Vaughn,
Critical thinking almost always involves reasons. In critical awareness we reason with studied deliberation. We concentrate and/or reflect on our own reasoning thereby forcing us to intentionally focus our mind on a subject. Critical reasoning is more deliberate than reasoning but it is not different in logical kind.
Critical reasoning is always rational because it uses reasons one way or another; yet although it is rational, it is not necessarily sound. Critical reasoning can be sound or unsound. If someone is being critical does not mean that they are necessarily right.
Sound critical reasoning is affirmative with impartial truth. It brings harmony with logical intuition, cultivates common sense and avoids totalitarian thinking. People using sound critical reasoning can usually make improvements that help everyone involved to some degree.
In contrast, unsound critical reasoning introduces root errors in our thought systems, stirs up contentious feelings, sanctions totalitarian thinking, indulges in elemental double standards, permits fallacies, and endorses prejudice. In this manner, unsound critical reasoning usually makes situations worse rather than better.
Analytical thinking is our ability to critically focus on our experience and to probe into our logical intuitions. Using analytical insight, we explore our thoughts and bring them into critical awareness. If a person uses their thought process using analytical thinking, they intentionally use or draw upon gut feelings as reasoning. I am leery of people that analyze everything from how an ant can carry so much weight to how much a gallon of water weights. I almost want to say analytical thinking is an odd way to be but, I am not sure.
Phil L
Information Technology Manager/Consultant
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An analytical thinker may be a moron and can prove the fact with a little math. A critical thinker may be a moron.
Critical Reasoning follows a logical process -- can be applied to either Analytical or Empirical methods.
Analyticism is a means of developing a formula that fits the data and predicts trends.
Empiricism suggests that a "finite" formula can not be developed, and relies solely on the data to provide a statistical snapshot of a given instance -- and thereby does not believe that prediction is a plausible or credible action.
Analyticism should not be confused with "analysis" -- the latter is merely applying a method for sifting through or reviewing the data.
Not looking in the dictionary, I'll say that to me critical thinking means looking for flaws, charitably called "areas for improvement". Most folks don't respond very well to this. Some rare leaders thrive on it!
Analytical means seeking to measure and/or anticipate the effects (positive and otherwise) of the many choices made in adopting a course of action.
Many leaders seem to dislike spending the time and energy required for either approach. We too often reward the "gunslinger" approach to corporate "leadership".
Yes, there is a difference between critical thinking and analytical thinking. Analytical thinking seeks to understand the whole by understanding all of its parts. Looking at a function process and determining what and how other operations or functions affect that process without making any judgment as to the correctness or value of those operation and/or functions?
Critical thinking takes the analytical view and then evaluates that view against a set of criteria. The critical thinker is trying to determine whether the current operation, function, process, etc. is the best for that situation. In a perfect world the critical thinker does not have a solution that they are interpreting the data to fit.
Both are valuable to a company. The analytical thinker will not place a judgment or value to what they are looking at. A critical thinker will provide the judgment or value to what is being looked at.
A company needs to have a balance of both in order to maximize their operations. If a company spends too much time in analyzing an issue, process, procedure with no one looking for an answer they are then in a state of analytical paralysis and nothing gets done. To most analyst I know there is no such concept as too much data, so good analysts are always looking for additional information for their final picture. On the other hand, if the critical thinker is always looking at the downside and always finding fault with a process, product, etc. then the company will stagnate because nothing changes. Most critical thinkers I have met tend to say, “Here is what we need to do…we had this same situation at “ABC” company and we had this outcome. So, let’s do that again.” Critical thinkers like to keep the solution simple and will revive a old solution that worked 15 years ago, because it work for them before and it will work for them again.
Analytical teams have worked best in my experience. These are teams that are comprised of both analytical and critical thinkers and they must function as a team. The critical thinker will keep on the analyst that they have enough information and the analytical thinker will press the critical thinker for an answer. And tying there compensation together also help keep the projects moving.
Merydith W
Sex in the Boardroom (book) Developing next generation leaders: New York & Adelaide
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Hi Vaughn
From my perspective they are the same thing. I studied Argument & Critical Thinking at University and these principles were studied. I believe critical thinking and analytical thinking enable us to understand everything we do and the world much easier. It helps me to not be swamped by emotion and to look at things more clearly.
It also uses the brain's capacity to a much greater degree and I absolutely love it.
The information below is from my latest book in a chapter called Thinking. My experience is that many people need to be taught how to think and when they learn the benefit and how exciting it can be, they are converts.
Luxury of thinking
Thinking isn’t a luxury. Every single thing you do has a thought behind it. Every decision has a thought behind it. The brain condenses information then emits answers and responses for the owner to ponder. Thinking is everything.
Thinking is a great pleasure and you need to practice it, often. Think of your brain as a coffee machine: put thoughts in at the top where the coffee goes, give it time to perc and then, out pour new ways of doing things, new approaches, changed ways of thinking for you, your organisation and those you lead. Never, ever underestimate your mind and never, ever under utilise it. It’s a gift to be used voraciously. Tap into the deep recesses within and learn how to harness its capacity.
Don’t be put off by what other people say when you tell them how much you love thinking and how wonderful the brain. Their comments may not be complementary. They want you to be just like them, with mind left to go to seed because of being too lazy to explore what the brain can actually do.
Anyone who spends time thinking is an interesting person. When they educate themselves in many ways they become more than just interesting – they are incredible, inspiring and a delight to spend time with. You just wonder where all of this information keeps coming from and where they store it and of course then you remember – encased in that head of theirs in a little grey vault.
Best wishes
Merydith Willoughby
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Jacques J.J. S
web write marketing organise - "The Gandhi of LI"
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I would 'think' analytical thinking involves (more) logic and reason, whereas critical thinking might include experience and perception (which is personal and subjective).
But interesting question - have been asking it myself, as I experience(d) this regularly: when looking at a proposal or (new) product, I comment on it - I feel as I'm adding and contributing, improving on it, perhaps pointing out possible oversights, based on experiences with similar products etc. - however, often it is perceived as negativism, not positive criticism, not constructive - while you only point things out, without any emotional bias or intent towards the product or the person involved - mainly looking at the facts.
So, you grow wiser and learn to shut up and the person next to you blurps out what you thought 10 minutes earlier and low & behold, it is appreciated as great and constructive input!
What is that? Apparently it has not much to do with any way or form of thinking - is it the way the message is delivered? How the messenger is perceived (as being 'detached', so his opinions are considered to be negative - and not valued at their intrinsic merit)?
Anyway, answering with a question in itself :-)
Kevin H
Total Success Teams / New Eras Media
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Five supreme court justices have one view, four another. I would say both sides are wonderfully analytical and build fine cases for their stands.
But only four or five, at most, are truly critical thinkers, analyzing and questioning their beliefs from the ground up.
Christel W
Experienced Consultant
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In my experience/opinion analytical thinking is often critical - but on the basis of a true analysis of the company/problem/organisation/culture/workforce/leadership/leaders/management/mangement philosophy/leadership philosophy.........
thus being able to argue and underline any thinking, point or discussion that raising critical questions might arise.
The critical thinking per se is easy to spot. It points out the obvious week points, but rarely offers solutions or ideas - the point is really only to say: "look how bad you are at this".
The way out is: give a pay raise (a big one) to the analyst, and get rid of the negative driven critic.
thanks for - as usual - a great, thoughtprovoking question,
c
Peter B. G
Social Media-Business Strategist▫Speaker▫Author▫Consultant ►Call for consultation on your Enterprise Social Med
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In every day usage being critical is pointing out the negative side of something.
Of course if you attended an old fashioned (British) University you would have been given a question such as "Flogging for louts should be made law, says MP who is caught destroying property. Criticise.". What they mean by it of course is that the student is supposed to examine both sides of the argument for and against flogging.
That is what I have always sought to do when being critical.
When I am being analytical on the other hand I tend to consider all possibilities, thus I would see it as a much wider in scope, although some options may be dropped (as impractical, too expensive). Thus I think 'analytical' can be wider in scope
... critically examine!
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Doug H
Colorado Territory Manager at Charter School Management Corporation, Inc.
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No real difference. Good critical thinking is simply good analysis. It means looking at the evidence and making good arguments for a conclusion.
