Webinar Recap: Unlocking Potential Through Critical Thinking

In our second webinar of the Hidden Potential Series, we did a deep dive into one of the pillars of our new assessment tool: critical thinking. Sabrina Long, DEI Talent Acquisition Leader, joined CEO of CLARA, Natasha Nuytten, in leading this week's session. Thank you to all the people who joined and participated! If you didn’t get a chance to see the live session, don’t worry we’ll cover some of the key talking points here today.

Why is critical thinking the cornerstone of problem-solving?

So why is measuring critical thinking important? Because it’s an equitable and teachable skill that, when possessed by employees, can greatly benefit any work environment. John Dewey’s foundational work in the 1930s emphasized the importance of reflective thinking and open-mindedness as tools for problem-solving. Later, scholars like Robert Ennis and Peter Facione expanded this understanding to include interpretation, self-regulation, and application across diverse contexts.

Essentially, critical thinking is one’s ability to analyze information and make reasonable judgments based on their analyses. It involves a series of interconnected skills such as breaking down problems into their essential components, asking questions, and evaluating strategies.

Critical thinking is one of the many constructs CLARA uses to get a fuller picture of a candidate. It allows hiring managers to uncover hidden potential of prospects and benefit from giving those individuals a chance.

Addressing today’s hiring challenges with critical thinking

It's no surprise that traditional hiring practices often fall short when it comes to finding the perfect candidate. This is for a number of reasons including (but not limited to):

• Resume overload

• Bias in screening

• Over-reliance on credentials

Instead of defaulting to traditional screening practices, assessing critical thinking (and other soft skills) in candidates fosters more equitable hiring. By integrating critical thinking assessments early, companies simplify the hiring process by focusing on practical skills, thereby reducing bias.Effective assessment of critical thinking goes beyond asking candidates to list accomplishments and where they attended university. Instead, it focuses on actionable insights using behavior and cognitive assessments to ensure candidates have the skills to approach real problems effectively.Be mindful of candidates who focus exclusively on past achievements without articulating their thought processes. This could indicate a gap in critical thinking.

We know this is a lot to remember, so be sure to take a look at our Critical Thinking in Action checklist.

How can I develop critical thinking skills?

One of the main reasons we believe in critical thinking as an equitable metric is because it’s not an innate trait. Research indicates that it’s a skill that anyone can over time regardless of their background. Here’s how you can start:

Challenge Assumptions

Instead of simply taking in information as it is given, take the time to look deeper and question why something is true or whether there might be alternative solutions to problems.

Engage in Strategic Thinking Activities

Activities like debates, puzzles, or games that require strategy and logic are proven ways to help sharpen your critical thinking skills.

Seek Out Diverse Viewpoints

It’s easy to get stuck in our own little bubbles, but stepping outside our comfort zones is often the only way to grow. Engage in conversations with people from different backgrounds and consider viewpoints that differ from your own. This not only broadens your understanding but also trains you to evaluate ideas more objectively.Developing our critical thinking skills is a lifelong endeavor, but it is a trainable skill. By taking an active approach, you can strengthen your ability to analyze, adapt, and excel in any environment.This doesn’t have to stop at the individual level either! Focus on cultivating a culture that encourages open dialogue and questions to foster these skills for your entire organization.

What’s next?

Introducing critical thinking assessments into hiring processes can be a challenge, especially with time constraints and hiring managers potentially resistant to change. That’s why CLARA helps you prioritize the important aspects without sacrificing valuable time or resources.Ready to transform your hiring strategy?

Watch the replay of Webinar #2 here! Request a demo today!