Critical thinking: A must-have skill for project managers

Critical thinking is an essential skill for project managers who are responsible for making complex decisions, solving problems, and ensuring the successful completion of projects.

In an environment where variables are constantly changing, deadlines are tight, and resources are limited, the ability to think critically allows project managers to analyse situations, anticipate potential issues, and make informed decisions that keep projects on track.

Consequently, it’s no surprise that 94% of people surveyed by the Reboot Foundation rated critical thinking as extremely important. However, 86% of people believe critical thinking skills are lacking, with 25% admitting that their critical thinking skills have deteriorated. Fortunately, critical thinking skills can be learned and developed.

So, how can project professionals boost their critical thinking skills?

Why is critical thinking important in project management?

Critical thinking involves objectively analysing information, evaluating alternatives, and making decisions based on evidence and logical reasoning. For project managers, critical thinking is crucial for several reasons:

• Problem-solving: Projects often encounter unexpected challenges, such as resource shortages, technical issues, or stakeholder conflicts. Critical thinking enables project managers to assess these problems from multiple angles, identify the root causes, and develop practical solutions
• Decision making: Project managers are required to make numerous decisions throughout the project lifecycle. Critical thinking helps them weigh the positives and negatives of different options, consider potential risks, and choose the best course of action
• Risk management: Identifying and mitigating risks is a key responsibility of project managers. Critical thinking allows them to anticipate potential risks, assess their impact, and develop strategies to avoid or minimise them
• Boost collaboration: Critical thinking also plays a role in managing team dynamics. By objectively evaluating team members’ contributions, project managers can make fair and effective decisions that promote collaboration and productivity
• Enhancing projects: Ultimately, the ability to think critically contributes to better project outcomes by ensuring that decisions are made based on sound reasoning and thorough analysis rather than assumptions or gut feelings

How to develop critical thinking skills

Developing critical thinking skills is a continuous process involving self-awareness, practice, and a willingness to challenge one's assumptions. Here are several strategies that project managers can use to enhance their critical thinking abilities:

Be curious

Critical thinking begins with curiosity. A curious mindset drives project managers to ask questions, seek new information, and explore different perspectives. By cultivating curiosity, you can develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within your projects. Some strategies that boost curiosity include:

• Ask why: Critical thinking means not taking things at face value. Ask why a process is done a certain way, why a particular decision was made, or why certain risks are considered high
• New ideas: Be open to new ideas and approaches, even if they challenge your existing beliefs or practices
• Broad reading: Widen your knowledge by reading books, articles, and case studies from a variety of fields

Be analytical

Analytical thinking is the process of breaking down complex information into smaller, more manageable parts to understand it better. This skill is essential when dealing with complex projects or problems. Develop analytical thinking by:

• Deconstructing problems: Break problems down into their component parts, identify the key factors and how they relate to one another
• Data-driven: Base your analysis on data rather than assumptions by gathering relevant information and using it to inform your decisions
• Compare: When considering different solutions or approaches, analyse the potential outcomes of each option, including the risks, benefits, and how well they align with project goals

Make decisions

Effective decision-making is a critical aspect of project management and requires strong critical thinking skills. Developing a structured approach to decision-making can help you make more informed choices. Consider factors such as:

• Identify objectives: Clearly define the objectives you want to achieve with your decision
• Evaluate options: List all possible options and evaluate them based on how well they meet your objectives, considering factors such as cost, time, and resources
• Consider consequences: Think through the potential implications of each option, including short-term and long-term impacts
• Make a decision: After careful analysis, choose the option that best aligns with your project goals and constraints

Think ahead

Critical thinking involves reacting to current situations and anticipating future challenges and opportunities. Developing the ability to think ahead can help you plan more effectively and avoid potential pitfalls. Develop forward-thinking with strategies such as:

• Scenario planning: Regularly engage in these planning exercises. Consider different possible future scenarios and how they might impact your project
• Assess risks: Continuously assess the risks associated with your project and consider how they might evolve over time
• Think strategically: Align your project plans with long-term organisational goals and consider how current decisions will impact the future

Reflect and review

Reflective practice involves reviewing your experiences, decisions, and actions to learn from them. This practice helps you develop self-awareness and improve your critical thinking skills over time. Reflective practice can include:

• Practice regularly: Set aside time at the end of each day or week to reflect on your project management experiences, including what went well and could have been done differently
• Log your thinking: A reflective journal helps record thoughts, decisions, and the lessons learned from each project
• Seek feedback: Regularly seek feedback from colleagues, team members, and stakeholders to gain different perspectives on your performance

Boost project critical thinking

The ability to think critically is not just an asset but a necessity for effective project management. By honing this skill, project managers can ensure that they are well-equipped to handle the challenges of their role and deliver successful project outcomes time and time again.

Critical thinking is a skill that can constantly be improved. Committing to continuous learning ensures that you stay sharp and up to date with the latest project management practices and critical thinking techniques.

ILX offers a range of business skills training, including a deep-dive course for complex, intractable or seemingly unsolvable problems that can be ideal for developing critical thinking skills.

Explore our business skills training options.