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Thinking Styles

Exploring Thinking Styles​

This guide provides an overview of ten distinct thinking styles, each with a unique role in problem-solving, decision-making, and innovation.

  1. Analytical Thinking

    • Description: Breaks down complex problems into smaller parts for easier understanding and resolution. It involves a methodical approach to analyze elements and their relationships.
    • Learn More: CriticalThinking.org

  2. Systems Thinking

    • Description: Looks at the bigger picture by understanding how parts of a system interrelate and how they work over time within larger systems.
    • Learn More: The Systems Thinker

  3. Critical Thinking

    • Description: Involves clear, rational thinking, understanding logical connections between ideas, and actively engaging in the learning process.
    • Learn More: Foundation for Critical Thinking

  4. Creative Thinking

    • Description: Focuses on generating new and innovative ideas, seeing things from new perspectives, and thinking outside the box.
    • Learn More: Creativity at Work

  5. Strategic Thinking

    • Description: Involves long-term planning, anticipating future challenges and opportunities, and making decisions based on a broader perspective.
    • Learn More: MindTools

  6. Reflective Thinking

    • Description: Centers on analyzing and making judgments about past experiences, often used for professional development and complex problem-solving.
    • Learn More: Reflective Thinking

  7. Design Thinking

    • Description: A non-linear, iterative process used to understand users, challenge assumptions, and create innovative solutions.
    • Learn More: Interaction Design Foundation

  8. Logical Thinking

    • Description: Involves consistent reasoning to draw conclusions, systematically examining problems and preventing hasty judgments.
    • Learn More: SkillsYouNeed

  9. Emotional Thinking

    • Description: Utilizes emotions effectively to enhance reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
    • Learn More: Psychology Today

  10. Lateral Thinking

    • Description: Solves problems through an indirect and creative approach, using reasoning that is not immediately obvious and involving ideas that may not be obtainable by only using traditional logic.
    • Learn More: Edward de Bono's Lateral Thinking