How Critical Thinking Can Change Your Life with Helen Lee Bouygues

On this episode of Thought Talk I am joined by Helen Lee Bouygues the Founder of the Reboot Foundation an organization that funds and publishes research on improving critical thinking.

 

Helen is joining us from Paris where she lives for a conversation on the importance of critical thinking in a world where search algorithms and social media are designed to feed us more of the same of what we already believe to be true. 

 

Tune in for a fascinating discussion on why critical thinking has become one of the top three traits employers look for as well as how you can practice and hone this important tool for success and how scenario planning can and will make you a better leader for the future.

 

Tips to improve your critical thinking

• Overcoming online misinformation — these are tips to make sure your information and opinions are well-researched:
• • Keep your sources varied, combat the algorithms.
  • Triangulate your information by finding it at multiple sources.
  • Verify who the authors are and what institution the information originates from so you are aware of the interests they serve.

 

• Follow the S.H.A.R.P. scenario planning method — be more aware and better prepared for the future.
• • S — slow down, give yourself time to think.
  • H — hone and practice your critical thinking skills.
  • A — accumulate information.
  • R — reason and cross-check.
  • P — ‘perspectivise’, try to see things through to their logical conclusions.

 

Tips to improve critical thinking in your children

 

• Critical thinking can become second nature when we start it young — find the critical thinking guide for parents on the Reboot Foundation website.

• Foster free expression and open-mindedness.
• Encourage children to think out loud.
• Ask why — a lot — probe their thoughts.
• Teach emotional management — the part of the brain responsible for emotional management is the same as that for critical thinking, give it room.
• Teach your kids the right way to do internet searches.

About Karen Tiber Leland

 

Karen Tiber Leland is the founder of Sterling Marketing Group, a branding, marketing, and color strategy and implementation firm helping CEOs, executives, and entrepreneurs develop stronger p