HBR Guide to Critical Thinking

CHAPTER 13

Disrupt Your Thinking by Involving Other People

by Cheryl Strauss Einhorn

Decision-making is rarely a solo activity. Involving other people in your process allows you to gain a fuller understanding of a situation and gives you a better chance of solving your problems holistically. The key is to identify and consult with other people who think differently than you do. Bringing in the right people can help you avoid potential biases and mistakes.

Many of us approach decision-making from the same perspective over and over. We use the same tools and habits every time, even if the decisions are vastly different. But following the same strategy for every problem limits your ability to check and challenge your thinking. Bringing in others ...