Think Smarter: Critical Thinking to Improve Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills

PREFACE

Thinking is the process that every human being uses to solve problems, make decisions, generate new ideas, and be creative. The goal of Think Smarter is to answer the question “How exactly do we get better at problem solving, decision making, and creativity?” Actually, the question is “If thinking is what we use to solve problems, then how do we improve our thinking with respect to solving problems?” The inspiration to write this book came from years of helping others answer that question.

People often ask me if it's truly possible to teach people to be smarter. The answer depends on how you define smarter. If it means increasing intelligence quotient (IQ) points, then the answer is probably not. But if becoming smarter means applying your IQ in a way that produces more successful problem solving and better decisions, then the answer is absolutely yes.

Critical thinking isn't about making people smarter; it's about using a set of tools and techniques to think in a more effective way. Critical thinking won't increase IQ points, but it will help people apply whatever level of intelligence they have in a way that produces higher-quality solutions. It raises the bar for everyone and improves both individuals' and organizations' overall performance.

Why I Wrote This Book

I had enjoyed a successful career in software development from the beginning of the personal computer (PC) revolution and then worked as an operations and technology executive in the rocketing Internet space. ...