Think Big: Then See the Big Picture

Is it important to see the big picture? Companies need people who have critical thinking skills, in order to help the company move forward. However, this can’t happen we take the time to hire people who have critical thinking skills so that they may see the impact of their actions and words. I have, recently been providing training programs for an agency seeking to develop their personnel's Critical Thinking skills. This concept, while not new, has only been taught to various disciplines in the past two decades. The result is that many professionals have moved into positions andhave missed out understanding the benefits of critical thinking, as it applies to the work setting. Critical thinking very simply defined, means having an open-mind, which allows you to view the whole picture. Many people feel that they have an open-mind, but their communication reveals otherwise as they quickly use words such as "no" or "that isn't the right way." Some people intend to be great critical thinkers, but their actions can often be just the opposite. When we look at the whole picture, we understand the long and short impact of our actions and our decisions. We look at issues from beginning to end and understand the long-range implications, yet we still make decisions in a timely fashion. We often do better applying critical thinking skills, at home then we do when we are at work. In our personal lives, we may apply this skill as we rent or buy a home, looking at the whole picture of what this investment offers, such as convenience and long-range value. We seek to live in a location that will keep us safe today, and in the future. We purchase property with the anticipation it will at least hold its value and that it may go up in value. We see the big picture about ourinvestments. As parents or guardians, we apply critical thinking when we ask our children about their friends and or when weteach them to pick up after themselves. I want to know the people that could influence my child and her decisions when I inquire about friends. I want my child to learn that we have responsibilities and caring for our belongings is one responsibility. The beauty of critical thinking is once we apply it to our personal lives it is easier to apply it to our professional life. Why then wouldn't we look at the big picture when hiring and training individuals.Is the person a good fit for the long-range growth of the company? Are we providing them with training opportunities that will enhance their skills and thus will enhance the job they will perform for us? Or are we doing minimal development and then expecting maximum output for us. Even buying a great home means upkeep in orderfor it to maintain its' value and benefits. Be sure to apply the same investment in your employees. When an employee asks to attend a seminar avoid getting distracted by the cost of the seminar and how much the instructor will make, instead realize the valueof the seminar, by realizing that the employee applying just one skill from this training, may help you to retain one customer or resolve one problem, in which case what is the value. Having recently returned from white water rafting, I found myself engaged in a conversation with someone who couldn't get past the cost of the trip per person. Theylooked only at the bulk price of the trip and failed to consider the items that were required to make up the trip, the lunch, the weeks of training for our guides, the bus, rafts, and safety equipment, insurance etc. Allof which made up the big picture, and yes, the fact that this is a business and someone is seeking to make a profit. For me the rafting trip was a part of family bonding experience. I had to consider what we couldafford, but I knew the bigger picture was the experience it gave my daughter and I to be together to nurture her self-confidence and share laughter and fun while we did this. I couldn't put a price tag on this experience or on this memory, and what we did pay was very inexpensive for what it gave us, a memory of a lifetime. Have an open mind today and you'll be amazed at what all you can learn.