The AI Catch: Doubling Down on Critical Thinking

Generative AI is set to revolutionize how we work, offering unprecedented speed and efficiency across industries. But there’s a catch. While AI excels at delivering rapid insights and automating tasks, using it effectively — and ethically — requires a skill set at risk of being eliminated by the very technology designed to enhance it: critical thinking.

The ease of accessing information through AI presents a seductive shortcut and a challenge for leaders. Why spend hours researching when answers appear in seconds? Now, leaders must look to leverage AI’s power without inadvertently undermining critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, which will be even more crucial in the future.

Don’t Just Use AI—Use It to Train Critical Thinking

The solution isn’t to shy away from AI or limit its adoption. Instead, companies need to make critical thinking a core competency, interwoven with AI adoption at every level. One of the most effective ways to do this is to use AI to sharpen critical thinking skills, helping employees analyze information, connect ideas, uncover insights, and mitigate missteps. Here are a few examples:

• Uncover Assumptions and Biases: “What are common misconceptions surrounding [topic], and what are the underlying reasons for these misperceptions? Who benefits from these misunderstandings?”
• Identify Contrasting Viewpoints: “What are the most compelling arguments against [topic or proposed solution]? Who are the key thinkers or experts who hold these opposing views?”
• Force Unexpected Connections: “Connect [topic] to a seemingly unrelated field. What insights emerge from this unexpected connection? How can this new perspective inform our approach?”
• Consider Different Lenses: “Approaching this problem from the perspective of [a role]. How might someone in [different role] view this issue differently? What factors might they prioritize?”
• Anticipate Unintended Consequences: “What are the potential downsides or unintended consequences of this solution, even if it appears successful at first glance? How would this solution impact different stakeholders within and outside the company?”
• Distill to Key Principles: “Imagine someone has no background in this field. What are three essential things needed to understand about [topic], and why are they so important?”

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