Alan Weiss – Framed (Critical Thinking Skills for Consulting)

Critical thinking abilities are required for Million Dollar Consultants. What are critical thinking abilities, though, and why are they so crucial?The capacity to examine and evaluate information and utilize the results of that analysis to make judgments is the essence of critical thinking abilities. These abilities are necessary for success in any sector, but consultants in particular need them because they are frequently asked to offer their customers professional advise and direction.
Critical thinking abilities, in my opinion, are limited, attainable, and require integration no less than a great athlete’s “natural” stroke. And yet, what I refer to as “Framing” is one of the most underrated, misunderstood, and misused critical thinking abilities.
The process of framing entails characterizing a situation or problem in a way that promotes the most fruitful analysis and decision-making. It entails determining the crucial variables at work as well as the presumptions and prejudices that could be skewing our judgment.
Several consultants and other professionals, in my experience, may not even be aware that they are adopting frames that are restricting their thinking and decision-making. They may not even fully understand the significance of framing.
That’s why, in answer to a dozen people in my closest circle, I recently spent a whole day to the topic of framing. This was the first (and most likely final) instance of this program in the US.
We looked at a variety of framing tactics and strategies throughout the program, including the use of metaphors, analogies, and other tools to help us view issues and situations in fresh and useful ways.
Additionally, we discussed how to spot and get past biases and preconceptions that might get in the way of effective critical thinking.
The value of being deliberate and proactive in our framing was one of the main lessons from the training. We need to actively look for fresh frames and perspectives that might help us see things in a new light rather than just accepting the ones that are provided to us.
To do this, we must be ready to examine our own presumptions and biases and to be receptive to fresh viewpoints.
In the end, I think that developing the framing talent is crucial for anybody who wants to succeed as a consultant or thought leader. By developing fresh, more useful perspectives on issues and circumstances, we can better counsel and direct our clients and assist them in achieving their objectives.
As a result, I urge you to learn more about framing if you want to develop your critical thinking abilities. It could be the key to realizing your full potential as a thought leader or consultant.