3/12/2019 7 Steps To Improve Your Analytical Thinking Skills | Talentbridge

STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR ANALYTICAL

THINKING SKILLS

O c t o b e r 1 9 , 2 0 1 7 | C a r e e r Tr a n s i t i o n

How are your analytical skills? Analytical thinking skills, like any other
s k i l l s , a r e n a t u r a l t o s o m e b u t n o t i n n a t e t o e v e r y o n e . Yo u m u s t h a v e a
keen interest, a sense of drive, and perseverance to learn about a certain
topic to acquire this skill. After all, cultivating an analytical skill set is a
skill like any other that takes honing and application. If you’re ready to
enhance your analytical skills, then read on.

WHY DO YOU NEED ANALYTICAL THINKING

SKILLS AT WORK?

Analytical thinking skills are critical in the workplace. It is essential for

gathering data, solving complex problems, making rational decisions, as
well as summarising data and executing well-thought-out projects. When
you’re applying for a job, a lot of hiring managers look at this particular
skill along with other highly desired job skills to determine if you’re a
g o o d f i t f o r t h e c o m p a n y. C l e a r l y, t h i s i s a s k i l l t h a t e v e r y e m p l o y e e
should gain and sharpen to be able to climb up the career ladder.

7 STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR ANALYTICAL

THINKING SKILLS
If you think your analytical thinking skills need some brushing up or you
just want to improve it, here are some strategies you can do:

Be Observant

Ta k e a w a l k o u t s i d e o r o b s e r v e p e o p l e i n y o u r o f f i c e . U s e a s m a n y o f
your senses, see what’s happening around you. Is there anything that
interests you? Remember you have to actively engage your mind.

Read Books

Once again, the key to improving your analytical thinking skill is to keep
your mind active and running. Read books and try to work on an active
reading strategy: proactively read and digest and question what you’re

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r e a d i n g . Yo u c a n h i g h l i g h t , r a i s e q u e s t i o n s , r e a d a l o u d o r m a k e
predictions to stay engaged with your reading material.

Learn How Things Work

Don’t just find the solution but know how exactly certain things work. By
scrutinizing how things work, you will have a better understanding of the
process which is vital in stimulating your analytical skills.

Ask Questions

Did you know that curiosity makes us smarter? According to

Neuroscientist Aracelli Carmago, “The more curious we are about a
subject, the more it engages our cognitive functions, such as attention
a n d m e m o r y. ” W i t h t h a t s a i d , a s k i n g m o r e q u e s t i o n s c a n h e l p d e v e l o p
better problem-solving skills, retention, and memory of a subject. So
don’t be shy to ask questions, especially if your query is valid.

Play Brain Games

If you want to improve your analytical thinking skills, it may be time to

play Sudoku or other brain games like puzzles, chess, or crosswords. The
best part of working on brain games to develop your analytical skill set is
it is fun and doesn’t require a lot of motivation to get started.

P r a c t i c e Yo u r P r o b l e m S o l v i n g S k i l l s

Keep in mind that for every problem, there is a solution. Visualize and be
articulate in the presentation of a particular concept. Prepare two, three
or even more solutions to a problem. And, if possible, do test runs on
those solutions. See which one is the best and the most logical.

T h i n k A b o u t Yo u r D e c i s i o n s

Making important decisions at work is very common. Thus, think hard and
rationalize your decisions. What are the pros and cons of your decision?
Ask for an expert opinion if available or do extensive research. Ask
y o u r s e l f , i s t h i s t h e b e s t s o l u t i o n f o r t h i s p r o b l e m ? Ta k e a s t e p b a c k t o
rethink it a bit more, and then you can finally decide.

A t t h e e n d o f t h e d a y, l i k e a n y s k i l l d e v e l o p m e n t , y o u h a v e t o a l o t o f
practice and application. Learn from your everyday experiences. Then,
p r a c t i c e y o u r a n a l y t i c a l s k i l l s u n t i l i t c o m e s n a t u r a l l y.

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