How to think clearly
Clear thinking is logical thinking. It is a process of reasoning by
which one judgement is derived from another and correct
conclusions are drawn from the evidence. Clear thinking is
analytical: sifting information, selecting what is relevant, estab-
lishing and proving relationships.
If you say people are logical, you mean that they draw reason-
able inferences – their conclusions can be proved by reference to
the facts used to support them. They avoid ill-founded and
tendentious arguments, generalizations and irrelevancies. Their
chain of reasoning is clear, unemotional and based on relevant
facts.
Clear thinking – a logical approach to problem-solving, deci-
sion-making and case presentation – is an essential attribute of
an effective manager. This does not mean that it is the only way
to think. Edward de Bono has made out an incontrovertible case
for lateral, ie creative, thinking as a necessary process for innova-
tive managers to use alongside the more traditional vertical or
logical thinking pattern. But a logical approach is still an essen-
tial requirement.
A further attribute of a good manager is the ability to argue
persuasively and to detect the flaws in other people’s arguments.
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