Critical Thinking: The Soul of Communication

How do I see communication and critical thinking impacting my future role as a leader in the workplace?

I can envision that communication and critical thinking will have a great impact in my future role as a leader in the workplace.

According to the article, in a 2008 whitepaper by IDC, poor communication has led to organizations in the UK and USA to lose an estimated US$37 billion! Poor communication has resulted in a lower shareholder return. Research by Towers Watson has shown that organisations with highly effective communication skills see a 47 percent higher total returns to shareholders compared with firms that are the least effective at communicating.

However, it is not sufficient to possess good communication skills alone. Communication skills can be enhanced with critical thinking. Critical thinking is the driver of an effective communication.

A leader will have increased confidence in communication with critical thinking as communication is easier when leaders are prepared with information. Communication and critical thinking are connected as possessing the ability to problem-solve and consider other perspectives tend to be better communicators.

I believe possessing both skills are a win-win situation for the organization and a leader. It benefits a leader to connect effectively with the team and for an organization, it will translate to a higher shareholder returns.


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