Critical Thinking vs Problem Solving:

What’s the Difference?

In our blog “Importance of Problem Solving Skills in Leadership,”
we highlighted problem solving skills as a distinct skill set. We
outlined a 7-step approach in how the best leaders solve
problems.
Table of Contents
 Critical thinking vs. problem solving
o Critical thinking vs. problem solving: Not all problems
require critical thinking skills
o Critical thinking vs. problem solving: The role of emotional
intelligence
 Critical thinking and problem solving: A deeper dive
o A recap of the distinct differences between critical thinking
and problem solving
o How to develop critical thinking skills to become a better
problem solver
 1. Develop your analytical skills.
 2. Learn the skill of evaluating
 3. Interpretation with the help of a mentor or someone
more experienced
 4. Acquire the skill and habit of reflection.
 Your takeaways:

Critical thinking vs. problem

solving
But are critical thinking and problem solving the same? Also, if
there are differences, what are they? Although many educators
and business leaders lump critical thinking and problem solving
together, there are differences:

Problem solving uses many of the same skills required for

critical thinking; e.g., observation, analysis, evaluation,
interpretation, and reflection. Critical thinking is an important
ingredient of problem solving.
Critical thinking vs. problem solving:
Not all problems require critical thinking
skills
Not every problem-solving skill is a critical thinking skill. That is
because not every problem requires thinking. A problem like
opening a stubborn pickle jar could simply require brute strength.
On the other hand, it becomes a thinking skill when you
remember to tap the edge of the pickle jar lid to loosen the seal.

Also, some problem-solving skills are the exact opposite of critical

thinking. When you follow directions or use muscle memory or
rote (memorization) thinking, there is no critical thinking required.
Likewise, skills of persuasion or public oratory are thinking skills,
but aren’t necessarily critical thinking skills.

Critical thinking vs. problem solving:

The role of emotional intelligence
In our blog “What is the role of communication in critical
thinking?” we highlighted one author’s argument that critical
thinking and problem solving is not always a purely rational
process. While critical thinkers are in great demand in the hiring
marketplace, employees who are emotionally intelligent bring
even greater value to an organization.
Writing for Business News Daily, editor Chad Brooks describes
emotional intelligence as “the ability to understand your emotions
and recognize the emotions and motivations of those around
you.”
So, when looking for star performers, research shows “that
emotional intelligence counts for twice as much as IQ and
technical skills combined in determining who will be a star
performer.”

Further, in today’s collaborative workplace environment, “hiring

employees who can understand and control their emotions – while
also identifying what makes those around them tick—is of the
utmost importance.”

Finally, one expert notes that dealing with emotions is an

important part of critical thinking. Emotions can be at the root of
a problem. They are frequently symptomatic of problems below
the surface. Problem solving when dealing with emotions requires
openness to authentic emotional expressions. It requires the
understanding that when someone is in pain, it is a problem that
is real.
Read More:
 The Ultimate Guide To Critical Thinking
 Is Critical Thinking A Soft Skill Or Hard Skill?
 How To Improve Critical Thinking Skills At Work And
Make Better Decisions
 5 Creative and Critical Thinking Examples In Workplace
 25 In-Demand Jobs That Require Critical Thinking and
Problem-Solving Skills
 Brainstorming: Techniques Used To Boost Critical
Thinking and Creativity
Critical thinking and problem
solving: A deeper dive
A recap of the distinct differences
between critical thinking and problem
solving
Critical thinking, according to an article on Drexel University’s
Graduate College webpage “utilizes analysis, reflection,
evaluation, interpretation, and inference to synthesize information
that is obtained through reading, observing, communicating, or
experience.”

The goal of critical thinking is to evaluate the credibility of both

the information and its source. It questions the central issue and
how the information will inform intelligent decisions. Finally, it
asks the question, “Where does this information lead me?”

Problem solving, as previously mentioned, uses many of those

skills, but “it takes the process a step further to identify obstacles
and then to strategically map out a set of solutions to solve the
problem. That extra step in problem solving is identifying
obstacles as well as mapping out a strategic set of solutions to
resolve the problem.
How to develop critical thinking skills to
become a better problem solver
1. Develop your analytical skills.
Pay attention and be more observant. Ask the questions “who,
what, where, and why” and learn as much as possible about the
topic or problem. Map everything out to imprint or gain a visual
understanding and focus on the differences between fact, opinion,
and your own bias.

2. Learn the skill of evaluating

As a subset of analysis, you can become skilled in evaluation by:

 comparing similar and related topics, programs, and

issues. How are they different, and where are the
similarities?
 looking for trends that support (or refute) what you
intuitively feel is the solution
 recognizing barriers or conflicts to successful problem
resolution
 asking questions and gathering information—assuming
nothing, ever.
3. Interpretation with the help of a mentor or
someone more experienced
Interpreting a problem accurately employs both analytical and
evaluating skills. With practice, you can develop this skill, but to
hone your interpretation skills, it is advisable to seek the help of
an experienced mentor.

You’ll need to do the following:

 know how your own biases or opinions can be a

roadblock to the best decision making
 recognize that cultural differences can be a barrier to
communication
 look at the problem from the point of view of others
 learn as much as you can about the problem, topic, or
experience
 synthesize everything you have learned in order to
make the connections and put the elements of a
problem together to form its solution

4. Acquire the skill and habit of reflection.

Being reflective is applicable to almost every aspect of your
personal and professional life. To open your mind to reflection,
think back to your educational experience. Your instructor may
have asked you to keep a reflective journal of your learning-
related experiences. A reflective journal requires expressive
writing, which, in turn, relieves stress.
Perhaps you have just had a disagreement with a coworker, who
became abusive and personal. Not everyone can come up with
those instant snappy comebacks on the spot, and it is usually
best to disengage before the situation gets worse.

Here’s where reflective journaling helps. When you’re in a calmer

state of mind, you can journal the incident to:

 gain deeper insights into your thought processes and

actions—How do you feel about not defending yourself
from the colleague’s accusations or personal abuse?
What was the perfect response that eluded you in the
stress of the moment?
 build a different approach to problems—It could be that
your co-worker perceives you as unapproachable or
unreceptive to suggestions and criticism. Maybe it’s
time to have a frank discussion to help you see yourself
through the eyes of the coworker.
 get closer to making significant changes in your life—
Your journal entries may have displayed a pattern of
your behavior on the job, which elicits consistent
negative reactions from more than one co-worker.