Critical thinking is an ongoing, anticipatory process of evaluating information that seeks to determine reasonable conclusions. It considers all relevant details sequentially and remains open to reevaluation based on new information. Critical thinking aims to be bias-proof in its evaluation of ideas. In contrast, problem-solving is a reactive process that only begins once a problem arises. It focuses on finding a "fix" without ongoing reassessment. Critical thinking can help prevent problems by ongoing reasonable evaluation of new details and ideas. The role of a critical thinker is to carefully consider all pertinent facts and determine when conclusions can be drawn, while also communicating feedback in a way that acknowledges potential biases and presents questions in addition to answers. Strong mediation

1. Critical Thinking
What is and how to use Critical
Thinking - a model

2. Critical Thinking and Problem-solving
What is Problem-solving?
Problem-solving is a fairly easy process to explain because it
has to do with something that breaks down. It is reactionary,
presenting itself as difficulty, trouble, crisis, dilemma,
predicament or quandary. When the problem is acknowledged,
and its’ various aspects are investigated, the “fix” becomes the
obsession. When the problem is presumed to be fixed, the
thinking stops. Problem-solving finds life only as a result of a
decision going badly… Not so in the critical thinking process.

3. Critical Thinking and Problem-solving
What is Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is implicit. It is, because it is. It is anticipatory. It
is proactive. It searches out and evaluates each and every bit
of information as that information presents itself- from a first
thought, to the integration of a plan, and then continuing forever
after. It constantly evaluates new information as it is received
that will influence change. Critical thinking yields conclusions
based on reason. It reasons notions, ideas, and thoughts. It is
bias-proof; or as bias-proof as a thought process can get.

4. Differences
Critical thinking renders judgment when it is satisfied that it has
enough quality information to do so, but does not attach finality
to its conclusions; continuing to remain vigilant to new
information. So, unlike problem-solving , critical thinking reasons
before the problem arises and keeps right on reasoning, forever
after. Additionally, there doesn’t have to be a recognized
problem or difficulty to appreciate the value of critical thinking.
In fact, the critical thinking process deters problems from
arising.

5. What does the Critical Thinker do?
Critical thinker is what we call the person to whom is assigned the job as purveyor, or host,
of the critical thinking process. The critical thinker must be able to think in an organized
fashion; considering all relevant information sequentially, and determining when it is
appropriate to draw conclusions. It should be noted that a [best] critical thinker, for the
most part, cannot help themselves; they are what they are… To some, a pain in the butt; to
others (the truly enlightened) they are a valuable resource in the toolbox of Organizational
Development. All this said, even the most obvious truth is worthless if it cannot be
effectively communicated.
As a critical thinker you have recognized a need to provide feedback to someone. You
have gathered an amount of information of which you deem appropriate to have drawn a
conclusion;
a conclusion that you feel is now necessary to communicate. You understand that you are
assumed to be a glass-half-empty person. You know that you may be sounding an alarm
about a problem that does not yet exist. You know that some of what you want to
communicate are not answers, but questions; questions you are not able to answer, but
maybe others can.

6. Critical Thinking and Mediation
Assumptions:
With all these negatives in mind, you know you will have to communicate your
message in a way that precludes perception of your own bias AND
communicate it in such a way that considers the bias of others. A critical
thinker understands that bias is a barrier to effectively conveying AND
accepting an idea. Ideological bias (political, environmental, etc.), material-
reward bias (money, power, prestige, etc.), and personal bias (involving self,
family, etc.) are the three that seem to elicit the most emotion. Since emotion
has no IQ, the challenge of communicating necessary information is huge, but
not necessarily insurmountable.
A "better" mediation:
A [best] critical thinker has a varied background supported by an understanding
of “interdependent opposite thinking” and an awareness of “mediation” skills.