Logical thinking skills are a crucial factor in improving work efficiency and decision-making within any organization. To fully understand and effectively apply logical thinking, we need to start by differentiating the roles between levels from employees to CEOs.
Differentiating Role Differences Across Levels
Within an organization, each level, from employees to the CEO, has distinct roles and responsibilities. Understanding these differences is the first step in effectively applying logical thinking:
- Employees: Execute specific tasks, follow processes, and adhere to instructions from superiors. Employees need logical thinking skills to solve daily problems and optimize personal work.
- Middle Management: Coordinate and supervise employee teams. They require logical thinking to analyze performance, resolve conflicts, and ensure objectives are met on time.
- CEO: Make strategic decisions and guide the company’s development. Logical thinking helps the CEO assess risks, analyze markets, and formulate long-term strategies.
What Is Logical Thinking? What Are Its Benefits?
Logical thinking is the ability to think coherently, clearly, and rationally. It involves analyzing situations, identifying issues, and providing solutions based on sound reasoning and concrete evidence. Logical thinking not only aids in solving complex problems but also enhances decision-making, work efficiency, and effective communication.
Exclusive Method: 6-D Thinking
6-D thinking is an exclusive method encompassing six levels of thinking that everyone should know:
- Define: Identify the problem or situation that needs to be resolved.
- Data Collection: Search for and gather relevant information.
- Analyze: Analyze the data to understand causes and related factors.
- Develop Solutions: Propose feasible solutions based on analysis.
- Deploy: Implement the proposed solutions.
- Evaluate: Assess the effectiveness of the solution and adjust if necessary.
Practicing Logical Thinking in the Workplace
Exclusive Thinking Method: Double-5WH
Double-5WH is a questioning method used to delve deeper into a problem or situation:
- Who, What, When, Where, Why, How: Ask these questions to fully understand the issue.
- Repeat the process twice to ensure all aspects of the issue have been considered.
Fishbone Diagram vs. Root Cause Analysis and Troubleshooting
The Fishbone Diagram is a tool that helps analyze the causes and effects of a specific problem. Steps to use the Fishbone Diagram:
- Identify the problem: Write the main issue at the top of the diagram.
- Categorize causes: Divide the causes into groups such as people, processes, technology, etc.
- List specific causes: Record specific causes related to each group.
Root Cause Analysis is the process of finding the root causes of a problem rather than just addressing the symptoms. Steps to implement:
- Identify the problem: Recognize the issue that needs to be resolved.
- Collect data: Search for and analyze relevant data.
- Determine the root cause: Use tools like the Fishbone Diagram to find the root cause.
- Propose solutions: Offer solutions to eliminate the root cause.
Logical Thinking in Planning
From To-Do Lists to Master To-Do Lists, logical thinking helps in effective planning:
- To-Do List: List tasks that need to be completed.
- Master To-Do List: Combine smaller To-Do Lists to get an overview, prioritize important and urgent tasks.
Logical Thinking in Work Allocation
Allocating tasks using the Do/Solve/Help/Check/Lead Timeline method helps optimize efficiency:
- Do: Assign specific tasks to individuals.
- Solve: Assign problem-solving tasks as they arise.
- Help: Identify who will assist when necessary.
- Check: Ensure tasks are monitored and checked.
- Lead: Appoint a project or team leader.
- Timeline: Set deadlines for each task.
Horenso: Applying Logical Thinking
Horenso is a Japanese management method consisting of three main elements: Hokoku (Reporting), Renkaku (Communication), and Sodan (Consultation). This method improves coordination and communication within an organization.
Hokoku (Reporting)
Reporting is a crucial tool for providing timely information and feedback, ensuring transparency and effective management.
Common mistakes in reporting:
- Lack of detail: Not providing enough necessary information.
- Lack of structure: The report is not logically organized.
- Delays: The report is not submitted on time.
Effective report writing using logical thinking:
- Identify the report’s objective: Understand the purpose and requirements of the report.
- Collect information: Search for and compile the necessary data.
- Analyze and present: Organize information logically and clearly.
- Check: Ensure the report is error-free and completed on time.
Renkaku (Communication)
Effective communication helps maintain unity and good coordination between departments.
Common mistakes in communication:
- Lack of clarity: Information is not conveyed clearly and understandably.
- Untimeliness: Communication is not carried out promptly.
- Failure to verify information: Information received is not rechecked.
Effective communication using logical thinking:
- Clear and concise: Convey information accurately and understandably.
- Timely: Ensure information is communicated promptly.
- Verify information: Double-check information to ensure no mistakes.
SODAN (Consultation)
Consultation helps share ideas, solve problems, and make effective decisions.
Common mistakes in group work:
- Lack of preparation: Not preparing thoroughly before discussions.
- Not listening: Not paying attention to others’ opinions.
- Lack of coordination: No clear assignment and coordination between members.
Effective group work using logical thinking:
- Thorough preparation: Understand the issue and prepare necessary materials.
- Listen and respond: Pay attention to others’ opinions and provide constructive feedback.
- Clear assignment: Define roles and tasks of each member.
Conclusion
Logical thinking is an essential skill that improves work efficiency and decision-making within an organization. Understanding and applying logical thinking methods, from basic to advanced, not only helps in problem-solving but also enhances communication and coordination in the workplace. Using tools like the Fishbone Diagram, Double-5WH method, and Horenso principles will help you develop logical thinking and apply it effectively in your work environment.