LOGIC- what is logical thinking?

We all have the skill to adopt an unemotional, detached, step-by-step approach to our thinking processes.

This type of thinking is safe as there is no room for untested ideas which pop into our heads at random.

However it is easy to rely too heavyily onto logic. We need to know when to switch it off and make room for more creative and imaginative ideas.

A GOOD LOGICAL THINKER IS:
well organised
pays attention to the smallest detail
concentrates on fact and not fantasy
can work within a rigid framework
does not allow personal feelings to colour judgements
stays detached
has lots of patience to eliminate variables through reasoning
has no sudden urge to leap into unknown territory!

Logical thinking requires the ACCEPTANCE of the CONCLUSION even if it is not something we want it to be.

Logical thinking means using information for a particular purpose and not for the sake of it.

It provides a focus and clear direction whilst disciplining, stretching and challenging the mind.

It eliminates bias and opinion and will ensure fairness.

A step by step approach, testing possible links, considering all possible.

Ask Questions: WHO? WHAT? WHERE? WHEN? HOW?

It is the sound, relatively safe, process of logical thinking which dominates business life.



TIPS

LOGICAL THINKING IS LIKE CLIMBING A TREE:

be sure why you want to climb the tree- to explore is not a good enough reason for the logical thinker. THE WHY QUESTION

make sure you have the right equipment- means to reach your goal.

choose the most obvious route- where the branches appear strongest.

get a firm footing at each stage before moving on.

keep looking ahead.

ignore the branches with the juicy fruit if they are not on your route!

make sure each step has a purpose and that it is the right step to take.

once you have reached the top ie your goal that is the end of your exercise.



THE CREATIVE THINKER PLAYS TARZAN, OR THE POSITIVE THINKER WHO BELIEVES THERE IS MORE TREES TO CLIMB AND WILL ARGUE THAT YOU JUST CANT SEE IT YET!



ANOTHER WAY IS TO:

DEFINE THE PURPOSE?- WHY DO YOU WANT TO DO THIS?
DEFINE THE OBJECTIVE?- WHAT DO YOU WANT EXACTLY AND PRECISELY?
DEFINE THE VISION
DEFINE THE TIMINGS AND DEADLINES AND PERIODS AND STAGES AND DURATIONS
DEFINE THE PEOPLE
DEFINE THE PLACES
DEFINE THE ROUTE AND BLUEPRINTS AND PLANT AND STICK TO IT
ELIMINATE VARIABLES, DEDUCE OPTIONS AND COME TO THE BEST CONCLUSION
BE FIRM AND STABLE AND SOLID AND SLOW
TAKE SMALL STEPS
TAKE ATTENTION TO ALL DETAILS
SET CLEAR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES AND ACHIEVE THEM
WORK AS PER SCHEDULES AND ROUTINES AND PLANS




what are the drawbacks:
it prevents creativity
it requires paying attention to detail which is cumbersome for some
used all the time it would indicate a lack of self confidence and initiative
it can sometimes over-ride other thought processes and lead to missed opportunities
it can be time consuming