Home » Business & Work » Business » Business Ethics

Management training - Critical thinker or cynic?

Ranked #7,172 in Business & Work, #201,390 overall

Management Training - Critical Thinker or Cynic?

There are three important character types you need to manage:
1. The optimist,
2. The critical thinker
3. The cynic:

Imagine that the whole of the world's population is standing before you.
Six and a half billion people.

Now imagine that you would organise each individual into one of three categories:

1. Into the group of Optimists
2. Into the group of Critical thinkers
3. Into the group of Cynics

Let us compare groups.

First, Let us compare optimists and critical thinkers

Question: Who would you rather have pack your parachute for you, before you leap out of the airplane? The optimist or the critical thinker?

The critical thinker of course!

Why?

Because optimists think that everything is good.
They think that all ideas have some merit.
They believe that any problems will "sort themselves out".
To an optimist "nothing is impossible".
( you have heard that phrase a thousand times: "Nothing is impossible")

Critical thinkers

Critical thinkers realise that many things are impossible.

Critical thinkers understand that NOT everything is possible.

Critical thinkers know that, because there is only one reality, not every idea can be true. There are certain limits.

The art is to separate the fact from the fantasy

Now let us compare critical thinkers to cynics

Critical thinkers are willing to say "no"

Cynics too, say "no".

Love This Lens?

If you would like to rate this lens, then you can do so here (Squidoo members only)

This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.

Add this to your lens »

Cynics

Cynics also know that "not everything is possible".
In fact they believe that most things won't work.
That the new idea will not work.

  • That the new idea will not work.

  • That is will never fly

  • That even if it did fly, nobody will buy one

  • That the sunshine will not last.

Loading

How can you distinguish critic from cynic?

They both say "no".

They both give reasons for not doing things.

So here is a problem

You should :

  • Listen to critical thinker's advice
  • Act upon critical thinker's advice
  • Encourage critical thinkers
You should NOT
  • listen to
  • act upon nor
  • encourage
The Cynics

But they can look and sound the same.

Management Training Poll

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Love This Lens?

If you would like to rate this lens, then you can do so here (Squidoo members only)

This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.

Add this to your lens »

Important!

How can you distinguish between them?

How can you distinguish between a critic- who you should listen to-and a cynic- who you should not- when they give the same advice.

The answer to the problem.

You can distinguish a critical thinker from a cynic by asking for their "practical alternative" to the idea they are saying NO to.

I call it the "If not, then what?" question

If a person says "NO" to a suggested plan of action, ask him:

"If not this, then what plan do you suggest?"
  • The critical thinker has alternatives.
  • The cynic will not.
Loading

WHY?

Critics

Critics specialise in solving problems.
Critics specialise in finding answers.
Critics specialise in change.

Cynics

Cynics specialise in finding problems.
Cynics specialise in finding unanswerable questions.
Cynics specialise in finding ways not to change.



You should distinguish critics from cynics and have different policy for each

1. Your policy towards critics: Encourage and listen to them

2. Your policy towards cynics: discourage and ignore their cynicism

3. Distinguish the cynic from the critic by asking them. If you are saying NO to this, what is your practical alternative plan?

In summary

There are three types you should be aware of

Optimists

To an optimist "nothing is impossible"

Encourage optimists BUT ally them to critical thinkers

Critical thinkers

Are special people who can separate the fact from the fantasy?

Encourage critical thinkers. Ally them to optimists.

Cynics

Cynics specialise in finding ways not to change: finding ways to stand still

Discourage cynicism.

Try to promote cynics to critical thinker by continually asking them;

IF NOT, THEN WHAT?

Then insist on an affirmative answer.

Like This Lens

Then Let Me Know

  • SisterD Sep 30, 2009 @ 5:20 pm | delete
    I'll have to admit I'd never thought about who I'd rather have pack my parachute before, an optimist or a critical thinker until I ran across Management training - Critical thinker or cynic? You've definitely put together some food for thought and it's done in a nice light entertaining way, too.

    Glad to see I'm not the only optomist in the group. lol.
  • richardsonlynda Sep 30, 2009 @ 4:00 pm | delete
    both cynics and critical thinkers are actually great thinkers but the best is Optimists which say "nothing is impossible"
  • Fibrorelieftips Sep 30, 2009 @ 10:21 am | delete
    The truth is most want to manage and most can't. Many get into positions as an ego trip and cause more harm to a work environment than good. This is a really good insight into what's required.
  • costumeGirls Sep 30, 2009 @ 1:33 am | delete
    Wow. This lens just about sums up all the management books on my shelf. Now if only I could find the receipts and return them all. The most profound truths are often the most simple.
  • Funny-Halloween-Costume-Ideas Sep 30, 2009 @ 1:00 am | delete
    Most of us never give a thought to our particular type of management character and style: The optimist, critical thinker, and cynic. I sure haven't; yet we all exercise management skills to varying degrees in our lives on a daily basis. Your lens has given me food for thought, and I may have to resort to some management training in the future. Thanks.
  • h-miracle Sep 29, 2009 @ 9:50 pm | delete
    In management positions it is important to strike a balance between critical thinking and opportunistic thinking styles to get maximum impact. Great lens!
  • onlinecollegepro Sep 28, 2009 @ 5:40 pm | delete
    I really enjoyed your way to use Newton's laws with this topic; a very original idea. It was also great to read about the walt Disney model; I really didn't know about this although I have a long career as a Business Consultant behind me.
  • mmkellis Sep 28, 2009 @ 11:39 am | delete
    Critical thinking is a skill that is very much underrated. When bringing a project to fruition it's important to have various "types" on the team: optimists to envision the big plan, cynics to poke holes in the plan; critical thinkers to fix the holes, and 'steady eddies' to carry it out.
  • homebusinessonline101 Sep 28, 2009 @ 10:38 am | delete
    The structure you used for approaching different ways of management training and philosophy was really unique and interesting. Thanks for a valuable lens!
  • BlueSkyBright Sep 28, 2009 @ 9:19 am | delete
    I have never read so much information about the critical thinker and the cynical thinker. There is alot of truth to what you say. Great lens full of information. I think I am a critical thinker for sure
  • howel Sep 28, 2009 @ 9:08 am | delete
    I have been in management for some time now, and with your classification (ref. Critical vs. Cynic) y can now see that the best team results have been when the optimist is truly inspired but the execution of strategy has been tempered by the critical. I just hadn't thought o it like that, which also means I haven't always been able to replicate past successes. Thanks.
  • squidclaire Sep 26, 2009 @ 12:33 pm | delete
    A truly inspiring lens, thank you. I love the layout and can see will have to up my efforts. I definitely fall into the optimist category and because of that I believe i can create as beautiful lens as you have!
  • pepys Sep 25, 2009 @ 5:01 pm | delete
    One usually thinks of an optimist or a pessimist. The idea of a critical thinker and a cynical one hadn't occurred to me before - but like other models it must be very useful when you have clear cut personalities. In most case there must be a mix of the different types. Definitely worth studying.
  • profaned08373 Sep 25, 2009 @ 11:37 am | delete
    Good point on distinguishing which members of your team is an optimist, critical thinker or cynic so you can work with their good and bad points.
  • alumnigifts Sep 25, 2009 @ 11:16 am | delete
    Boy, I really try to be a critical thinker, but being a cynic has a way of sneaking up on you.
  • Yahoo-Web-Hosting Sep 24, 2009 @ 1:36 pm | delete
    love the overview of critical thinkers. very intriguing and what a huge difference between the 2 thinkers
  • candyw Sep 23, 2009 @ 10:03 pm | delete
    Some very good info here.. I liked the humorous way it was presented also..thanks
  • colindiffer Sep 23, 2009 @ 4:32 am | delete
    This is a great lens and very interesting. It has really made me think about which charachter type i am
  • socialgeezer Sep 22, 2009 @ 7:26 am | delete
    Great lens thoroughly enjoyed it. Like everything there is no one perfect type. All have they're downfalls So as you say, marry the differing types together and you end up with the complete package.
  • bob_g Sep 21, 2009 @ 7:35 pm | delete
    This was really interesting and the question "who would you want to pack your parachute?" really makes you think. I have always when asked said that Iam an opptimist.....but your lens has made me think again. nice one:)
  • maricia91 Sep 20, 2009 @ 5:46 am | delete
    This lens is very interesting. I read everything and according to this I am Critical Thinker. Is it good or bad it is a question of interpretation I think.
  • BizGuy99 Sep 16, 2009 @ 5:31 am | delete
    I am definitely an eternal optimists. Your logic give some great insight into the critical thinking versus cynical logic comparison.
  • jgreene1333 Sep 13, 2009 @ 1:27 pm | delete
    I like the overview of critical thinkers. Helps distinguish among some interesting conversations that I've had at work lately, and figuring out the motivation of the folks who made them.
  • meganinlife Sep 13, 2009 @ 12:34 pm | delete
    I have never seen such analysis about the critical thinker and the cynic. It is somehow fun to read it but there are a lot of truth. Thanks for the lens. As a critical thinker - I approve it :)
  • Lilly-n-Lloyd Sep 10, 2009 @ 6:06 am | delete
    Initially, I would have said that I am an optimist but your lens is very interesting and clear. I would now hope that I am a critical thinker and not necessarily an optimist :-) Thanks for the clarification and informative lens!
  • movieelliot Sep 8, 2009 @ 11:29 am | delete
    Chris, I loved your other lens on Newton's 3 laws of leadership and i absolutely love this lens as well.

    Your method / way of breaking things down is very clear, concise and even refreshing.

    I've joined your fanclub too :)
  • ShirlW Sep 2, 2009 @ 7:44 pm | delete
    It's very interesting to see this broken down, I never quite realized the difference between cynics and critical thinkers until now.
Show All

Love This Lens?

If you would like to rate this lens, then you can do so here (Squidoo members only)

This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.

Add this to your lens »

Management Training Blog

Loading

New Text module

The Corporate Coach Group management training courses are for anyone who needs to get the best from themselves and other people.

The Corporate Coach Group is a training company whose purpose is:

"The presentation of a system that describes successful action to anyone in a management/leadership role, together with the complementary skills necessary to put the theory into practice."

Find out more about the Corporate Coach Group Communication Skills Training and Personal Development Training Courses and discover how to improve your ability to get the best from yourself and other people.

by

chrisfarmer

Chris Farmer is the leader of The Corporate Coach Group, who provide UK management training courses, and a publichsed author in Business Coaching. His... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

Related Tags