# Different Types of Thinking By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2023-02-25 Organizations thrive due to a variety of types of thinking. Mechanical thinking informs how work is done. Pragmatic thinking provides a framework for understanding what is relatively more or less important within a given context. Much of organizational thinking is dominated by mechanical and pragmatic thinking. Two types of thinking which are often considered independently, critical and creative, are linked in ways that are not immediately obvious. Critique is essential for identifying aspects of organizational reality that are less than desired. Creative thinking provides a vision of what could be. Critique and creativity are two sides of the same coin of organizational improvement. Each type of thinking has its limits. A person consumed in critique is often marginalized for being overly negative, whereas a person dedicated to creativity might be viewed as lacking seriousness or realism. Often there is a view that different people simply think a certain way, and that if an organization wants the benefits of the diversity of thought they must hire individuals with these different types of thinking. Undoubtedly, people tend to exhibit a default way of thinking. However, one can work on cultivating and developing different types of thinking. Rather than different people providing one of the many types of thinking, it is possible to have many people examining an issue or concern, each bringing a variety of thinking types to the problem. Facets of understanding are revealed through different types of thinking. Mechanical, pragmatic, critical, and creative each contributes to the organization and its performance. Even if one is unable to fully cultivate a proficiency in a certain type of thinking, the attempt will foster an increased awareness of its need and benefit. Einstein reportedly stated that “we cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” If organizations thrive on mechanical and pragmatic thinking, there is a benefit from being able to shift to critical and creative thinking to address the organizational problems which have emerged as its consequence. #### Related Items [[Thinking]] [[Pragmatic]] [[Creative]] [[Critique]] [[Organizational Analytics]]