Last week, I shared about what critical thinking is, its components and how you can achieve critical thinking. This week, we are paying particular attention to two major ways our brain tackle problems; automatic processing and conscious processing.
In trying to solve a problem, a manager must ask a very fundamental question, what problem am I trying to solve? Now, this question may seem so simple but failure to answer it sufficiently will be detrimental to one’s business. For example, a business may have a small profit margin problem and in an attempt to solve this, a manager may think inventory is the problem, whereas, reducing the business’ overhead cost is the problem. What then happens is that failure to identify the real cause of the problem will make the business expend resources tackling the wrong problem. In order to answer the above question, our brains are quick to proffer solutions, that is, our brains take a leap from the circumstance to the solution without thoroughly processing the situation at hand.
What is Automatic Processing?
Automatic processing refers to our brain’s ability to promptly and unconsciously process information based on past experiences and knowledge. Here, the individual has no control over this activity but is aware of the results. In this process, the brain relies heavily on association or what is called pattern matching. Based on a research by Psychologist Gary Klein, it was proven that professionals like firefighters and surgeons use past experiences to make instantaneous decisions. Automatic processing can be helpful in critical thinking when we encounter familiar situations or problems that we have previously solved. Our brain can quickly retrieve information from memory and apply it to the current situation. However, it is important to note that automatic processing can also lead to cognitive biases and errors in judgment. For example, we may rely too heavily on past experiences and overlook important information or fail to recognize new patterns that do not fit our preconceived notions.
What is Conscious processing?
Conscious processing, also known as controlled processing, refers to the mental processes that occur with in a state of awareness and require conscious effort and attention. It occurs in the part of the brain which can be controlled. It is a type of processing that is slower and more deliberate than automatic processing, and it involves actively thinking about, analyzing and evaluating information. For example, conscious processing includes solving a math problem, learning a new language, or memorizing a phone number. These tasks require focused attention and mental effort, and none can be completed without conscious awareness and intention.
Conscious processing is important for complex tasks that require higher levels of cognitive processing and decision-making. It is thought to be based on the use of working memory and executive control processes, which allow us to hold information in our minds, analyze, evaluate, and make decisions based on the outcome of our thoughts. It is a slower and more effortful process than automatic processing.
In conclusion, as managers, when faced with business problems, we must ask ourselves what problems we are trying to solve. In order to tackle business problems, our brains process information using two methods; automatic processing and conscious processing. Both methods are useful in themselves, however, if we must make business decisions, then we must ensure that information are carefully analyzed and evaluated before arriving at a conclusion.
BUSINESS FINANCIAL ANALYST