Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Photo by Mobile Development on Grow with Google

In today’s fast-moving environment, solving problems isn’t about having the right answers — it's about asking the right questions.

Critical thinking is the foundation of meaningful problem-solving. It helps us:

• break down complex issues,
• spot hidden assumptions,
• generate better options,
• and act decisively when uncertainty is high.
  
  

Choosing Bangkit was a deliberate decision for me, aiming to enhance my professionalism post-graduation. Facing significant hurdles, particularly from within, has tested my resilience and critical thinking at Bangkit Academy led by Google, Tokopedia, Gojek, & Traveloka.

Why Critical Thinking Matters

When you rely purely on intuition or past habits, you limit your possible solutions.
But when you apply critical thinking, you expand them.

• You start asking “Why?” instead of accepting “Because”.
• You learn to challenge how things have always been done.
• You open up for better alternatives.

The Critical Thinking Process

• Clarify — Identify exactly what the problem is.
• Gather — Collect relevant data, evidence, and perspectives.
• Analyze — Break down the data, look for patterns, biases, and assumptions.
• Evaluate — Weigh your options, list pros & cons, foresee consequences.
• Decide & Act — Choose a path and move, then reflect on results.

Problem-Solving in Practice

When you combine critical thinking with problem-solving, you become more than reactive — you become strategic.

• Instead of “fixing what’s broken”, you ask “What needs to change and why?”.
• Instead of “emergency mode”, you work in “purpose mode”.
• Instead of repeating outcomes, you create new ones.

Closing Thoughts

Great problem-solvers don’t wait for perfect clarity — they act on clear thinking.
They recognise that almost every problem is also an opportunity for growth.

If you’re ready to level-up your thinking, start today: challenge one assumption, ask one better question, and let the process guide you.

Stay curious. Think critically. Solve smart.