Critical Thinking Model diagram featuring a cube with Analyse Problem, Create, Questioning Framework, and Evaluate Solutions, mapped along understanding and solution axes to enhance problem-solving.

The Critical Thinking Model

The Critical Thinking Model is a structured 2x2 matrix framework designed to guide leaders and teams through effective problem-solving by aligning their approach with their current understanding of a problem and potential solutions. Represented as a matrix with axes of Understanding of Problem (low to high) and Understanding of Solutions (low to high), it features four quadrants: Questioning Framework, Analyse Problem, Evaluate Solutions, and Create. This model prompts users to reflect on a fundamental question: “What do we know?” and adapt their strategy accordingly.

Understanding the Model:

  • Structure: The matrix guides the process based on knowledge levels:

    • Questioning Framework (Low Problem, Low Solutions): The logical starting point when understanding is limited. Use questions (Grounding: “What is the problem?”; Diagnostic: “Why is this happening?”; Expansive: “What haven’t we considered?”; Consequential: “What are the consequences?”; Action-Oriented: “What could resolve this?”) to build insight.

    • Analyse Problem (High Problem, Low Solutions): Focus here when the problem is unclear but solutions appear obvious, deepening analysis of causes and context by testing assumptions.

    • Evaluate Solutions (Low Problem, High Solutions): Apply when the problem is well-defined but the potential solution needs identifying, validating, or to assess outcomes and trade-offs.

    • Create (High Problem, High Solutions): Ideal when both problem and solutions are well-understood, enabling quick innovation after testing assumptions.

  • Purpose: The model forces reflection on knowledge gaps, ensuring a tailored approach. The Questioning Framework is central, providing tools to explore unknowns, while the matrix aids in directing effort efficiently.

  • Core Insight: By asking “What do we know?” and “what needs to be true to” it prevents assumptions, guiding teams from uncertainty to actionable outcomes based on their starting point.

This model is ideal for navigating complex challenges, adapting to varying levels of understanding, and fostering critical thinking. The Critical Thinking Model offers actionable steps to enhance decision-making:

  • Assess Knowledge: Begin by plotting your team’s understanding on the 2x2 matrix—e.g., low problem knowledge and low solution knowledge points to Questioning Framework.

  • Apply Questioning: Use the framework’s questions to explore unknowns. For low understanding, start with Grounding (“Who defines this problem?”) and move to Expansive (“How might others view it?”).

  • Deepen Analysis: If the problem is clear but solutions aren’t, shift to Analyse Problem—dig into root causes with Diagnostic questions (why is this happening? what’s the root-cause?)

  • Validate Solutions: When solutions are ready but the problem is fuzzy, use Evaluate Solutions to test impacts with Consequential questions (what’s at stake? Who benefits or suffers?)

  • Innovate Quickly: With strong understanding, move to Create—generate ideas and use Action-Oriented questions (“What’s the first step?”) to act.

  • Team Collaboration: In group settings, map the matrix together, assigning roles (e.g., questioning lead, solution evaluator) to cover all quadrants.

  • Iterate: Revisit the matrix as knowledge grows, adjusting your focus to refine outcomes.

By leveraging the Critical Thinking Model, leaders and teams can systematically address challenges, starting with reflection and progressing to innovation, tailored to their current knowledge base.