APRIL 2024HR TECH OUTLOOK19percentile (superior range) compared to the 56th percentile for the High Contributors. Of the twelve high-potential employees, seven of them scored in the 99th percentile. Recognizing our small population size for this analysis, the evidence suggested that the WGCTA appraisal may be a more effective and objective predictor of high potential than performance ratings, which many organizations today use in conjunction with other subjective measures.A data point may represent two or more individuals who had the same WGCTA score and performance rating.Here are strategies to strengthen the critical-thinking abilities of your high-potential employees:1. Training and Workshops: Offer specialized training and workshops focused on critical-thinking skills. These sessions should include activities that challenge participants to analyze situations, solve problems, assess the accuracy and falsity of data, and make decisions based on evidence and sound reasoning.2. Real-World Problem Solving: Assign high-potential individuals to cross-functional teams or special projects that require innovative problem-solving. Experiencing real-world challenges will help them develop practical critical-thinking skills.3. Mentoring and Coaching: Pair high-potential employees with experienced mentors or coaches who can guide them in honing their critical-thinking abilities. Regular feedback and constructive criticism will accelerate their growth.4. Encourage Questioning: Create a culture that values curiosity and encourages employees to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore alternative perspectives. This helps in developing a habit of critical thinking.5. Conduct war-Gaming Exercises: Study competitors' strategy and performance. Assign high potentials to conceptualize business scenarios and develop counter strategies from the competition's perspective. Analyzing and discussing these scenarios will allow high-potential individuals to practice critical thinking in a controlled setting while simultaneously developing potential contingency plans.6. Debate and Discussion: Organize debates or discussions on relevant topics to promote critical thinking and effective communication. Encourage participants to support their arguments with evidence and logical reasoning. Assign individuals to defend positions that contradict their existing schemas.7. Read and Research: Emphasize the importance of staying informed by encouraging high-potential employees to enroll in courses and workshops and read books, research papers, and articles related to their field of expertise, particularly in topic areas they have little familiarity. This practice expands both the depth and breadth of their knowledge base. 8. Critical Reflection and Self-Assessments: Encourage employees to reflect on their decision-making processes and outcomes regularly. This self-assessment helps them identify areas for improvement and refine their critical-thinking skills.Critical thinking is an indispensable asset in today's fast-paced and complex business landscape, and nurturing this ability will pay dividends to individuals, teams, and the organization. Through the accurate assessment and development of critical-thinking abilities with high potential, organizations can ensure a robust pipeline to lead their organization into the future. By integrating these strategies into high-potential development programs, organizations can strengthen critical-thinking abilities among high-potential individuals, empowering them to solve more complex problems and make better decisions, and becoming more effective leaders. Critical thinking is an indispensable asset in today's fast-paced and complex business landscape, and nurturing this ability will pay dividends to individuals, teams, and the organization
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