HBR Guide to Critical Thinking

In complex environments, clear thinking is a leadership skill—not a given. The HBR Guide to Critical Thinking helps leaders slow down their thinking, question assumptions, and make better decisions when the stakes are high and the information is incomplete.

Drawing on research and real-world business cases, this guide offers practical tools for analyzing problems, evaluating evidence, and avoiding common cognitive traps. It’s designed for leaders who want to move beyond reactive decision-making and build disciplined, thoughtful approaches to strategy, judgment, and action.

What strong critical thinking enables:

• Clearer decisions by separating facts from assumptions.

• Better judgment in uncertain or high-pressure situations.

• More rigorous problem-solving across teams and systems.