Article published in the Bilan Opinions of 31st March 206
Every day, we have the privilege of engaging with talented professionals – the managers and executives who place their trust in us (a key point to bear in mind as we continue with this short column). These conversations constantly fuel our thinking, which can sometimes be philosophical, and enable us to explore issues relating to leadership, professional development and personal development in ever greater depth.
One of these recent discussions centred on a distinction that is often overlooked: that between mistrust and critical thinking. All too often, we come across dogmatic approaches, where something is definitely right or definitely wrong. Situations are judged all too quickly, without being considered in their proper context and without leaving room for curiosity or exploration, which might otherwise prove rewarding. While our ancestors were certainly not known for hesitating in the face of a dangerous animal, but rather for running for their lives, times have changed somewhat. And the dangers we might face have also evolved.
Mistrust is an attitude of suspicion towards others or a situation. It stems from a combination of factors: personal experience, past encounters, and the values and norms that each of us holds ourselves to. Although it is not inherently bad, it is often viewed negatively because it stands in opposition to trust, which is the bedrock of human relationships and cooperation. It creates a distance between people and can easily turn into suspicion.
Critical thinking, on the other hand, is based on a different approach. It does not start from the premise that we need to protect ourselves, but rather that we need to understand. It encourages us to question, analyse and compare different viewpoints before reaching a conclusion. Where mistrust closes the door, critical thinking leaves it ajar. Mistrust is suspicious. Critical thinking examines.
In the business world, this distinction is crucial. While mistrust can sometimes offer protection, it also limits our ability to learn, innovate and build trusting relationships. It can cause us to miss out on a chance encounter, an idea or an opportunity.
Professional life, like life in general, is made up of those decisive moments – those sliding doors – when a conversation, an encounter or a decision can steer a person’s path in an unexpected direction.
Cultivating critical thinking does not mean simply accepting everything. It means taking the time to understand before judging. We believe that putting ourselves out there, taking a few risks and keeping an open mind are essential if we are to continue to grow. We should remain within a zone of positive discomfort rather than resorting to mistrust as a defence mechanism. In an environment where quick answers are often more comforting than challenging questions, this quality becomes one of the most valuable.
