Critical Thinking in the age of AI

Speaker A: Just before we dive in, a quick moment to say, we won.

Speaker B: The Secrets of Learning and Development has officially been named Podcast of the year 2025. And we're still smiling. We didn't create this podcast with awards in mind. We started it because we love real conversations about growth, challenge, leadership, and learning.

Speaker A: But this award, it tells us that those conversations are landing, that they matter. So if you've been listen, listening, sharing, joining as a guest, thank you. Let's get into today's episode and keep that conversation going.

Speaker C: Welcome to the Secrets of Learning and Development bonus episode. In these special short form episodes, your hosts Valerie and Julia and guests bring you quick insights and practical tips to supercharge your personal and organizational growth. Each bonus episode focuses on a specific topic, delivering actionable advice you can immediately use to enhance your learning and development practices. Whether it's streamlining processes, improving collaboration tools, or exploring fresh ideas, these episodes are designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools for success. Let's dive in and uncover today's nugget of insight.

Speaker A: Hello and welcome back to the Secrets of Learning and Development. I'm Valerie Merrill, founder of Merrill Consultants, a training and development company. And I'm joined by Julia Bend, founder of Premier Coaching and a career transition coach extraordinaire.

Speaker B: Hello, everyone. Today we're diving into something that feels incredibly relevant right now. Critical thinking. Not just in relation to AI tools, but in how we make decisions in everyday life.

Speaker A: And yes, and I think it's one of those topics that everyone agrees is important, but we don't always stop and think about how we actually do it.

Speaker B: Yes. So let's start there. So when we say critical thinking, what is it we actually mean?

Speaker A: Well, that's a good question, Julia. For me, it's about being intentional. It's not just accepting something at face value, whether that's something an AI tool gives you, something a colleague says, or even something you've always believed. It's about pausing and asking, is this right? What's missing? What assumptions are we making?

Speaker B: Yeah, and I like that. It's not about being negative or critical in the traditional sense. It's about just being curious and considered, really.

Speaker A: And I think the process is where this really gets interesting, because it's not just one step for me. And actually, I think you've had a, uh, hand in some of this. For me, if I'm honest, it tends to look something like pause, don't react immediately, question, what am I being told or shown? Check assumptions, mine and others. Look for evidence, not just opinion. Consider Alternatives, what could be true and then decide, be comfortable with that decision.

Speaker B: Wow, I'm an influence there. Who'd know? You are, you are. And that last bit is key, isn't it? Because critical thinking doesn't really remove uncertainty. It just helps you make a better informed decision, really. And so let's bring it into the AI space, because obviously that's front of mind for a lot of people.

Speaker A: Yeah, absolutely. And, uh, AI has made critical thinking, I think, even more important, not less. Because the reality is AI can sound very confident. You know, it can be very persuasive and it can be wrong.

Speaker B: Yeah. I mean. Yeah. And sometimes convincingly wrong, some would say.

Speaker A: Exactly. Yeah. So instead of just thinking, the tool must know best. We have to shift it to does this make sense? Is this relevant in my context? And, um, what is it not telling me?

Speaker B: Yeah, this is relevant in my context. It's something that, you know, that I always have in front of my mind when I'm using it. Now, let's be honest. Critical thinking sounds great in theory, but it's not always easy, is it?

Speaker A: No, no, not at all. No. And there are real downsides. First of all, it takes time and it can create friction. Uh, sometimes it leads you to challenge people or establish ways of doing things,

Speaker B: and that can feel uncomfortable, especially in organizations where we've always done it this way. It's still quite a strong mindset.

Speaker A: Yes. And there's also a risk of overthinking and you can get, uh, you know, end up stuck in analysis mode and not actually making a decision at all.

Speaker B: So what makes critical thinking worth it?

Speaker A: Well, for me, it comes down to the quality of decisions, better decisions, and stronger thinking. So when you apply critical thinking, you're less likely to follow something blindly. You spot risks earlier. Indeed, if there are risks. Mhm. And you make decisions that are fit for your context, not generic.

Speaker B: And I think there's a confidence piece there as well.

Speaker A: Yeah, exactly. Yeah. And you've thought something through properly. You're much more comfortable standing behind it. Even if it goes against the norm.

Speaker B: Mhm. That's right. Let's backtrack a bit. So when we talk about that phrase, we've always done it that way.

Speaker A: Mhm. Yeah, that's the. It's a kind of dangerous sentence in

Speaker B: learning and development or in any organization, really.

Speaker A: Yeah. Critical thinking gives you permission to challenge that, you know, not in an aggressive way, but with curiosity. You know, why do we do it this way? Is it still working and what's changed? Or has anything changed? And often, especially now with AI and the rapid change, the answer is it doesn't work as well as it used to.

Speaker B: And it's not just about work, is it, really?

Speaker A: No, no, no. It shows up everywhere, doesn't it? How we consume information, how we make personal decisions, even how we interpret conversations and situations. It's m about not just reacting, but thinking things through with intention.

Speaker B: So if someone's listening and thinking, this all makes sense. But where do we start? Where would you suggest?

Speaker A: Well, I'm a great one now for keeping it simple. Hey, so pause before you accept something as true. Ask one extra question and perhaps get comfortable saying, I'm not sure. Let me think about that. Because that pause gives you time and that's where that critical thinking can start.

Speaker B: M I'm a great fan of that, so I love that you know that. And it's not about being perfect. It's about being a bit more intentional.

Speaker A: Exactly. Especially in a world where we're being given more information more quickly than ever before.

Speaker B: Yeah, exactly. Well, I've loved this little chat, Valerie, so thank you. And if you've enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe and share it with someone who might need a little reminder to pause and think.

Speaker A: And we'll see you next time on the Secrets of Learning and Development. Thank you.

Speaker B: Thank you.

Speaker C: Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss future episodes. If you enjoyed this one, we would appreciate it if you could leave us a review as it helps others find the show. Thanks again for joining us. We look forward to exploring more secrets of learning and development with you next time. Until then, keep learning and stay curious.