7 Ways Thinking Like a Philosopher Will Make You a Better Leader

Critical thinking: Your competitive advantage in the age of AI

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Most leaders are obsessed with speed and decisiveness. But in the rush to be action-oriented, many forget the most crucial skill: thinking deeply.

Critical thinking is the most essential leadership skill no one teaches in business school. Not strategy. Not persuasion. Not performance under pressure. But the ability to pause, reflect, and question assumptions.

This oversight is becoming more apparent as AI reshapes how we work. Research shows a concerning trend: The more we rely on AI, the more our critical thinking skills deteriorate. Yet, the ability to analyze, evaluate, and connect the dots is vital for making smart decisions.

The solution? Think like a philosopher. That’s what separates wise leaders from the rest.

1. Go Slow to Go Fast

We glorify urgency. We reward doing versus thinking. But here’s the problem: What if we’re running in the wrong direction?

Smart leaders know a secret: Sometimes, you must slow down and think before you act.

Taking time helps us zoom …