Analytical Thinking
Work systematically and logically to resolve problems, address opportunities, or manage the situation at hand. Analyses the situation; identify the underlying problem; identify causes, relationships and implications; identify opportunities; draw from a range of resources, contexts and experiences; conceptualise solutions; consider alternatives; and implement the most appropriate action.
Proficiency Level
Basic
- Effectively use existing procedures, processes, and tools to identify and solve routine problems.
- Appropriately apply learned concepts, procedures, or “rules of thumb” to analyse data.
- Identify the information needed to solve a problem.
- Recognise a match or mismatch between current data and a known standard.
Intermediate
- Appropriately derive and organise the essence of information to draw solid conclusions.
- Effectively resolve problems of a moderately complex nature.
- Synthesise data from different sources to identify trends.
- Look beyond symptoms to uncover root causes of problems to be solved.
- Present problem analysis and a recommended solution rather than just identifying and describing the problem itself.
- Proactively approach others to obtain missing information.
- Take action to reconcile discrepancies.
Advanced
- Effectively resolve complex problems that require substantial, in-depth analysis.
- Quickly identify key issues, stakeholders and viewpoints in a complex situation or problem.
- Find ways to condense large amounts of information into a useful form.
- Anticipate the consequences of situations and proactively work to overcome potential obstacles.
- Asks perceptive, probing questions to get to the heart of the matter.
Expert
- Effectively resolve the most difficult and complex problems that require the creation of new, innovative approaches.
- Analyse and appropriately weigh the pros, cons, opportunities, and risks before deciding on a course of action.
- Integrate seemingly unrelated information from different sources to identify new approaches that strengthen the long-term position of the organisation.