Employers cite critical thinking in graduate employees as an important trait but report that this is somewhat lacking in the workplace. This blog will identify the main reasons why and what you can do to be more critical at work.
According to the Institute of Student Employers, a lack of criticality in the workplace is at least partly due to a culture in universities which encourages student effort to be directed towards performance rather than critical challenge (Eltabey, 2026). Essentially, what they are saying is courses sometimes tend to accept a situation in which students don’t challenge ideas, partly because they are not encouraged to do so enough: for example, a lecturer may present a contested idea, this is met with silence and this silence is then wrongly interpreted as understanding and acceptance of the idea. Fewer opportunities for critical challenge are then presented and everyone gets used to discussions being safe and relatively uncritical.
According to the same source, this problem is reinforced by the culture in some workplaces where, for example, ‘Performance management processes often reward execution, alignment, and “not rocking the boat”’ (Eltabey, 2026). The thought is people are encouraged to ‘just get on with it’ and not slow progress with a lot of questions. Similarly, meetings might be dominated by more experienced staff and junior people may stay quiet to avoid being seen as troublesome.
Whether you are in a job that encourages criticality or not, organisations need it. Even experts get things wrong and we only know when they are wrong if challenged by themselves or others.
However you need to be careful, as your challenging ideas may not be welcome in some organisations. This may be down to the culture or the nature of their activities. For example, where there are strict rules or laws governing how things are done or short deadlines or dire consequences in the event of failure: a balance towards compliance rather than criticism might be in order.
So how can you prepare yourself to challenge ideas?
Get into the habit of challenging
Before you challenge an idea, try to make sure it is appropriate in a given situation. If your team is up against a tight deadline, it might not be the best time for objections. Ask yourself whether your criticism will help or hinder the situation. If you feel sure it will help, don’t be afraid to raise concerns or criticisms. If confidence is an issue, it may help to start with something small and build from there.
Before you level a criticism of ideas, systems, procedures etc., be aware that these may have been developed over time by experienced people and you may not yet have full appreciation of the situation. It may help to show you are aware of this and to couch your comments in cautious language. Your criticisms are more likely to be accepted if you acknowledge the possibility you might be wrong when you present them. You can say things like, ‘I realise I’ve only been here a short while, but would it not be better if…’
Show that you respond to counterarguments
If your criticisms are rejected and they offer reasons, consider these and admit when you are wrong. Demonstrating openness to evidence and a genuine commitment to understanding the issue, rather than simply winning an argument, can strengthen the credibility of your contributions.
Express your criticism positively
Give your criticisms the best chance of being accepted. No one likes being criticised and in some cases they might become defensive and not really listen. So it is important to frame your comments in positive language. Instead of saying, ‘What’s wrong with this is XYZ…’, say, ‘Perhaps this could be even better if…’.
Before you level a criticism of ideas, systems, procedures etc., be aware that these may have been developed over time by experienced people. It may help to show you are aware of this and to also couch your comments in cautious language.
Summary
Respond
