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Analytical Thinking

General Competency

Definition

Analytical Thinking is the ability to comprehend a situation by breaking it down into its components and identifying key or underlying complex issues. It implies the ability to systematically organize and compare the various aspects of a problem or situation, and determine cause-and-effect relationships (“if...then…”) to resolve problems in a sound, decisive manner. Checks to ensure the validity or accuracy of all information.

Behavioural Scales

Level 1

  • Breaks problems into lists of tasks or activities, without assigning values.
  • Makes a list of items with no particular order or set of priorities. 

Level 2

  • Takes apart problems into pieces.
  • Links together pieces with a single link: A leads to B; can separate into two parts: pro and con.
  • Sorts out a list of tasks in order of importance. 

Level 3

  • Breaks down a problem into smaller parts.
  • Makes multiple causal links: several potential causes of events, several consequences of actions, or multiple-part chains of events (A leads to B leads to C leads to D).
  • Analyzes relationships among several parts of a problem or situation. 

Level 4

  • Uses several analytical techniques to break apart complex problems into component parts.
  • Uses several analytical techniques (e.g. risk assessment, building business cases) to identify several solutions and weighs the value of each.
  • Anticipates obstacles and thinks ahead about next steps. 

Level 5

  • Considers and plans for how current policies, processes and methods might be affected in the short, medium, and long-term by trends and broad environment.
  • Integrates in-depth knowledge of underlying issues and potential risks when considering opportunities or actions, and evaluates their impact. 

Level 6

  • Sets new strategic direction based on insight into external conditions and the GNWT’s internal capabilities.
  • Asks the right questions to get to the root of issues and generate deep understanding and new ways of thinking about issues.