Thinking about thinking is metacognition.^[1] Metacognition and deliberate thought are processes that people can learn to improve.^[1]

Metacognition involves both self- awareness and self-regulation of thought.^[1] Metacognition is important to leaders dealing with complex problems because it involves adapting to the situation.^[1] By increasing the awareness of one’s own thinking, mental capabilities can be allocated to the pressing problems at hand.^[1] Being self-aware means having insight into how one learns, and the thought patterns and strategies that are typically used when thinking.^[1] Being better in touch with how one thinks can increase the chances for successful thinking.^[1] To improve thinking capacity for good judgment and to self-regulate thinking in the moment, leaders should practice thinking about how to solve problems and how to decide.^[1]

Improving judgment requires self-reflection and hard work to adopt new habits.^[1] Making thinking more deliberate will prompt self-reflection.^{[1] [1]} Through practice, new ways of thinking will become easier to use in daily operations and especially in pressure situations where they are most beneficial.^[1] Improved thinking strategies will create greater self-confidence, making it more likely to address rather than avoid complex challenges.^[1]

The following table provides questions to help leaders reflect on their thinking and develop better judgment.^[1]

See also: