Being a great leader isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about doing so in a way that adds value. Here are four types of higher-order thinking you need to develop as a leader—and when to use them.

Expert thinking is rooted in deep knowledge in a particular field, developed through years of experience, training, and consistent practice. Use it when a situation requires a quick, automatic response based on a well-defined set of rules, or when prior experience and knowledge can offer a clear path forward.

Critical thinking pushes you to pause and question assumptions. Instead of reacting quickly, you stop and analyze. Use it when experts disagree on a solution, when traditional approaches fail to solve a problem, or when the symptoms of a problem keep recurring.

Strategic thinking is about taking a long-term, high-level perspective, looking beyond the immediate situation. Use it when making big decisions with long-term consequences, thinking about your team’s future, or trying to anticipate how market forces and customer needs might change.

Systems thinking is the ability to see the interconnectedness of all the problems at hand. Use it when you need to understand a complex situation or want to identify patterns and relationships within your organization or industry.
This tip is adapted from “The 4 Types of Thinking Leaders Need to Practice—and Teach,” by Heidi Grant and Shawn McCann.
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