What Is Conceptual Thinking?

Key takeaways

Conceptual thinking is the process of using abstract concepts to understand complex ideas and find creative ways to solve problems. 

• In conceptual thinking, you try to understand the “why” behind a plan or problem as it connects to the goals. 

• In the workplace, conceptual thinking allows you to understand your role more deeply and find creative solutions to tough problems. 

• You can build conceptual thinking skills by using mind maps, reading more, learning from others, and always asking the “why.”

Explore this powerful thought process in more detail to help you understand what it is, why it’s so essential for your success, and how to start thinking conceptually. If you’re ready to build core skills in leading teams, try the Leading People and Teams Specialization from the University of Michigan to learn how to communicate your vision, create team charts, and encourage your team members. Upon completion, you’ll have a shareable certificate to add to your professional profile. 

Conceptual thinking definition

Conceptual thinking is a person’s ability to analyze different hypothetical situations or abstract concepts and use those ideas to solve real-world issues. For example, let’s say your manager tasks you with creating a brand-new strategic plan for your company’s marketing department. Thinking conceptually would allow you to consider the “why” behind the plan, its importance, and what goals the plan is trying to achieve. Then, you would picture different versions of the plan, experiment with methods you’ve picked up from watching other professionals, and create something valuable, meaningful, and innovative.

By addressing unique or unusual issues, conceptual thinking encourages and empowers you to think “outside the box” and apply solutions that might not be obvious. As an employee, you might use conceptual thinking skills to find that you have a more fulfilling experience at work because you can see how your role plays an integral part in the larger structure of the business. 

Conceptual thinking is a workplace skill rather than a technical one because it’s more of a habit you have versus a skill requiring knowledge of a concrete process. Once you’ve developed your ability to think conceptually, you can actually apply it to many different parts of your life, not just at work.

The origins of conceptual thinking

Conceptual thinking has existed for as long as people have needed to solve problems. Philosophers like the ancient Greeks used it to ask questions about humanity’s purpose and explore how we use our minds. Inventors like Nikola Tesla, who was fascinated by the potential of electronics, and computer programmer Grace Hopper, who brought her programming visions to life, are famous examples of people who used conceptual thinking to explore new ideas that changed our world.

Read more: What Is Project Planning? Benefits, Tools, and More

Why is conceptual thinking important?

This skill is essential for success in and out of the workplace because, with it, you can use creative analysis to solve complex problems in novel ways. In the workplace, you’ll likely encounter problems and questions that can be challenging to solve. Conceptual thinking allows you to quickly adjust to the circumstances and look for a solution without getting frustrated or stumped.

In addition, many employers highly value professionals who can work with abstract ideas, think creatively, and present innovative solutions. Businesses often value workplace skills like conceptual thinking as increasingly vital, marking it as something essential they look for in the hiring process. Strong conceptual thinking skills help you become competitive and stand out among your colleagues. Over time, the ability to think conceptually lends itself to promotions into managerial and leadership roles.

What is the difference between analytical and conceptual thinking?

Analytical thinking focuses on breaking down research and problems into smaller components, allowing you to examine each part and use empirical evidence to draw conclusions. Using this type of thinking, you can generate analyses, communicate findings to team members, and identify insights where they were not obvious before. In contrast, conceptual thinking focuses on the bigger picture. Rather than generating analytical insights, you go beyond single conclusions to consider larger ideas, relationships, and how new findings connect with existing knowledge. 

Benefits of conceptual thinking

Developing your conceptual skills can offer many benefits in the workplace. While individual benefits will vary depending on your industry and company culture, you may experience:

• A sense of fulfillment at work and increased job satisfaction

• Improved output and performance

• Open-mindedness

• Creative problem-solving

• Career advancement

• Motivation to do your best at work

• An understanding of your importance and purpose within your company’s framework

How to think conceptually and how to improve conceptual thinking

To think conceptually, develop the following habits and skills. Using them as part of your work processes will help you have a more solid grasp on using abstract concepts and ideas in the office, which in turn will make you perform better at your job.

Use flowcharts and mind maps.

Flowcharts and mind maps are physical methods of putting conceptual thinking on paper. They allow you to brainstorm ideas and solutions and visualize how they all connect and influence each other. As you get better at conceptual thinking, you probably won’t have to use them as often, but they are a great way to start understanding how ideas work together.

Start reading more.

A strong reading habit is one of the best ways to develop conceptual thinking skills. Read books you enjoy, but make a point to try out genres you might not be familiar with, too. You’ll learn new concepts and ideas that inform your creativity and comprehension. Even works of fiction can help inform your conceptual thinking, so don’t limit yourself when choosing a topic.

Learn from others.

Observing management, your colleagues, and even professionals from other industries can help you discover new ways to think and problem-solve. Take time to ask your coworkers about their experiences, and look for opportunities to network. You’ll learn much about thinking creatively when you ask others for their perspectives. Plus, your willingness to collaborate means others will see you as a team player and someone they want to work with when issues arise. 

Volunteer for jobs different from your own.

Look for opportunities to work cross-departmentally. Getting stuck in your day-to-day processes is easy, so taking the time to work with others who do things differently can help you learn new ways to think and problem-solve that wouldn’t have occurred to you otherwise.

Ask yourself the “why” behind any problem.

Knowing “why” a problem is important is a key part of conceptual thinking. Answering this question gives you insight into a bigger purpose, which leads to more fulfillment and the motivation to do a good job. When you understand the intent behind a solution, you’ll be able to problem-solve by bringing in different aspects of your knowledge, experience, and talents, resulting in something unique and special.

Find a mentor.

Mentors are wonderful for developing your workplace skills. Find someone you admire and spend time observing how they think conceptually and solve problems. If open to it, sit down for a conversation and ask them how they look for solutions. Their experience will inform your own in priceless ways.

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