In a world where decisions are made at the speed of a click, critical thinking isn’t just a valuable skill—it’s a competitive edge. For entrepreneurs like Shalom Lamm, it’s the difference between making reactive choices and building a business that lasts.
“People often confuse being busy with being effective,” says Lamm. “But if you’re not thinking critically—about your market, your strategy, your own assumptions—you’re just reacting to noise. Business growth comes from clarity, not chaos.”
With decades of experience across real estate, logistics, and nonprofit leadership, Shalom Lamm has made a career out of thoughtful, well-informed decisions. In this post, he shares why critical thinking is essential—and how entrepreneurs at any stage can build it.
Why Critical Thinking Matters More Than Ever
Today’s business environment is packed with distractions: trends that change daily, information overload, and pressure to act quickly. It’s easy to fall into short-term thinking or follow the crowd without questioning why.
But according to Shalom Lamm, critical thinking cuts through the noise.
“Critical thinking is about asking the right questions before jumping to conclusions,” he explains. “It’s about slowing down your brain enough to see the full picture before you act.”
Critical thinkers don’t just avoid costly mistakes—they also uncover hidden opportunities. In fact, Lamm credits much of his own business growth to challenging assumptions, analyzing problems deeply, and resisting knee-jerk decisions.
What Does Critical Thinking Look Like in Business?
It’s not just about logic or being analytical. Critical thinking, as Lamm puts it, is a daily discipline that shapes how leaders process information and solve problems.
Some key traits of a critical-thinking entrepreneur:
- They question their own beliefs before questioning others’.
- They evaluate evidence, not just opinions.
- They consider multiple perspectives, even uncomfortable ones.
- They prioritize clarity over speed.
Shalom Lamm explains that developing these habits creates stronger strategies and more resilient teams. “When leaders think clearly, they lead better. Period.”
Shalom Lamm’s Strategies for Developing Critical Thinking
Below are some of Lamm’s personal strategies for sharpening critical thinking, even in the middle of a fast-paced business environment:
1. Slow Down the Decision-Making Process
Not every decision needs to be made in real-time. “When things feel urgent, take five minutes to step back,” Lamm advises. “Even a brief pause can shift your perspective.”
He recommends using the “10-10-10” method: How will this decision feel 10 minutes, 10 days, and 10 months from now?
2. Challenge Your First Answer
When a solution seems obvious, Lamm encourages leaders to dig deeper. “Ask yourself, what if I’m wrong? What else could be true? This is where real insight begins.”
Critical thinking often starts with admitting that your first instinct might not be your best one.
3. Use Data—But Contextualize It
Numbers are powerful, but without context, they can be misleading. “I’ve seen businesses chase metrics that look good on paper but mean nothing in practice,” Lamm warns.
Instead, ask: What’s behind the data? What patterns or anomalies might we be missing?
4. Create a Culture of Constructive Dissent
Lamm believes critical thinking thrives in teams where everyone is encouraged to respectfully challenge ideas. “Surround yourself with people who aren’t afraid to say, ‘Have you thought of it this way?’ That’s where growth happens.”
He credits some of his most successful pivots to team members who questioned the status quo at the right time.
5. Learn From Decisions That Didn’t Work
Critical thinking is refined through reflection. Lamm journals his major decisions—especially the ones that didn’t pan out—and regularly reviews them to extract lessons.
“It’s not just about fixing mistakes,” he says. “It’s about understanding the thought process that led to them so you can think better next time.”
Thinking for the Long Game
Business growth isn’t just about scaling faster or selling more—it’s about making strategic choices that stand the test of time. And that requires disciplined, deliberate thinking.
Shalom Lamm sees critical thinking not as a “nice-to-have,” but as a cornerstone of effective leadership.
“Every entrepreneur faces uncertainty. What separates the winners is their ability to stay calm, question everything, and make smart moves when it counts,” he says.
Final Takeaway from Shalom Lamm
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned,” Lamm reflects, “it’s that clear thinking leads to better businesses. You can have all the ambition in the world, but if you’re not thinking critically, you’re building on shaky ground.”
So whether you’re launching a startup or leading an established team, take the time to think deeper, not just faster. Your future success may depend on it.