|
Post by Amanda Kogut on Feb 1, 2016 15:48:33 GMT
To me, Critical thinking is intentional curiosity. It is not enough just to ask a question or to analyze a problem. This produces information, but to what end? You must pair this with a true passion and intention for the information—you must be able to say why you are asking the question and demonstrate there is a need for the answer. Combining a thirst for knowledge with a sound analytical framework provides answers to your questions and commitment to act upon these answers.
Critical thinking is important because it supports ideas and strategies that are based upon available information and facts. While it does not account for all possible scenarios, it better prepares leaders to understand and evaluate potential risks.
Colin Powell is an example of a leader who has demonstrated critical thinking. Over the course of his career, his position has demanded gathering facts and making decisions regarding strategy, resource allocation and communication based upon available facts and information. His many successes indicate critical thinking is a sound approach to decision-making, but instances such as his recommendation to invade Iraq in 2013, demonstrate the limitations and areas of risk:
1. The validity of the information and data available to you--if your source is inaccurate or dishonest, then your decision is really just a guess. 2. Data doesn't necessarily predict cultural and human reactions--a decision about how the region would react was based upon how American experts perceived/predicted Iraqi reaction.
|
|
|
Post by Roque Gerald on Feb 1, 2016 20:33:48 GMT
Thank you Amanda for your response, just wanted to give you a quick "thumbs up" for your thoughtful response
|
|
|
Post by Rudy R. Racine on Feb 4, 2016 5:27:40 GMT
Amanda, I agree with your definition of critical thinking and I think you gave a great example when you referenced Colin Powell! In his leadership role, he had to demonstrate the ability to think critically in almost every decision he made. In leadership, it is often crucial to assess what type of impact a decision will have, and who it will affect. For Colin Powell, any decision that was not fully thought out could have led to the death of several members of the military. As a result, it was crucial that he weighed each of his options and considered alternative approaches before settling on a specific course of action.
I think this example also shows that three of the characteristics an effective critical thinker must display are: patience, foresight, and objectivity. Patience, because it is important not to rush a decision whose outcome affects more than just the decision maker. In these cases, it is important to consider the impact the decision will have on all stakeholders. Foresight, because when considering possible outcomes, one must be able to look ahead and try to predict how things will look after the decision is made, and all is said and done. Lastly, objectivity, because when making these types of decisions, it is often important to remain objective and avoid letting emotions and opinions cloud one's judgement.
|
|
|
Post by Elena Romero on Feb 4, 2016 22:11:55 GMT
Amanda-
One thing that strikes me in your response is when you speak about "intention for the information—you must be able to say why you are asking the question and demonstrate there is a need for the answer". I found the use of the word intention powerful. If we are critically thinking without clear intention, without a clear end goal, it becomes difficult to zero in on what we NEED to be addressing. It seems critical thinking is also a great way to know when we are being the most efficient and precise with our time and energy.
|
|
|
Post by Ayia Gospodinova on Feb 4, 2016 22:45:42 GMT
I like how you took the definition beyond a basic understanding and paired it with “passion” and “curiosity.” Those are two key ingredients for being innovative and influential rather than just providing a logical solution or evaluation. Collin Powell is great example of a critical thinker and I like how you showed the limitations of critical thinking in his recommendation to invade Iraq. While critical thinking provides a great framework for making solid decision, it’s important to be aware of potential limitations and possible consequences.
|
|
|
Post by Marie Sabatino on Feb 4, 2016 22:51:58 GMT
One element of this post that resonated with me most is this notion of having a sense of "intentional curiosity." This is akin to my belief in the importance of keeping oneself open to exploring and engaging in constant inquiry.
I agree with this selection of a critical thinker because not only does Amanda highlight the strengths of Colin Powell, but how in certain circumstances, there are potential limitations to these very strengths. The reality is that we are all fallible, imperfect human beings.
|
|
|
Post by rreiter on Feb 5, 2016 0:44:19 GMT
Amanda, Colin Powell was the first person who came to mind when I saw this question as well and for exactly the same reasons that you mentioned (much better than I could have). Anyways, no real insight here. I just wanted to let you know that I had to change my famous critical thinker because I read your post first.
|
|