Critical Thinking
Definition of Critical Thinking:
Critical thinking involves actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, synthesizing, and evaluating information. It requires the ability to identify and respond to needs through experience, reflection, and observation of oneself and the environment. To me, critical thinking means questioning information and being open-minded to recognize ambiguity in any circumstance. This core competency is essential for successful leadership, as it allows one to objectively analyze problems from different angles and find solutions. Critical thinking also involves self-reflection and unbiased evaluation of oneself.
Critical Thinking’s Contributions to My Leadership Abilities:
The critical thinking core competency has played a crucial role in enhancing my leadership abilities. By sharpening my analytical and evaluative skills, it has taught me how to make more informed decisions and solve complex problems effectively. With critical thinking, I can consider multiple perspectives, weigh different options, and assess the potential outcomes of my choices with ease. This enables me to approach challenges with a strategic mindset, identifying opportunities for growth and innovation within my team or organization. Critical thinking helps me to communicate more clearly and persuasively, as I can anticipate counterarguments and address them proactively. By cultivating critical thinking skills, I have become a more competent leader capable of driving positive change and inspiring others to think critically as well.
Artifact: Training Model 3 Final Project for OGL357: Assessment in Organizations with Dr. Edwin Daniel Jacob
Critical Thinking Artifact:
The Assessment in Organizations Training Model 3 Final Project, OGL 357, pushed me to dig deeply into critical thinking. Through the course, I gained an understanding of how to analyze the essential components of organizational assessment models and frameworks. This allowed me to uncover the underlying structures, assumptions, power dynamics, and interdependencies of events and patterns. I learned how to assess the impact of organizational assessment information on individuals, communities, nature, and future generations. Attached below is my training module milestone three, which focused on the Good to Great Assessment Model by Jim Collins. This presentation required complete concentration and intense critical thinking. I chose this artifact because it challenged me to sharpen my critical thinking skills and determine why this assessment was the most effective.
| training_module_milestone_three_20230625.pptx |
Reflection:
Including the critical thinking competency in my Organizational Leadership degree at Arizona State University has been important to me. As a leader, I have been and will be responsible for making informed decisions that have a profound impact on both individuals and organizations. Having sharp critical thinking skills has given me the tools necessary to evaluate complex situations, analyze information, and identify logical and creative solutions. By developing my critical thinking skillset, I have been able to effectively navigate challenges and develop innovative strategies that drive success within my education and career path. It has improved my coursework performance, grades, and networking opportunities by allowing me to think creatively and outside of the norm. Having a sharp critical skill set has enabled me to approach problems from multiple perspectives, consider ethical implications, and make sound judgments based on evidence. Having obtained the ability to think critically through my education, I have not only enhanced my leadership abilities but also ensured long-term success for myself and the organizations I serve.
During my time at Arizona State University, I have experienced significant growth and development in terms of critical thinking competency. At first, I relied heavily on memorization of facts. Through rigorous coursework and engaging discussions with professors and peers such as my projects in OGL 357, Assessments in Organizations, I learned to analyze information from multiple perspectives, question assumptions, and evaluate evidence objectively. I quickly learned the importance of evidence-based reasoning and honed my ability to construct well-supported arguments. The skills I gained were further refined through firsthand experiences such as research and team projects where I had to apply critical thinking to solve complex problems in real-world contexts. Now, as a soon to be graduate of Arizona State University, I can confidently say that my education has equipped me with the tools necessary to approach any situation with a critical mindset. Whether it is evaluating new ideas, making informed decisions, or contributing meaningfully to discussions, my growth in critical thinking has been invaluable both academically and professionally.
Reference
Hikaru Nakamura Quotes. (n.d.). BrainyQuote.com. Retrieved November 27, 2023, from BrainyQuote.com Web site:
https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/hikaru_nakamura_1097451