A500.1.5.RB
SchmidtSandra
Intellectual
Perseverance
There is
much literature of the topic of Intellectual Perseverance. The definition of
Intellectual Perseverance provided on the website www.criticalthinking.org
is
“Having a consciousness of the need to use intellectual insights and truth in
spite of difficulties, obstacles, and frustrations; firm adherence to rational
principles despite the irrational opposition of others; a sense of the need to
struggle with confusion and unsettled questions over an extended time to
achieve deeper understanding or insight.”
The
definition suggest that Intellectual Perseverance requires a person to; never
give up despite the complexity of the problem; to use all critical thinking
skills to reach a reasonable conclusion; to have the courage to ask the
difficult questions; to be daring; to continue and not give up in the face of
fear and controversy; to use critical thinking techniques and to accept of
certain level of imperfection
These are
the thoughts that came to mind when I consider the term “Intellectual
Perseverance”. It’s similar to physical perseverance except that you are using
your mind as oppose to your body to plow through the complexities of a problem or
challenge. Using intellectual perseverance is an opportunity to grow and to
challenge oneself mentally. There is a fair amount of tolerance needed to get
thru a complicated task. One must continually stay engage and be willing to be
vulnerable in the face of difficulties and uncertainty.
Vulnerability
in our society is not encourage or embraced. The thought of exposing oneself is
uncomfortable and in some instances unacceptable.
I am of
the option that Intellectual Perseverance is a necessary skill to be an
effective leader. Today’s leaders are faced with many complexities. A leader
must be able to make strategic decisions that will impact the future of the
organization. As the leader is formulating the strategic vision for the
organization, the leader must consider that thoughts and options of others. It
is also necessary for leaders continue to develop critical thinking skills in
order to overcome many of the challenges that are inherent in an organization.
It is
important for me to understand and be able to convey to my team leaders the
skills required to be an effective leader. Some of the challenges that I face
include the various generations of employees on the staff, the shrinking
budgets and the different cultures. Each offers different complexities and the
ability to utilize the skills inherent in Intellectual Perseverance can affect
the outcome of each decision. The outcome of each decision must be reasonable
and must be supportable by both senior level managers and the staff.
I must
also use intellectual perseverance in this leadership program. There will be
many complex concepts that I will be introduced to and regardless of the
difficulties I must not give up.
Intellectual
perseverance can also be time consuming. It is often the least road traveled because
of the difficulties you face when you decide to consider the option of others
in a decision. When you consider the options of others consistently, your staff
will begin the trust you. They know that you will consider their options and
they will trust that the outcome.
