Standards Story

The standards that are most important in my life are the following:  Integrity, Honesty, Reliability, and Consistency to name a few.  These critical-thinking standards where initially developed in my formative years.  I was raised in a home where certain standards where encouraged and expected.  I expected to always “tell the truth”.  I was encouraged to be dependable.  And I was told that consistency is a key component to a successful and productive life.  I was also taught the same standards formal methods of critical thinking standards in my educational development.  Many of the basic courses in writing and reading comprehension focused on the critical thinking standards.  Clarity and accuracy are two areas that were emphasis the most.  A clear thought given in the proper context allows the receiver of the information to understand the material.   An accurate thought suggest to the receiver that you have done the appropriate research on the information that you are conveying. 

Over the years I have had the opportunity to complete an undergraduate degree, complete a PMP certification and take many adult learning courses. The various courses have enhanced my critical thinking skills.  Also, my profession requires effective critical thinking skills when analyzing a complex problem and preparing recommendations for Senior Management.   Utilizing critical thinking standards consistently also brings a certain amount of credibility to your thinking. 

The literature on effect critical thinking contains a wealth of information that can assist the thinker on the methods of utilizing standards to create a clear, accurate and precise thought.  It is my hope that this initial foundational course in leadership will also provided some additional skills in effective critical thinking.  Many of the concepts in week 1 and 2 of the course have helped define and understand critical thinking concepts that I utilize in my daily life.

MSLD 500 Intellectual Perseverance

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.