Category: Unit 3

In Matt’s blog post, he reflected on the work by Linda Elder, and Richard Paul (2012) titled The Thinker’s Guide to Analytical Guide. The book discusses the importance and value of reasonable people making good decisions while following an “intellectual standard” or process (Elder et al. 2012: p.8). The authors argue that having a system in place reduces falling into old decision-making routines and provides a structure to evaluate situations. In addition, Matt discusses the authors’ main points that they recommend, which consists of significance, clarity, accuracy, depth, breadth, and fairness. I find that each of these key points can be directly related to Northouse’s core leadership traits including self-confidence, intelligence, determination, integrity, and sociability (Northouse, 2017: p.23-25). A leader must be self-confident and determined in order to practice breadth by seeking out others’ perspectives. An effective leader must embody sociability because they must have depth in their social sphere to encourage people to share their point of view. A leader must be intelligent to focus followers on important issues (significance) and to make a complex problem understandable (clarity). Lastly, a powerfully effective leader must be grounded by strong values, such as integrity and fairness. Evidently, Northouse’s leadership traits and Elder and Paul’s guide to critical thinking are interconnected.

I valued how Matt clearly and concisely articulated a breakdown of how one can utilize critical thinking in everyday life. As I am writing my paper on a leader in my sphere of influence that embodies critical thinking, I have applied the process that has been illustrated in this blog post and discovered that my leader (unknowingly perhaps) uses each point of the criteria before making a decision. Undoubtedly, this has likely had an extraordinary impact on his success as a leader in an up and coming technology company. Furthermore, I related it to how I make decisions in both my personal and professional life; I believe that there is room for growth because I am underutilizing accuracy and breadth.

Looking forward to reading more thought-provoking posts!

Christina

Elder, L., & Paul, R. (2012). The thinker’s guide to analytic thinking: How to take thinking apart and what to look for when you do. Tomales, California: The Foundation for Critical Thinking.

Northouse, P. G. (2017). Leadership: theory and practice (8th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Georgeena found an interesting article on critical thinking that relates to wisdom and integrity. She defined critical thinking then drew links to Northouse’s core traits of leadership including self-confidence, intelligence, determination, integrity, and sociability (Northouse, 2017: p.23-25). Northouse’s leadership traits are significantly interconnected with wisdom, excellence, and integrity.

Undoubtedly, acquiring the ability to make quality judgments through the medium of critical thinking increases wisdom because an individual is learning through others’ store of knowledge and experience. In addition, it requires that an individual embody self-confidence whereby he or she does not cling tightly to long-held beliefs that the ego may try to protect. Critical thinking forces leaders to be open-minded, recognizing that others may have a better understanding. However, others must trust the leader to share their perspective; this requires that the leader displays sociability. Critical thinking requires relentless determination to discover the truth of the matter. Furthermore, humility and intelligence to understand that one’s perception of the world is inevitably skewed. As the Socrates stated, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing” (Lodhi, 2018). Evidently, true wisdom is found by being radically open-minded and recognizing that unlocking the knowledge in others is the key to excellence. Enduring success cannot be maintained unless a leader has his or her decisions rooted in integrity. In every decision, integrity must be the backbone. Ultimately, by becoming a better decision-maker, the discipline of excellence becomes reachable for a leader.

I thoroughly enjoyed Georgeena’s post as it inspired me to make connections between Northouse’s core leadership traits and critical thinking that I would not have made otherwise. I will take these newfound connections and weave them into my critical thinking assignment. Looking forward to reading more posts Georgeena!

Christina

Lodhi, A. (2018, June 2). Socrates on Wisdom. Medium. Retrieved from https://medium.com/indian-thoughts/the-only-true-wisdom-is-in-knowing-you-know-nothing-5789c8994cc6

Northouse, P. G. (2017). Leadership: theory and practice (8th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Dizzybutterfly reflected on the profound insights of John Burroughs in his writing, “The Secret of Happiness is Something to Do” (Watson, 1951: p. 3). The basic premise that the book conveys is that the spark of life exists when our hearts are on fire lit by our passions. Passion is the engine that spurs our life in a meaningful direction, filling us with purpose and a zest for life.

I loved how Dizzybutterfly made the connection between Burroughs’ writing with servant leadership whereby an individual desires to share their passion with others, leading to emergent leadership and mentorship. If famous figures did not follow their passions, and therefore engage in mentoring others, the world would never have reaped the fruits of their labour. For example, Steve Jobs had Bill Campbell as a mentor and Bill Gates had Warren Buffet as a mentor (Rashid, 2017). After a mentee achieves excellence, emergent leadership characteristics come out, and they wish to give back through the act of mentoring. For example, Steve Jobs eventually mentored Mark Zuckerberg. Servant leaders wish to see their followers grow, accomplish their aspirations, and ultimately reach their full potential (Northouse, 2017: p.236). Servant leaders, such as the leaders named, are focused on empowering and adding value to the community at large. They likely would not have been as effective nor revolutionize society if following their passion wasn’t at the forefront.

I also enjoyed how Dizzybutterfly made it personal by sharing the desire to mentor and to develop others at this point in his/her career. Since I recently began my career, I am at the opposite side of the spectrum as I am looking for mentors that I can learn from. However, I have hopes of eventually experiencing emergent leadership and thus mentoring others that share my passion (once I have achieved excellence). Not only must I share my knowledge and experience that I have collected over the years but also demonstrate servant leadership qualities in all aspects of the mentorship. I want to inspire others to become servant leaders, embodying strong moral ethics by putting the needs of others first. Thank you Dizzybutterfly for this inspiring blog!

Christina

Northouse, P. G. (2017). Leadership: theory and practice (8th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Rashid, B. (May, 2017). 3 Reasons all Great Leaders have Mentors (and Mentees). Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianrashid/2017/05/02/3-reasons-all-great-leaders-have-mentors-and-mentees/#7f5a698113f9

Watson, L. E. (1951). Light from Many Lamps. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster.