Critical thinking entails analyzing, reasoning, conceptualizing, investigating, and evaluating an argument to bring an individual closest to the truth of the matter (Feldman, 2009: p.10). Critical thinking requires an individual to be neutral and radically open-minded to new ideas and perspectives. Open-mindedness recognizes and respects that others may see things differently and may have a better understanding. While making decisions, it is crucial to use critical thinking and remain analytical without allowing egotism to intervene. A leader must let go of the attachment to the need of being right and take others\u2019 perspectives into consideration that may see blind spots (Dalio, 2017: 187).<\/p>\n
(1) Critical Thinking Strategies<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Feldman identifies four critical thinking strategies to make better decisions: an open-minded attitude to engage in honest self-reflection, a relentless evaluation of facts and perspectives, a deep respect for differing perspectives and points of view, and a commitment to persevering to reach a knowledgeable decision (Feldman, 2009: p. 27-33).<\/p>\n (2) Positive Outcomes<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The Feldman (2009) notes a number of positive outcomes that result from effective critical thinking including: recognizing personal biases and needs for self-improvement, earning respect from all organizational hierarchical levels, discovering the best possible solutions for posed problems, providing persuasive arguments to justify your position, embodying greater insights about the motivations of others, offering better products and services to suit customers\u2019 needs, recognizing and stay focused on key issues, and creating impact through communication (p.10).<\/p>\n (3) Deceptive Reasoning Techniques<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The Feldman (2009) identifies deceptive reasoning techniques that distort the critical reasoning process such as: relying on irrelevant facts, oversimplifying the problem, omitting uncomfortable facts, asserting a position from a place of ignorance, utilizing cause and effect fallacy, discrediting an individual with a contradictory perspective, appealing to a large group of people, using circular reasoning, misrepresenting a conclusion of another and then attacking it, and drawing weak links between two conclusions and then criticizing it (p.12 -15).<\/p>\n (4) Emotional Manipulation<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The author also discusses ways to detect emotional manipulation whereby a writer will use emotion to sway and manipulate the reader to adopt a certain perspective using tactics such as \u201cinflammatory words, pressure tactics, appeals to sentiments, and ridicule\u201d (Feldman, 2009: p. 16, 17).<\/p>\n This was an invaluable lesson that I can use in both my personal and professional life. It is a timeless reminder to avoid being close-minded through human natures\u2019 egotistical and sociocentric tendencies. Instead, critical thinking involves truly listening, respecting, and understanding others\u2019 perspectives with the goal to come to an informed decision. This lead me to the question:<\/p>\n What is an example in your personal or professional life where you were a strong critical thinker and brought out positive change?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Christina<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dalio, R. (2017). Principles<\/em>. New York: NY. Simon & Schuster.<\/p>\n Feldman, D. A. (2009).\u00a0Critical Thinking\u202f: Make Strategic Decisions with Confidence<\/em>\u00a0(Vol. 2nd ed). Rochester, NY. Axzo Press. Retrieved from https:\/\/ezproxy.student.twu.ca\/login?url=http:\/\/search.ebscohost.com\/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=383336&site=eds-live<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Critical thinking entails analyzing, reasoning, conceptualizing, investigating, and evaluating an argument to bring an individual closest to the truth of the matter (Feldman, 2009: p.10). Critical thinking requires an individual to be neutral and radically open-minded to new ideas and perspectives. Open-mindedness recognizes and respects that others may see things differently and may have a … <\/p>\n