Critical Thinking Process
Today 's global marketplace requires leaders that can successfully transform their organizations. In the corporate world, innovative problem solving, critical analytical thought and sound decision-making key the success and dominance of leaders and organizations. This paper examines the relationship between critical thinking and the decision-making process, explains the course textbook position, and relates how both processes apply to the author 's workplace.
Critical thinking involves the ability to analyze and assess information gathered through observations, reasoning, discussions with others, reflection or experience. This disciplined analysis guides critical thinkers to construct rational beliefs or substantiated opinions or to take actions. …show more content…
Commonly, definitions from noted scholars appear diametrically opposed. Robert Ennis (1995) defines critical thinking as "reasonable and reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do." In contrast, John McPeck defines critical thinking in Critical Thinking and Education (1981) as the "skill and propensity to engage in an activity with reflective skepticism within the context of a discipline and the knowledge within a given field." These two vastly different definitions nonetheless highlight two important components of critical thinking. The first component involves the abilities and skills relevant to the proper understanding and evaluations of reasons, claims, and arguments. Both scholars characterize the second component as a propensity to apply critical thinking skills. The definitions provided by Ennis and McPeck also hinge on three key concepts in critical thinking analysis. Both use similar words: reason, reflection, and focus. The commonality in Ennis and McPeck 's definitions provides three criteria for critical thinkers: reason, evaluation and …show more content…
Obtaining facts is critical. ImageStream encourages decision makers to seek information and also analyze the contributions of all parties objectively.
2.Probe. By asking involving questions, decision makers encourage parties to communicate and gain a better understanding of various viewpoints.
3.Save face. A key part of collaborative critical thought processes, leaders must avoid emotional responses from themselves and participants in the process. Humiliating or embarrassing others is counterproductive and can lead to a less-than-thorough analysis of the task.
4.Discover common ground. In order to arrive at a single solution, decision makers must combine various viewpoints, facts and potential courses of action. Discovering and highlighting common ground helps direct the process toward a final decision.
5.Reinforce. ImageStream encourages managers to reinforce the key points and focus discussion on improving the common positions. By supporting common ground, leaders drive discussion toward a mutually agreeable resolution. Critical thinking teams use the data collected in phase one to assess the viability of the emerging
Critical thinking involves the ability to analyze and assess information gathered through observations, reasoning, discussions with others, reflection or experience. This disciplined analysis guides critical thinkers to construct rational beliefs or substantiated opinions or to take actions. …show more content…
Commonly, definitions from noted scholars appear diametrically opposed. Robert Ennis (1995) defines critical thinking as "reasonable and reflective thinking that is focused on deciding what to believe or do." In contrast, John McPeck defines critical thinking in Critical Thinking and Education (1981) as the "skill and propensity to engage in an activity with reflective skepticism within the context of a discipline and the knowledge within a given field." These two vastly different definitions nonetheless highlight two important components of critical thinking. The first component involves the abilities and skills relevant to the proper understanding and evaluations of reasons, claims, and arguments. Both scholars characterize the second component as a propensity to apply critical thinking skills. The definitions provided by Ennis and McPeck also hinge on three key concepts in critical thinking analysis. Both use similar words: reason, reflection, and focus. The commonality in Ennis and McPeck 's definitions provides three criteria for critical thinkers: reason, evaluation and …show more content…
Obtaining facts is critical. ImageStream encourages decision makers to seek information and also analyze the contributions of all parties objectively.
2.Probe. By asking involving questions, decision makers encourage parties to communicate and gain a better understanding of various viewpoints.
3.Save face. A key part of collaborative critical thought processes, leaders must avoid emotional responses from themselves and participants in the process. Humiliating or embarrassing others is counterproductive and can lead to a less-than-thorough analysis of the task.
4.Discover common ground. In order to arrive at a single solution, decision makers must combine various viewpoints, facts and potential courses of action. Discovering and highlighting common ground helps direct the process toward a final decision.
5.Reinforce. ImageStream encourages managers to reinforce the key points and focus discussion on improving the common positions. By supporting common ground, leaders drive discussion toward a mutually agreeable resolution. Critical thinking teams use the data collected in phase one to assess the viability of the emerging