Critical Thinkng for Leaders

Getting Started

Renowned author and speaker Marshall Goldsmith conducted research that led to what he refers to as the “success delusion.” His study produced the following results: Seventy percent of people believe they are in the top 10% of performers. Eighty-two percent of people believe they are in the top 20% of performers. Over 98% of people believe they are in the top 50% of performers. How can that be? Is it possible that some of us (not any of us in this class, of course ) might be vulnerable to faulty thinking? 

Authors Paul and Elder, in the text “The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Concepts and Tools,” draw attention to the need to learn how to bring discipline to thoughts that guide the mind in order to address faulty thinking. While problems with thinking may not seem readily apparent, often they are numerous...as we see in the graphic below (also found in the text).

Why is this important? "Critical thinkers routinely clarify their purposes and the questions at issue in a given situation or context. They question information, conclusions, and points of view. They strive to be clear, accurate, precise, and relevant. They do not distort information or use false information in arguing for their position. They act in good faith in relation to others and in representing others’ views. They look beneath the surface; they are logical and reasonable. They apply critical reasoning skills to their reading and writing, as well as to their speaking and listening. They apply these skills in history, science, math, philosophy, the arts, and professional and personal life" (Paul & Elder, 2020, p. 7).

Background Information

Goldsmith’s research also suggested that the “success delusion” may occur due to assumptions that leaders make. For example, one assumption works like this:

1. I behave this way.

2. I am successful.

3. Therefore, I must be successful because I behave this way.

As leaders, the higher we move up the organizational ladder, the more our employees let us know how wonderful we are! Our behavior is often followed by positive reinforcement, even when this behavior isn’t ideal. Sometimes, we want to believe those great things that the world is telling us about ourselves. But…are those things REAL…? Are we thinking clearly?

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Review the information in the Getting Started and Background Information sections. 

3. Watch the 12-minute video entitled "The Science of Thinking."

4. Read the  article from Psychology Today(new tab)  and the entirety of the Paul and Elder mini-text.

5. In your initial post (250-300 words), discuss two key themes that resonated with you after reading and viewing the assigned materials. Explore how one of those themes influenced your thinking with respect to a decision you made in the past that turned out well, or perhaps not so well (feel free to limit the personal details as you wish).

6. Your initial post is due by Day Four of the workshop.

7. Respond to at least two others’ postings (150-200 words each) on at least two different days (Days Four through Seven of the workshop week). Simply responding with a sentence that reflects agreement with others’ postings is not an acceptable response. Instead, be sure to advance the discussion based on the assigned material, or credible resources you have found elsewhere. In other words, build upon what has been posted so that our collective learning is enriched.