Emotions can cloud judgment and leave you less than impartial. When reasoning
takes a back seat our critical thinking can becomes irrational when facts are pushed
aside. If one is too empathetic to a given situation it can make you unwillingly bias.
Anger and fear in particular can lead stereotyping and avoidance as stated in the
reading.
In making a fair assessment of a situation that may lead to a termination I will
always interpret the facts in an unbiased manner. Intent, prior history, and if the
outcome is a termination the delivery no matter how factual is always empathetic. I
take no joy, and in all cases understand what it is to be on the other side of the
table. High emotional intelligence balances with strong critical thinking skills can
strike the perfect balance.
Language is very nuanced, which is why inflection is very important. Often times
phrases and words carry different meanings in different situations. The words
chosen, the tone, sense of urgency and body language all play a factor on how one
interprets a situation. Over time I have understood that no conversation happens
without a desired outcome by an employee. Many times I receive what seems to be
mundane information, by an employee who ends with “I just wanted to make you
aware”. The fact that there was deliberate effort to come see me, and mention what
seems to be mundane, usually means there is something more to be known.
The area of learning that I found most interesting this week was the reading on the
topic of faith and reasoning. Specifically the three approaches to faith and reason –
rationalism and critical rationalism. As I interpret the definitions that seem to be
purposely similar, is that critical rationalism absorbs the argument for reason and
knowledge as to dovetail with the religious underlining needed to have both live in
harmony.
