Introduction
The day to day activities in life are influenced by the choices undertaken by each individual. Critical thinking is a tool used in decision making. It entails gathering facts to support the choices an individual intends to make. According to Paul and Elder (2006), the universe faces numerous crises due to quick-fix judgment. The authors suggest that critical thinking will aid individuals in dealing with the qualms of the contemporary society and become secure in the choices they make. Furthermore, Paul & Elder become conscious of nine particular qualities that characterize critical thinkers. These traits include integrity, meekness, valor, perseverance, confidence, understanding, independence and fairness (Paul & Elder, 2006). Individuals should strive to develop these qualities instead of relying on their “gut feelings”. Additionally, besides being important for individual decisions, critical thinking is the key to effective management and successful organization.
Discussion
Benefits of critical thinking
According to Kirby & Goodpaster (2007), there are four basic rules that can be used in systematic thinking. The first one is observation. Observation triggers the mind to ask questions such as why something happens. As a result, the mind becomes alert because of the interest developed. Critical thinking is beneficial because it arouses interest and passion. Instead of merely making choices, a desire to make the best choice is stirred up. Critical thinking seeks to bring out the magnitude of assessing information before making decisions. The second step is hypothesis; hypothesis relates two opinions (Kirby & Goodpaster, 2007).
This is followed by experimentation. Experiment confirms that the hypothesis is accurate. Managers or leaders have an opportunity to examine previously made decisions and the consequences of those decisions. Critical thinking therefore allows managers to learn from other people’s mistakes or strengths. It prevents leaders from making rushed decisions that lead to failure.
Critical thinking involves using logic, learning how to ask questions and consider various perspectives of problem solving. The goal is to make the most reasonable selection (Paul & Elder, 2006). Currently, business administrators are living in an up-to-the-minute global market. The markets change so fast without any warning. Critical thinkers have developed the ability to think holistically before making a choice.
Essentially, critical thinking determines how well individuals handle the challenges they face. Critical thinkers are confident that there exists solution for every problem. They have learned to think beyond the object since critical thinkers pay attention to the small details that normal people miss (Kirby & Goodpaster, 2007). Supporting the decisions they make is so easy because of the knowledge they have on the subject. Critical thinkers are not afraid to make mistakes; they have the perseverance to hold on until they have made the right judgment.
Critical thinking is important in controlling emotions. Critical thinkers have learnt to act only when there have a reason. In many organizations, workers tend to disagree because they have different opinions. The ability to be in charge of feelings has prevented unnecessary arguments and fights in the office. Lastly, Critical thinking recognizes orders (Kirby & Goodpaster, 2007). According to these writers, people can organize their thoughts to respond to natural and mental orders (Kirby & Goodpaster, 2007). Order is an important tool in classification. Choices are classified in terms of similarities, outcomes or time.
Application of critical thinking
A good example of applying critical thinking was recently illustrated in our organization. The employees were frustrated because the company introduced uniforms. Previously, the management had asked a designer to take the employee’s measurements and deliver uniforms once this was done. However, when the uniforms were issued the management received complaints. The workers complained that the uniforms did not fit well. Some were too big while others were too small. At first, the management paid little attention and ordered the workers to report to work in their uniforms. The first day the workers wore their uniforms, the organization had a special event.
As a result, the company was criticized. This is an obvious scenario where the management failed to think critically before making a resolution. The narrow-mindedness of the management led them to assume that the workers refused to wear their uniforms because they did not want to embrace change (Kirby & Goodpaster, 2007). The company would have been benefitted well by embracing critical thinking element. Because, rather than making an un-informed decision, they would have been noticed the reason behind why the employees were reluctant to embrace the new company policy of dress code. Perhaps, they would have learned why the boycott and institute fitting measures early before waiting for employees “cold” disobedience.
Conclusion
To be successful one needs to develop the art of critical thinking (Paul & Elder, 2006). Critical thinking adopts a holistic approach in decision making. It involves discipline and diligence. For every pronouncement, there has to be a basis. This rationale is attained by gathering information and comparing notes with other people. Critical thinking is about asking questions before making a selection. For a business executive, the goal is to make a decision that will benefit the supplier, the distributors, retailers and consumers.
References List
Kirby, G. R., & Goodpaster, J. R., (2007). Thinking. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. Web.
Paul, R. & Elder, L. (2007). Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning and Your Life, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. Web.