CRITICAL THINKING APPLICATION PAPER

Critical Thinking Application Paper Wanda Soto University of Phoenix MGT/350 October 27, 2011 Professor Pedro J. Rivera

CRITICAL THINKING APPLICATION PAPER

Critical Thinking Application Paper Critical Thinking can be interpreted in different ways depending the situation or problem that needs to be analyzed and using judgment to make a decision. Based on that decision actions on how to handle and correct the situation. In most cases critical thinking is crucial to determine if we are fair minded or fallacious in our judgment concerning the action to be taken on a situation. According to Thinking, Chapter 1 , most individuals do not know how to determine which is more important thinking or money. The brain sends us signals to process what we should be observing. Most individuals believe we think with an open mind, analyze problems and situations, ask important questions and, communicate efficiently with others. This belief is erroneous in most cases because each person has different views of a problem, depending on their values and specific traits of mind. Some people strive to be fair-minded and have developed certain intellectual traits that enable them to contrast the decisions that are taken. Critical thinking is vital in in our professional careers, academic courses, and our rational thinking to analyze and evaluate daily situations. Judgment can become cloudy or confusing if you are prejudice to the observation. (Moore & Parker, 2004). Critical thinking is the method of studying a dilemma in order to reach a reasonable and fair judgment of a situation and possible solutions to a problem. Critical thinking requires an individual to be open minded in order to handle the situation effectively. The individual must be able to recognize the problems, find a solution, gather relevant information, comprehend with accuracy, clarity and interpret data. Critical thinking is the best way to deal with problems in your life, both professionally and personally.

CRITICAL THINKING APPLICATION PAPER

In my personal experience in my previous position as executive assistant to the President and CEO of a banking institution, critical thinking was part of my daily task when it involved taking immediate action to a situation. It involved thinking correctly, considering concepts and principles, and following procedures. Not only did I have to apply logic, and criteria but, also utilize and take in consideration the credibility, accuracy, and relevance of the situation before making a decision. In my current and previous positions I have used critical thinking to arrive at the conclusions of an observation of a situation. During the restructuration of the mortgage department, I was presented the opportunity to stay at my position at the time as assistant to the President of the banking division or to transfer to the mortgage department as the executive assistant to the new President of the Mortgage division. It was an opportunity to learn a total different division than the one I was accustomed to with a significant raise in salary. The President told me that it was a growth opportunity within the company because there was no other in the position I was at as his assistant. At the time I was reluctant to make the move, money did not convince me, what convinced me was the challenge of learning something new and have the opportunity to relocate, meet new people and come out of the routine I was in. It was a difficult decision to make, after taking in consideration various scenarios, challenges and the obstacles that I would encounter. This task was difficult for me, to think how to make the move, leave my co-workers and friends behind that I had worked with for many years and approach the situation to observe the area. I had some previous experience from past jobs in reference to how to handle this situation; using critical thinking I took the position after analyzing all angles. At first I knew the first step was to make a smooth transition by introducing myself in person to the staff before making the move. It was difficult because they

CRITICAL THINKING APPLICATION PAPER had just lost the President of their division, whom they were used to working with for many

years. I was not received in a friendly way, more so that I was taking a position to assist the new President of the Mortgage division. The administrative, sales and operations staffs had been working together for many years and were reluctant to accept changes. For the new President and for myself it was a difficult but rewarding transition. We learned to communicate effectively, evaluate situations, make rational decisions based on fair thinking, taking in consideration the changes the department and the staff was going through at the time. Critical thinking clarified for me different sources of enculturation and how to utilize common sense both professional and personally. After the experience I encountered with my previous position, I evaluate the entire situation from different angles before making a decision. In my current position as Administrative Manager in a new manufacturing plant, it is important for me to use critical thinking on a daily basis to make critical decisions in hiring staff, evaluating inventory and in the financial aspect of the company. In todays society critical thinking is a must in our personal and professional lives before making a final decision. These personal and career experiences have thought me to give careful consideration, in evaluating daily life situations and problems in order to successfully complete objectives and goals. Critical thinking is an important decision making process that determines our knowledge and the benefits of making the correct decisions that can affect a situation.

CRITICAL THINKING APPLICATION PAPER

References Bateman, T. S., & Snell, S. A. (2007). Management Leading & Collaborating in a Competitive World (7th ed.) Burr Ridge, IL: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Facione, P. S. (1995). The Disposition Toward Critical Thinking. Journal of General Education , Volumne 44 Number 1, pp 1-25. Kirby, G. K., & Goodpaster, J. R. (2007). Thinking (4th Ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Moore, B. N., & Parker, R. (2004). Critical Thinking. New York: McGraw Hill Companies.