Utilizing Critical Thinking in the Workplace
Utilizing Critical Thinking in the Workplace
David Zoltun
MGT 350
September 27, 2010
Utilizing Critical Thinking in the Workplace Critical thinking is an essential general skill that can be universally applied. Critical thinking is unlike typical methods of thought as critical thinking demands a person remove themselves from issues and approach problems or debates objectively. The author will examine the critical thinking process as applied to University of Phoenix’s nine decision making steps in one of the author’s recent workplace experiences (Decision Making Step, 2010).
Utilizing Critical Thinking and Decision Making Steps to Assess a Workplace Decision In August 2010, the author, acting as an assistant manager with a retail auto parts store was faced with a workplace situation that required the utilization of critical thinking.
Identify the Problem Identifying the problem is the first step in the decision making process. Critical thinking removes biased thoughts and emotions from the identification process in order to establish a factual statement of the problem (Kirby & Goodpaster, 2007). In the author’s case, a problem was identified: a subordinate was disrupting store functions and affecting local public image. Define Criteria, Goals, and Objectives The second step in decision making processes is to define one’s intent. The criteria, goals, and objectives of a debate will guide one’s debate by determining what should be accomplished. Once again, critical thinking is utilized to eliminate potential avoid potential bias by constructing a factual stance on an issue (Rainbolt & Dwyer, 2008). The author’s objective as assistant manager was to objectively restore store functions and public image. Evaluate Effect of the Problem Evaluating the effect of the problem establishes the potential consequences and results of a problem. Applying critical thinking to this step allows one to evaluate the effects factually while
David Zoltun
MGT 350
September 27, 2010
Utilizing Critical Thinking in the Workplace Critical thinking is an essential general skill that can be universally applied. Critical thinking is unlike typical methods of thought as critical thinking demands a person remove themselves from issues and approach problems or debates objectively. The author will examine the critical thinking process as applied to University of Phoenix’s nine decision making steps in one of the author’s recent workplace experiences (Decision Making Step, 2010).
Utilizing Critical Thinking and Decision Making Steps to Assess a Workplace Decision In August 2010, the author, acting as an assistant manager with a retail auto parts store was faced with a workplace situation that required the utilization of critical thinking.
Identify the Problem Identifying the problem is the first step in the decision making process. Critical thinking removes biased thoughts and emotions from the identification process in order to establish a factual statement of the problem (Kirby & Goodpaster, 2007). In the author’s case, a problem was identified: a subordinate was disrupting store functions and affecting local public image. Define Criteria, Goals, and Objectives The second step in decision making processes is to define one’s intent. The criteria, goals, and objectives of a debate will guide one’s debate by determining what should be accomplished. Once again, critical thinking is utilized to eliminate potential avoid potential bias by constructing a factual stance on an issue (Rainbolt & Dwyer, 2008). The author’s objective as assistant manager was to objectively restore store functions and public image. Evaluate Effect of the Problem Evaluating the effect of the problem establishes the potential consequences and results of a problem. Applying critical thinking to this step allows one to evaluate the effects factually while
References: Kirby, G., Goodpaster, J. (2007). Thinking: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Critical and Creative Thought, (4ed.). New York, NY. Prentice Hall Inc. Retrieved from University of Phoenix Library. Rainbolt G. W., Dwyer S. L. (2008). Critical Thinking in College, (3ed.). Mason, OH. Cengage Learning. Decision Making Steps. (2010). Retrieved September 24, 2010 from University of Phoenix Classroom.