leadership

The Importance of Critical Thinking

/ Ritamarie Hensley / Leave a comment

In a bustling classroom, Sarah, a high school student with a passion for science, found herself immersed in a challenging project. The task at hand wasn’t just about memorizing facts; it required her to dissect complex information, evaluate multiple perspectives, and craft a solution that went beyond the textbook. This scenario is not unique to Sarah; it reflects the essence of critical thinking – the ability to analyze, question assumptions, and make informed judgments. 

In the era of Artificial Intelligence disrupting educational landscapes, the fear lingers that students like Sarah might lose this invaluable skill. If students choose to take shortcuts by using AI to complete assignments rather than facing the challenges associated with projects, research papers, and presentations, critical thinking skills will not develop. 

The ability to critically think empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of life, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to personal and societal progress. In this two part blog, I explore the importance of critical thinking and how instructors can include it in their teaching. 

Photo by Craig Adderley on Pexels.com

Problem Solving 

We face problems each day. Some problems might be as small as deciding whether to spend or save the overtime money you received. Other problems require more thought and information such as, choosing a major, quitting a job, or buying a home.  To solve big or small problems requires critical thinking where you must analyze and evaluate information and then generate effective solutions. It empowers people to navigate complex situations and make informed decisions. 

Analytical Skills

Critical thinking involves the ability to analyze a problem by breaking it down into smaller parts, examine relationships between the parts, and understand the underlying structures. For example, if you are given a major project to complete for work or school, it is necessary to understand the steps that need to be taken in order to achieve a satisfactory (or exceptional) outcome. How do you break down the project into manageable steps? What must be done each day? Begin with the end in mind and then create the steps to take to achieve your goal. 

Effective Communication

People with strong analytical skills not only excel in problem-solving but also demonstrate a remarkable ability to communicate their ideas with precision and clarity. Beyond the realm of academia, these individuals navigate social and professional landscapes adeptly. They possess the skill to engage in constructive debates, weighing the merits of different perspectives before offering well-thought-out responses. Their communication style is characterized by the art of articulating thoughts with coherence and explaining opinions with a depth of understanding that goes beyond the surface. Importantly, they exhibit a genuine consideration for other viewpoints, fostering an environment of open dialogue and collaborative discourse. In essence, the marriage of analytical prowess and effective communication transforms these individuals into influential communicators who can convey complex ideas with impact and resonate with diverse audiences.

Academic Success

Students who develop critical thinking skills are better equipped for academic success. They can analyze and synthesize information, engage in meaningful discussions, and perform well on exams and assignments.  Students begin to  recognize and mitigate cognitive biases. This awareness helps with considering alternative perspectives and fostering objectivity leading to a more  comprehensive understanding of issues.

The goal of education is to develop these skills so that students become lifelong learners and lead successful lives both personally and professionally. 

Career Advancement

In the professional world, the currency of critical thinking is unparalleled. Organizations prize employees who possess the ability to think critically, recognizing them as invaluable assets. Beyond being adept problem solvers, individuals with strong critical thinking skills showcase a remarkable capacity for adaptability, seamlessly navigating through the winds of change that characterize modern workplaces. Moreover, these individuals emerge as natural leaders, capable of steering teams through complexities with insightful decision-making. As industries evolve, those armed with the analytical acumen of critical thinking find themselves not merely adapting to change but driving innovation and shaping the trajectory of their professional journeys.

Critical thinking is not just a skill; it’s the compass that guides us through the complexities of life. From problem-solving to effective communication, its impact reverberates in every aspect of our journey. As we navigate the importance of critical thinking, join me in the next blog, where we’ll explore practical ways instructors can integrate this invaluable skill into their teaching methods, paving the way for a future generation of adept critical thinkers.

Building Leadership in Teens

/ Ritamarie Hensley / Leave a comment
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Are leaders born or are they developed?

Many believe that some people are born with the ability to lead, and others believe that leaders develop skills over time that enable them to lead. It is true that some people are born with a personality type that makes it easier to lead, but the obvious answer is leaders develop their skills over time. Some may have the opportunity to practice certain skills more than others, so they appear to be born leaders. However, it is the exposure to specific skills and the chance to practice these skills in different situations that create strong leaders.

According to the Center for Creative Leadership,  all great leaders share the following characteristics: integrity, ability to delegate, communication, self-awareness, gratitude, competence, influence, empathy, courage, and respect. Additionally, more characteristics get added to this list by author Clinton McLemore in Inspiring Trust, Strategies for Effective Leadership, including: intellect, stability, emotional intelligence, motivation, flexibility, and assertiveness. How can anyone possibly possess all of these competencies? Yet, we have all encountered leaders who hold many, if not all, of these characteristics.

Consider leaders you encountered throughout your lifetime, a beloved teacher, coach, or boss. Most likely, you admired this leader and wanted to emulate what you saw.  You remember them for the important and meaningful role they played in your life. They connected with you on many levels and probably inspired you to be your best self. So, how did they become leaders who possess all of these skills? They weren’t born that way, nor did they one day decide to lead. They developed these traits throughout their childhood by witnessing strong leaders and then practicing the skills as they grew into adults. 

Why is it important to develop these characteristics?

When children acquire the characteristics related to leadership, they reap the benefits  throughout their life. The ability to make independent decisions, help others, and achieve goals are connected to leadership skills. Throughout middle school and high school, students with these competencies are more successful and possess a higher self-esteem. They tend to be happier, more confident, and more motivated. As adults, leadership skills assist with job satisfaction, promotion, community involvement, and overall well being. According to the Journal of Leadership Education, many universities now seek students with leadership experience, and employers are also looking for people with leadership skills.

What can parents do to help their children develop these skills so they can become great leaders?

First, children need to witness good leadership, and that begins with you. Children learn through example and parents are their very first and most influential example. Parenting style matters, and so does parents’ connections with others. Your parenting style should be authoritative where there are high expectations, yet you allow your kids to fail. You should be supportive and responsive to their needs while setting strict boundaries and consistently enforcing rules. Allow children to witness positive and honest interactions with friends, co-workers, and retail workers. When parents treat others with warmth and compassion, children learn to do the same. Children internalize these interactions and will emulate them throughout life.

Children will also internalize how you approach problems. They should witness you wrestle with conflicts so they will know how to approach issues. It is a natural tendency for children to imitate what they see, so they should observe their parents facing and coping with challenges. Parents do not need to pretend that life is perfect, nor do they need to shield their children from understanding that challenges are a part of life. If children witness their parents coping with problems honestly, with all the anxiety and stress, it demonstrates the realities of life. Facing the problem authentically rather than hiding it from children, demonstrates how problems are overcome. So, when children face a challenge, they have the confidence to confront it head on. They understand that coping with a problem is not the end of the world, but a part of everyday life. The skills needed to solve problems connect to the skills needed to lead.

When children witness their parents connecting with others, treating people with compassion, and dealing with conflicts in a responsible manner, they see leaders. They internalize these characteristics, and this helps to build their self-esteem. According to Bobi Seredich, in an article entitled, Why Self-esteem is Critical to Successful Leadership, she states, “High self-esteem is not created by receiving praise all the time or listening to motivational talks, but it is built in having connections with others and realizing that setbacks are opportunities to grow…” Those with high self-esteem are not threatened by others’ opinions or ideas, and they welcome diverse thinking. Having a high self-esteem works conjointly with building leadership skills.

More than ever, we need strong leaders who can problem solve, show compassion, and connect with others. Every individual has the potential to be a leader. Each child has strengths and weaknesses, but overall, leadership skills can be developed through exposure and practice. It begins with parents setting the examples and educators following suit.