Analyze The Readings From Critical And Creative Thinking ✓ Solved

Analyze The Readings From Critical And Creative Thinking Then Explain

Analyze the readings from critical and creative thinking; then explain the importance of critical thinking (L103) and creative thinking (L104) to a sergeant major and how the sergeant major should incorporate the concepts to solve problems within an organization. As you consider your response, things that may help you are to consider defining critical thinking while incorporating some of the Elements of Thought and Intellectual standards . Also, consider how cognitive biases and mental models affect the sergeant major’s ability to solve problems. At the end of your response, illustrate an example (Clarity) to support your work. Instructions: Post a substantial initial response, with at least 2 cited sources and a minimum of 350 words, to the topic above.

Identify references following the post using APA format. Additionally, respond to at least 2 posts of your classmates, with a substantive response (I agree with your post is not acceptable; tell us why you agree and do you have an opposing point of view) least 1 cited source each and a minimum of 150 words per response, for full participation credit.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Effective leadership within military organizations relies heavily on critical and creative thinking skills, especially for senior non-commissioned officers such as a sergeant major. Critical thinking is the disciplined mental process of actively analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information to make informed decisions. It involves applying Elements of Thought—including Purpose, Assumptions, Evidence, and Implications—and adhering to Intellectual Standards such as clarity, accuracy, relevance, depth, and fairness (Facione, 2015). These components enable a sergeant major to navigate complex tactical and strategic situations by breaking down problems into manageable parts and assessing potential solutions thoroughly.

Critical thinking's significance for a sergeant major lies in its capacity to foster objective decision-making, reduce errors stemming from cognitive biases, and enhance problem-solving efficacy. Cognitive biases such as confirmation bias or anchoring bias can distort judgment by causing individuals to favor information that supports preconceived notions or initial impressions (Kahneman, 2011). Consequently, a sergeant major must recognize these biases and employ metacognitive strategies—such as questioning assumptions and seeking diverse perspectives—to mitigate their influence and arrive at well-founded conclusions.

Creative thinking complements critical thinking by encouraging innovative approaches and considering unconventional solutions. It involves the generation of new ideas, perspectives, and strategies that may not be immediately obvious (Lubart & Guignard, 2004). Within a military context, creative thinking enables a sergeant major to adapt to rapidly changing situations, develop novel tactics, and motivate subordinates toward collective problem-solving efforts. Incorporating both critical and creative thinking processes allows for comprehensive analysis and innovative implementation, leading to more effective leadership and organizational success.

The mental models that underpin a sergeant major’s understanding of organizational dynamics greatly influence their decision-making. For instance, a rigid mental model may limit adaptability, preventing the sergeant major from considering alternative solutions (Johnson-Laird, 2010). To improve problem-solving capabilities, it is essential to critically evaluate and, when necessary, recalibrate these mental models. By fostering an environment that encourages questioning assumptions and exploring new ideas, a sergeant major can enhance their capacity for effective decision-making.

For example, during a deployment, a sergeant major might encounter resource allocation issues that threaten mission success. By applying critical thinking—examining the underlying assumptions about resource availability and exploring potential evidence—and encouraging creative solutions such as re-prioritizing tasks or leveraging innovative logistics, the sergeant major can develop strategies that optimize operational effectiveness while maintaining cohesion among soldiers. This example illustrates the importance of clarity, as understanding the core problem and potential solutions is vital for effective leadership.

References

• Facione, P. A. (2015). Critical thinking: What it is and why it counts. Insight Assessment.
• Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Johnson-Laird, P. N. (2010). Mental models and reasoning. Psychology Press.
• Lubart, T. I., & Guignard, J. (2004). The creativity of exceptional individuals. In R. J. Sternberg (Ed.), Creativity: From potential to realization (pp. 23-47). American Psychological Association.