Premium Essay

Critical Analysis of How Successful People Think

In:

Submitted By jelena239
Words 840
Pages 4
Critical Analysis

In the article How Successful People Think, Roger Martin explores the way successful leaders come to new ideas and solutions to their problems by embracing “integrative thinking”. He explains it as having a capacity to hold two opposite ideas at once and finding a middle ground that is superior to both.
Even though this article was published in Harvard Business Review and it’s target is educated audience (mostly in business field), language and style of writing are articulate and clean. Author does not use over technical words or examples that common person wouldn’t know. Title is bold, bright and hard to miss. Pictures are set up to be inviting and on the point (brain, light bulb). Writer is targeting people who have a wish to improve their leadership skills and recognizes that this quality is spread throughout all social classes and educational levels.
His tone is light, supportive, conversational and readers can tell that author is personally involved in the subject: “… wisely, I might add…”,”…I have interviewed…”. In conclusion of the article Mr. Martin’s voice turns even more declamatory: “But I refuse to believe that the ability to use our opposable minds is a gift reserved for minority of people…”
Roger Martin is the dean of the Rotman School of Management at University of Toronto. His passion for the subject is undeniable, but evidence he presents appears personal, weak and contradictory. He claims that “…(successful leaders) share somewhat unusual trait: They have the predisposition and the capacity to hold in their heads two opposing ideas at once.” Not much further down the line he states that there are exceptions and “certainly not every good leader exhibits this capability, nor is the sole source for those who do.” Author does not have any data to back up this claim. There are no percentages of this exemption and no proof

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Interlanguage

...of second language. The interlanguage part is written from the learning perspective, regardless of one’s failure or success in the attempted learning of a second language. The concept of interlanguage was suggested by Selinker in order to draw attention to the possibility that the learner’s language can be regarded as a distinct language variety or system with its own particular characteristics and rules. There is a key term which is named ‘meaningful performance’. It is used to refer to the situation where an adult attempts to express meanings, which he or she may already have, in a language which he or she is in the process of learning. The writer thinks that one of our greatest difficulties in establishing a psychology of second language learning which is relevant to the way people actually learn second languages, has been our inability to identify unambiguously the phenomena we wish to study. I agree with the writer, because we have difficulty in learning second language and a correct understanding of this phenomenon leads to the postulation of certain theoretical constructs. These constructs in turn, give us a framework within which we can begin to isolate the psychological relevant data of second language learning. Interlanguage and Latent Structure There is psychological structure which is latent in the brain, activated when one attempts to learn a second language. Lenneberg coined the term ‘latent psychological structure’. According to him...

Words: 2502 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Hlt 310v Week 3 Complete Assignment and Dq

...310V Week 3 Topic 3 DQ 2 What tensions do you think you might experience arising from the differing worldviews of administrators, health care providers, and patients? Base your response from the GCU introduction and the textbooks. Cite references from your reading to support your answer. HLT 310V Week 3 Assignment Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity: First Draft Max Points: 100 Details: The practice of health care providers at all levels brings you into contact with people from a variety of faiths. This calls for knowledge and acceptance of a diversity of faith expressions. The purpose of this paper is to complete a comparative analysis of two faith philosophies towards providing health care, one being the Christian perspective. For the second faith, choose a faith that is unfamiliar to you. Examples of faiths to choose from: Sikh, Baha’i, Buddhism, Shintoism, etc. In a minimum of 1,500-2,000 words, provide a comparative analysis of the different belief systems, reinforcing major themes with insights gained from your research. In your comparative analysis, address all of the worldview questions in detail for Christianity and your selected faith. Refer to chapter 2 of the Called to Care for the list of questions. Be sure to address the implications of these beliefs for health care. In addition answer the following questions that address the practical and healthcare implications based on the research: 1. What are critical common components to...

Words: 2501 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Critical Thinking

...Critical Thinking and Making Intelligent Decisions Critical thinking, simply put, is the ability to think objectively about an idea, with awareness to biases and other distortions to perception, and come to a logical and intelligent decision. The ability to analyze the thinking process and understand how people think, or how one’s own thought process works, is an important factor for thinking critically. Not only is critical thinking an asset in daily life, but also particularly beneficial to the workplace. Analyzing other people’s perceptions in addition to one’s own perception is of utmost importance to a successful business. The benefits to critical thinking far surpass any information acquired by an individual, for without the ability to think objectively about the information; the information is futile. The emphasis on critical thinking can assist the decision-making process by understanding the way in which people assess problems and analyze solutions to those problems. Critical thinking is about learning how to think rather than what to think (Schaferson, 1991). By recognizing the way one’s own thought process influences decision-making, an individual embraces critical thinking. Acknowledgment of personal biases and other forms of distortions to perception are not only important to the decision-making process but to self-awareness by the decision-maker. Subconscious biases are common among most people, but by having empathy for others and viewing the situation from...

Words: 727 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Check It Out

...meeting, hiring a new mid-level manager – what do all of these activities have in common? Critical thinking is required in each situation to adequately assess the situation and act accordingly. We may not be aware of the frequency with which we employ critical thinking, but it is vital to good decision making. Without critical thinking, managers can fall into the habit of reacting on impulse, responding to gut feelings alone, or relying only on the advice of others when making important decisions. Understanding the relationship between critical thinking and decision making is the first step towards making wise decisions. This week's focus is on critical thinking and how it relates to decision making. Topics include defining critical thinking, benefits of thinking critically, and the relationship between critical thinking and decision making. Week in Relation to the course Good decision making is the backbone of sound management. The University of Phoenix nine-step decision-making model requires a sequence of steps leading to a sound, defensible decision. Critical thinking is a vital component of making good decisions, defining the decision-making strategy by analyzing the thinking process involved. A firm grasp of the critical-thinking components will equip managers to make sound, considered decisions. Discussion of a Key Point, Thread, or Objective Critical Thinking Definition and Benefits "Critical thinking is that mode of thinking - about any subject, content, or problem - in which...

Words: 5005 - Pages: 21

Free Essay

Change Management Paper

...                                                              1  Introduction   This paper consists of four different parts.   The  first  two  parts  are  two  topics  that  were  discussed  during  the  guest lectures, which I think  are very important in change management.   The  first  topic  is   about  communication,  and  how  you  can  improve  your   communication  to  stimulate a fluent change.   The  second  topic  is  about  perception  and  mindset,  which  I  think  are  also  very  important,  because  of  all  the  different  people  with  their  corresponding  views  that  are  involved  in  a  change.  When you understand their perception and mindset, it gives you an opportunity to act  on this and change them accordingly during the change.     The  last  two   parts  are  about  changes  in  the  reality,  which  I  personally  have  encountered  or  that I think I will encounter.   The  first  topic  is  about  outsourcing,  a  topic  of which I think  is something a lot of organisations  think about or need to think about.  The  second  topic  about  leadership,  something  I  am  very  interested  in  because  I  may  come  across  a   position  where  I  need  to  lead  people,  and  I  would  like to  understand  how  to  make  suitable changes and guide these changes as a leader.     Table of contents   Introduction  Table of contents  Communication  Perception  Outsourcing  Leadership  Conclusion      2  Communication   An important subject that has been brought up...

Words: 2243 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Yes God

...Accounting 5. Internal Auditing 6. Tax & Wealth Management Step #2: Review the general description of four main skill categories (highlighted in yellow) used in business today as defined by Career Leader including the sub-skills that comprise each category. |Interpersonal Effectiveness: Good at working with, and through, other people. Understand people and how to motivate them. A good team member, as well as team | |leader. Engender others' trust. A skillful negotiator. | • Ability to Compromise: Able to compromise when the situation calls for it. • Ability to Teach: Clear and patient when explaining things; a good teacher. • Comfort with Differences: Comfortable and effective in relating to people from many different backgrounds and cultures. • Empathy Skills: Can see things from other people's points of view. • Gaining Trust: Inspires other people's trust. • Listening Skills: Listens to other people in a way that they feel understood. • Openness to Criticism: Accepts critical feedback without getting defensive. • Respect for Others: Respectful of other people's points of view, as well...

Words: 1955 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Ethics

...Critical Thinking and Ethics Aliya Johnson GEN/201 April 28th, 2015 Critical Thinking and Ethics Critical thinking and ethics are concepts that are very important to use in order to be successful either academically and/or professionally. When it comes to critical thinking and ethics both are very universal; and allow for creative views and ideas to collaborate. In order to get better understandings of how critical thinking and ethics can affect your career both professionally and academically we must first analyze these skills. Critical Thinking One analysis I would like to make is how critical thinking and ethics can impact our lives; which means that we have to first understand the definition of critical thinking. According to D.C. Phillips, “critical thinking is referred to generalized standards and principles of reasoning on which reasons for judgements could be based.” (Norris.S, 2014) In other words, people usually base their judgements on what they believe are generally right. Critical thinking allows us to be able to determine whether or not something is ethically right or wrong or maybe in between. There are six steps one can take towards critical thinking. The first step to critical thinking is being able to remember all events that may have taken place. Then, you have to understand the situation that’s going on around you. For example, you may want to “ask yourself if you can explain the situation in your own word.” (D.Ellis...

Words: 898 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Apple Implementation Analysis

...6.0 IMPLEMENTATION, EVALUATION AND CONTROL Implementation, evaluation and control can be equated to the three legs of a seat, if remove one the seat will fall down to the land. If you take out one of these components from a marketing plan, it falls apart, and the plan won't succeed. All three are necessary for the successful completion of marketing activities that support businesses achieve their strategic goals. 6.1 Implementation According to Charles W. Lamb 2011, “implementation is the process that turns a marketing plan into action assignments and ensures that these assignments are executed in a way that accomplishes the plans objectives.” An implementation plan is a management instrument designed to show, in detail, the critical...

Words: 1717 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Ethical Awareness Inventory Paper

...Awareness Inventory Analysis Constance L. Hernandez GEN 480 June 8, 2014 Jenny Hayes Ethics Awareness Inventory Analysis The Ethics Awareness Inventory Analysis is an analysis of a person’s moral beliefs and standards that he or she holds in both his and her personal and professional lives. After taking the analysis I was not surprised at the results, I scored extremely high on both character and obligation. When reading through the ethical perspectives that were offered in the report, I found them to be accurate to the way that I think and believe. In this paper, I will address the results of the test, how my education has affected my ethical thinking, the use of my ethics in thinking and decision-making and any potential conflicts that may arise from persons with different ethical behaviors. I hold very high values and believe that integrity is a virtue that defines a person, how he or she conducts his or her lives; as well as how he or she treats and respects others. According to “Merriam Webster” (2014) ethics is “rules of behavior that is based on what is morally good and bad. Ethics is a study that deals with ideas about what is good and bad behavior; a branch of philosophy dealing with what is morally right or wrong, and a belief that something is extremely important.” I have always believed that it is important to respect yourself and others, to make sure that your obligations are taken seriously and placed ahead of anything else. I want people to know they can...

Words: 852 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Strategic Hr Management

...Strategic HR Management Laura Wilson HSA 530 Health Services Human Resource Management Dr. Queensberry June 14, 2013 1. Abstract In this paper I will describe the unique challenges of managing the human resources function for my specific organization, also I will analysis the competencies required for my specific position, and determine in which areas I need to develop and I will provide specific examples to support my rationale, next determine the role I think the company could play in developing me for the opportunity, what would I need the company to do? How would it benefit the company? And last develop a strategic view of human resources that supports my institutional organizational strategy. 2. Describe the unique challenges of managing the human resources function for your specific organization. Recruitment and retention of the correct number of qualified staff is very high on the list. Everyone knows there is a big nursing shortfall, but there is a need for highly qualified individuals all around. Due to the rapid growth of the healthcare sector and its sheer size, it is a challenge to fill jobs. And despite this need, there are obvious pressures for cost containment with people accounting for the lion’s share of an organization’s costs. Because of that, there is a pressure to make the HR organization world class, or at least strive to be better. As a result, it has become an imperative to employ better processes and technologies to overcome the challenges...

Words: 1519 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Project

...concise overview of how to do a strategic plan. The entire strategic planning process is outlined within this course. This course is recommended for 2 hours of Continuing Professional Education. In order to receive credit, you will need to pass a multiple choice exam which is administered over the internet at www.exinfm.com/training Chapter 1 Preliminary Considerations What is Strategic Planning? The essence of management includes the ability to plan. As you work your way up the organization, planning moves from operational to strategic. Strategic Planning is one of the principal responsibilities of upper-level management. Once management decides on the Strategic Plan, lower-level managers implement the Strategic Plan through an Operating Plan. Strategic Planning attempts to answer a very fundamental question: Where do we want to be one year from now, two years from now, three years from now, etc.? Strategic Planning requires that an organization develop a vision of itself - how do we see ourselves in the future? Strategic Planning looks at the big picture from a long-range perspective whereas the Operating Plan represents the specific tactics for carrying out the Strategic Plan year to year. Strategic Planning is a process whereby an organization makes choices about: ▪ Why do we exist? ▪ What are the major goals of this organization? ▪ What resources do we need for a successful future? ...

Words: 6038 - Pages: 25

Premium Essay

Phi 445

...knowledge to how organizations would function were they to adopt those ethical principles. In addition, you will also examine punishments for corporations and present your own ideas about the relationship between ethical demands on business entities vs. those on individuals in society. Instructions In this assignment you will reflect on the topics of Week One and apply them to an analysis of ethical paradigms. You will be asked to respond to two prompts below. The first asks you to explain three of the ethical philosophies you encountered in Chapter 1 of Introduction to Business Ethics, and then determine how companies that abide by these policies would act. In the second prompt, you will be asked to explain various punishments that can be given to corporations and the behaviors that are ethically dangerous to corporations. Please answer all questions in detail. Because this journal is worth 5% of your final grade, there is a high expectation for your participation. Grades for the journals are based on content, critical engagement, quality of reflection, and detail. Please submit the completed journal via the Assignment Basket found in the Week One Journal tab on the left navigation toolbar by Day 7. Organizations Select a Not-For Profit and a For Profit organization you would like to study. These will be the organizations that you will be focusing on throughout the course so be sure to choose organizations that you find interesting and that you think will be engaging...

Words: 932 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

How to Analyze

...How To Analyze A Case In a case study there is no right or wrong answer. The following suggestions will help you to analyze case studies more effectively: Read the case: The first step to a successful case solution is to read the case, carefully and with an eye for detail – more than once. Don’t rush through it. Look for the smallest of details. That is the only correct way to read intelligent conclusions. Look for case attachments and accompanying tables and numbers if available. Do not reach conclusions until all facts are considered. Your best defense against surprise is to read the case thoroughly. Take notes: Unlike textbooks which are written in chapter, essay or reprint form, case studies might be arranged in chronological order. While textbooks may proceed in logical fashion, this is not necessarily so in case studies. At times, they may seem chaotic with many events happening at once – order and discipline may be missing and key issues are not always evident. Case studies may also contain substantial amounts of information in tubular form. To know what such data means you will have to read the tables and apply what you have learned. Your notes should focus on the details you will need to identify the business problems involved in the case, the issues critical to solving those problems, as well as resources available to the managers in the case. Those notes will be helpful in producing a case solution. Look for (business) problem(s): Do not just rephrase the obvious problems...

Words: 760 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Decision Making

...Decision making and Thinking is a part of our lives like breathing, people don’t stop to analyze why they use this process. People may think that thinking and decision making is a simple process, there are many styles of thinking for every issue people come across in their daily lives. The four different styles of critical thinking are creative, logical, scientific, and persuasive. The different styles of thinking are fit to the different issues and they require thought and analysis to find the best fit. The thinking styles each have a different effect on the issue, so one will need to think about this as another variable. People use the thinking styles to remember, and perceive information, and also solve problems. In this paper we will discuss the four types of Thinking and Decision making and give workplace examples for each. Scientific Thinking The style of scientific thinking has changed the world. In the field of medicine, scientists have been successful in finding cures for diseases, developing new drugs that can extend life, and treatments that can improve the quality of life have been invented through this important style of thinking. The four major steps in the scientific thinking process are observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and verification (Kirby & Goodpaster, 2007). Scientific Thinking Decision Making Process Observation = Identify the problem Hypothesis...

Words: 1511 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Big Data

...applications, helping with competitive advantage, and increasing customer loyalty. It can also be used in other industries to enable a better system and better decision-making. Big Data has become a valuable asset to everyone around the world and continues to impact society today. The ideology of Big Data first came up in the days before the age of computers, when unstructured data were the norm and analytics was in its infancy. The first Big Data challenge came in the form of the 1880 U.S. census when the information involving about 50 million people being gathered, classified, and reported. This census contained a lot of facts to deal with, however, limited technology was available to organize and manage it. It took over seven years to manually put the data into tables and report on the data. Thanks to Big Data, the 1890 census could be placed on punch cards that could hold about 80 variables. Instead of seven years, the analysis of the data only took six weeks. Big Data allowed the government to act on the information in a reasonable amount of time. In order to further understand the concept of Big Data, one can break it down into the 7 V’s – volume, velocity, variety, veracity, variability, visualization, and value. These terms explain the impact and implications of a well thought through Big Data strategy. The first term, volume, refers to the enormous amount of data that...

Words: 1697 - Pages: 7