Thinking and Decision Making MGT/350 March 4, 2010 Thinking and Decision Making Thinking Styles Emotional Thinkers Emotions are a vital part of the decision making process and the human experience. Emotional thinkers begin with a thought that translates to their behavior. An emotional thinker reaction is in connection to their personal belief system of the environment or culture that they were raise in. Emotions and behavior are the two main characters of an emotional thinker,which drives thoughts. Emotional thinkers can have a positive effect on the decision making process. These thinkers can be compassionate toward others, which a logical thinker may only rely on facts. Whereas emotions can be used as a positive tool to how others how much a person cares, it can also have negative consequences. Emotions limit the ability to apply critical thinking toward the thinking process. Anger has ruined countless relationships, cause many fights, and motivates leaders into makingbad decisions. This happens when a person allows his or her emotions to impair their judgmentduring the thinking process; it limits their ability to think critically. Kirby and Goodpastor (2007) points out that no matter what the underlining factors, when a person display emotions with anger, it is important not to make decisions. Pessimistic Thinking Pessimistic thinking is negative thinking. A person who thinks pessimistically rarely has anything positive to say and is always looking for the worst in any situation. Pessimistic thinkers have negative attitudes most of the time. These thinkers’ resists any type of change believing that nothing will make difference. Pessimists are not risk-takers; they err on the cautious side because they fear change. Conversations with pessimistic thinkers often turn into complaining sessions. Several factors cause individuals to be pessimistic thinkers. Pessimists may be lonely, overwhelmed, defiant, self-loathing, or self-pitying. They may have had experiences that affected their thinking abilities. Some of these experiences may include being abandoned, betrayed, and ignored (Messina, 2009). *Optimistic T*hinking During the critical thinking process individuals can be affected by a variety of thinking processes. When confronted with a situation that requires critical thinking the first step is to analyze. This step will allow the elements of reasoning that opens the thinking process. Likewise, this can be difficult for individualsbecause of the interference of: (a) assumptions, (b) lack of knowledge, (c) activated ignorance, or (d) enculturation. During critical thinking an individual may experience an emotion that can be either beneficial or harmful to the thinking process. When the emotion is bias by: (a) stereotyping, (b) political position, or (c) ego defenses, the outcome of the thinking can be intellectually hypocritical and inconsistent. Additionally, possessing a pessimistic view will negatively overshadow the ability to have intellectual perseverance. Meanwhile, when the thinking process follows the path of optimistic thinking there will be opportunities to “raise the goals and desires to the level of conscious realization” (Paul & Elder, 2006, Critical Thinking, Chap. 4). Optimistic people are fun to be around and enjoy situations nomatter what the circumstances. They continuallymove forward always looking for improvement and development in old and new processes. Optimistic people are open-minded and enjoy the rewards of accomplishing the different challenges life brings their way. Last, optimistic people are always striving to turn a negative situation into a positive. Conclusion References Kirby, G. and Goodpastor J, (2007) Thinking: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Critical and _ Creative Thought, _(4thed.) Prentice Hall, Inc. A Pearson Education Company Messina, J. J. (2009). Pessimism and Negativity. Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/management-concepts-the-four-functions-of-management.html Richard Paul, Linda Elder. (2006) Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning and Your Life, Chapter 4. Prentice Hall Inc., Retrieved March 1, 2010.