Intellectual Perseverance
In
a list of Valuable Intellectual Traits, The Critical Thinking Community (2014) describes
Intellectual Perseverance as "Having a
consciousness of the need to use intellectual insights and truths in spite of
difficulties, obstacles, and frustrations; firm adherence to rational
principles despite the irrational opposition of others; a sense of the need to
struggle with confusion and unsettled questions over an extended period of time
to achieve deeper understanding or insight.”
In other words, it is
essential to possess the ability to analyze the root cause of an issue, identify
a sound course of action utilizing good judgment, experience and having the
fortitude to implement the necessary changes. Furthermore, exercising intellectual
perseverance would include establishing a method of evaluating the change in a manner
that confirms it is producing the desired results, can withstand friction and is
serving its desired purpose. A leader must have mental agility- to think
rapidly through an issue under stress, discipline- to remain steadfast towards their
training and experience and vision- to ensure that every person and action is
the sum of a bigger picture.
For example, while
attending the Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School, periodically the
instructors would use Tactical Decision Games (TDGs) as a means to reinforce
our (students) tactical knowledge and exercise our critical thinking. During
one TDG, we were given a military map, marks and a mission to defend a
particular key terrain feature of our choosing with the resources given to an
infantry rifle platoon. Using my knowledge of terrain features, I decided to
defend a hill top that had rough and steep terrain on two sides with the enemy’s
most likely approach covered. It was an easy text book location to defend. Feeling
confident that I used the terrain to our advantage and that our weapon systems
were properly placed, I approached the instructor and stated that I had
completed my defense plan. The instructor evaluated my plan to ensure that it
was realistic and made sense. At which point he turned my map 180 degrees and
said, “Now, how would you attack this position?” The critical thinking portion
of the exercise began!
As students, our intellectual
perseverance should be tested constantly in our quest to becoming good leaders
and not just another boss. A leader is one that is forced to work through
opposition, obstacles and uncomfortable situations that will set the conditions
for success and greater responsibilities. We should all be familiar with the “Boss
vs Leader” illustration that comes up when comparing a boss to a leader. In the
picture, the boss is seen yelling out from atop of a mountain while their
subordinates struggle to clime the same mountain and even fall off. On the
other side is the leader who is leading the way bending over a cliff pulling
their folks up the mountain. Great example!
As I continue with my leadership
studies, I am cognizant that there will be many challenges to work through and
situations that the “path of least resistance” will seem acceptable. However, remaining
disciplined and steadfast will be key ingredients to completing this program.
Refining time management practices and fulfilling my family obligations will be
paramount in my quest to becoming a good leader.
A good leader, as I see
it, is mindful of others and understands how others can be affected by internal
and external influences. In a fast paced environment or in a business with
people at the center of it, a good leader must remain the constant and
grounded. Someone that is values based and objective, as well as creating an
environment for others to be developed and challenged are characteristics of a
good leader.
The
Critical Thinking Community. (2014). Valuable Intellectual Traits. Retrieved
from
http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/valuable-intellectual-traits/528
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