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As Socrates is my witness
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Location: Blogs Webster University Business Experts |
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| Posted by: Webster University |
8/7/2007 |
I’m calling for a return to critical thinking. It’s my campaign against absolutism, denial and naiveté.
Absolutists are so sure. Always, never, everybody and nobody are just begging for an exception to be argued. It’s rarely worth the effort.
Some people work at being naïve. They trust when they should be wary. They are loyal in the face of betrayal. They are horrendously disappointed, sometimes angry when manager or employee they have idealized turn out to be just human.
Others come equipped with an amazing capacity for denial. They just don’t see what is there. The favored employee that is not productive, the charming spouse who cheats, the son or daughter who misbehaves, the unscrupulous salesman are all magically distorted to look perfect.
Most dangerous are those who know not that they know not. I recall a conversation with a worker from a nursing home who complained about new procedures “just because we lost one person.” I responded, “that you know of.” This also applies to people who say their children never lie (which would be the double whammy of absolute denial).
So, why not teach our employees and students to challenge what they take for granted? Make it a personal policy to pay a lot more attention to a track record you can see than a promise you can only imagine. Play the devil’s advocate from time to time. Enjoy the truth that sets you free. Appreciate the truth that sets you straight.
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