Post by Lori Hebert on Feb 9, 2021 22:07:54 GMT
Factors that can get in the way of critical thinking:
There are a variety of factors that can get in the way of opening our mindset to critical thinking. Not asking questions to get to the right ones and not being curious about a problem or process will stifle critical thinking. While working with Child Protection in NH I was part of a work group tasked with identifying root cause in family engagement failure. The group came together with a preconceived perspective that case load was the main issue. We began the process with the “Five Why” method, the why’s quickly turned to more questions on process, practice then to training and professional development. By just starting with the “Why” the correct questions began to organically surface. Through this process we discovered case load was not the root cause of why protection workers were not engaging with families, it was about training and the missing component was Supervisor Training.
Other factors that create a barrier to critical thinking is identifying bias, we all have them, and I think often times we are timid in identifying this. So many times I hear the word “non-judgmental”, yes best practice is that we have an open mindset and don’t judge, however we all have judgement whether it is lived, learned or even cultural. As noted in the Manifesto reading, the first two of Daniel Goleman’s Five Emotional Competencies are vital in critical thinking; Identify and Understand, we must be aware of our bias and understand the impact it can have in our thinking. Second is to Manage, once we understand the bias, we can manage it to cultivate a more positive mindset for reflective problem solving and broadening opportunities.
Example of where you did not use your critical thinking skills:
In 2019 our program began Medicaid billing for Recovery Support Services. At that time I was not versed in this process and not surrounded by others who were as well. I took a very process approach to the billing, I did not go outside my comfort zone in exploring how others were billing, I was not curios enough with the process and missed an opportunity to explore and make this process more than just a check box in the workflow.
Outcome:
The program began billing for services; however I was not properly analyzing the data, the process was not creative, I did not explore how billing could be used as a workforce development opportunity and the program was missing revenue opportunities.
How could it have been different if I had applied critical thinking skills:
I believe the process would have been focused and purposeful if I had approached the billing as an opportunity and not as a process. Using more reflective practice, evaluating what could happen, giving time to think about the workflow and use this exploration to set standards to measure results.
With the support of leadership, the program has since evaluated the process through questioning, organizing, and thinking broadly. We incorporated more perspectives, reflected on what worked and what needed improvements. A new workflow was created that focuses more on professional development, accountability and maximizing revenue. In February of 2021, supervisors will be utilizing the tracking tool for improving field performance, training and development, accountability measures and continued exploration of service opportunities.
There are a variety of factors that can get in the way of opening our mindset to critical thinking. Not asking questions to get to the right ones and not being curious about a problem or process will stifle critical thinking. While working with Child Protection in NH I was part of a work group tasked with identifying root cause in family engagement failure. The group came together with a preconceived perspective that case load was the main issue. We began the process with the “Five Why” method, the why’s quickly turned to more questions on process, practice then to training and professional development. By just starting with the “Why” the correct questions began to organically surface. Through this process we discovered case load was not the root cause of why protection workers were not engaging with families, it was about training and the missing component was Supervisor Training.
Other factors that create a barrier to critical thinking is identifying bias, we all have them, and I think often times we are timid in identifying this. So many times I hear the word “non-judgmental”, yes best practice is that we have an open mindset and don’t judge, however we all have judgement whether it is lived, learned or even cultural. As noted in the Manifesto reading, the first two of Daniel Goleman’s Five Emotional Competencies are vital in critical thinking; Identify and Understand, we must be aware of our bias and understand the impact it can have in our thinking. Second is to Manage, once we understand the bias, we can manage it to cultivate a more positive mindset for reflective problem solving and broadening opportunities.
Example of where you did not use your critical thinking skills:
In 2019 our program began Medicaid billing for Recovery Support Services. At that time I was not versed in this process and not surrounded by others who were as well. I took a very process approach to the billing, I did not go outside my comfort zone in exploring how others were billing, I was not curios enough with the process and missed an opportunity to explore and make this process more than just a check box in the workflow.
Outcome:
The program began billing for services; however I was not properly analyzing the data, the process was not creative, I did not explore how billing could be used as a workforce development opportunity and the program was missing revenue opportunities.
How could it have been different if I had applied critical thinking skills:
I believe the process would have been focused and purposeful if I had approached the billing as an opportunity and not as a process. Using more reflective practice, evaluating what could happen, giving time to think about the workflow and use this exploration to set standards to measure results.
With the support of leadership, the program has since evaluated the process through questioning, organizing, and thinking broadly. We incorporated more perspectives, reflected on what worked and what needed improvements. A new workflow was created that focuses more on professional development, accountability and maximizing revenue. In February of 2021, supervisors will be utilizing the tracking tool for improving field performance, training and development, accountability measures and continued exploration of service opportunities.