A500.1.5.RB_FogartyShawn

            Intellectual perseverance will be important as I progress in my studies because it further defines an individual’s self-worth about their commitments. My studies are important to me and as such call for a serious dedication about the material, subject matter, and my course work. As I commit to the Master of Science in Leadership program I’ve identified that I will be giving up weeknights and weekends of otherwise free time. This is a conscience decision I support as I’ve vested my future in my higher education. To have done so without an intellectual perseverance would have otherwise been unintelligent. I completely agree with how Critical Thinking Organization (n.d.) defines intellectual perseverance:

 “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.”

The significance about this definition is the robust nature to which it identifies the barriers one might encounter along with the necessary nature to overcome them. Further, it exemplifies intellectual preference as an individual oath against complacency. The serious nature about the definition further exacerbates the necessary nature as to why it is important in my studies. I also believe that anything worth doing is worth doing well. I am not personally able to produce a half-witted product. If an assignment comes my way I consider it a direct reflection which is why I would devote the proper attention to detail and dedication to produce the best product I can. In relation to my studies that means I learn the most I can from the program.

            Intellectual perseverance is an absolute must, an enduring quality of good leaders. Leaders would not otherwise be considered good with an absence of these qualities and attributes. Further, a leader must be able to identify barriers and improvise, adapt, and overcome the hardships they face. Adversity is everywhere, good leaders must rely upon “intellectual insights and truths in spite of difficulties, obstacles, and frustrations” (Valuable Intellectual Traits, n.d.). If leaders are not able to face adversity; conquering in spite of the obstacles in front of them they do their followers no good. Good leaders will also be faces with an opposition force that wants leader to capitulate to their ideas or beliefs. This does not mean leaders must rule with an iron hand but rather rely on a “firm adherence to rational principles despite the irrational opposition of others” (Valuable Intellectual Traits, n.d.). Lastly, good leaders must put in the long, arduous hours necessary to seek the trust in fact. They cannot accept the “cliff note” version but invest the time and energy that is required to “struggle with confusion and unsettled questions over an extended period of time to achieve deeper understanding or insight” (Valuable Intellectual Traits, n.d.). Finally, good leaders must continually strive to be great leaders; great leaders aren’t without intellectual perseverance.

 

Valuable Intellectual Traits. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/valuable-intellectual-traits/528