A500.1.5.RB_LarsonKurt, Intellectual Perseverance

A500.1.5.RB_LarsonKurt, Intellectual Perseverance

Statement – Intellectual Perseverance is a much-needed attribute enabling one to reason through complex problems, issues and questions. All higher-level thinking requires the use of the skill of intellectual perseverance. By definition intellectual perseverance can be thought of as a disposition of working ones way through the intellectual complexities in spite of the frustrations associated with the inherent task at hand. 

Elaboration - Intellectual Perseverance is an attribute that once acquired, is not readily given-up in the face of adversity, complexity or frustration. Individuals who possess intellectual perseverance tend to display a firm adherence to maintaining rational principles in the face of adversity or the irrational behavior of others. They display a realistic sense toward the understanding or struggle with confusing or unsettling questions or scenarios over a period of time as a method of insight or enlighten of a particular topic.

Consequently the opposite of intellectual perseverance would be intellectual laziness. Intellectual laziness is best demonstrated in the intellectually indolent or lazy individuals who displays a low tolerance for intellectual pain or frustration and tend to give-up rather quickly in the face of an intellectually challenging task or situation. This could explain a politician or hard-core sales persons unprofessional use of rhetoric and the mind numbing effects it can have on the intellectually indolent? 

Exemplification - As an example of intellectual perseverance, I often explain to individuals and groups that I am a Lifetime Member of the National Rifle Association, the oldest civil rights group in existence. Most argue that the NAACP is the oldest civil rights group and that the NRA has nothing to do with a civil right. At first glance I consider that my audience may possibly be intellectually indolent and calmly and collectively take the time to explain my stance. The NRA was incorporated on November 17, 1871 and the NAACP was founded Feb. 12. 1909 partly in response to the continuing horrific practice of lynching and the 1908 race riot in Springfield, the capital of Illinois and resting place of President Abraham Lincoln.

Consequently the initial purpose of the NRA was to "promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis, promoting the shooting sports among America's youth began in 1903 when NRA Secretary Albert S. Jones urged the establishment of rifle clubs at all major colleges, universities and military academies. While widely recognized today as a major political force and as America's foremost defender of Second Amendment rights, the NRA has, since its inception, been the premier firearms education organization in the world.

I also go on to explain to my audience that I am not promoting one group over another. I further explain that as a retired military member, I took an oath to defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic and that includes all components of our Constitution including the Bill of Rights. I further explain that the Bill of Rights are those God given and unalienable rights, that the government is NOT the grantor of, but merely its protector.

I further explain that weather you agree of disagree with me or the Bill of Rights or our Constitution is irrelevant. The Constitution is what it is in its entirety and we both should be grateful for its existence, as without it… we most likely would not have had the debate of conversation we both enjoyed because of it!       

Illustrations - Some good definitions of the very words that are the very crux of conflict and at times misuse or misinterpretation and/or misrepresentation in our supposed civil society.

Civil - Law relating to private relations between members of a community; noncriminal: a civil action.

Courteous and polite: we tried to be civil to him.

Right - Morally good, justified, or acceptable: I hope we're doing the right thing [with infinitive]: you were quite right to criticize him.

True or correct as a fact: I'm not sure I know the right answer her theories were proved right.

Civil Rights - The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality

                                                  IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776

                    The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

The Second Amendment to our Constitution – “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”

Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

The NAACP Vision Statement – “The vision of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race.

Both the Second Amendment and the NAACP Vision Statement are powerful words, based upon a general mistrust of either government or society to look after and be entrusted to do the right thing, remembering that it is a Declaration of Independence… and not a Declaration of Dependence.    

                                     

A520.9.5.RB_LarsonKurt, Power

 A520.9.5.RB_LarsonKurt, Power

 Chapter 5 of your text defines power as the "potential to influence behavior" (Whetton and Cameron, 2011, p. 286). 

 Given this definition, develop your Blog entry using the following questions as your guide:

 Are you comfortable developing sources of personal influence to gain power?

I am comfortable in developing my sources of personal influence as a method of gaining power. My reasoning is quite simply that I do not have malice or the want for absolute power, which is a corrupting position from any perspective. I simply have a desire for the limited amount of power and influence as a method to be effective in my given profession and to the point that the use of such power is on a very limited basis and that humility and humanity are always the best and foremost options that should be utilized when attempting to influence, or persuade the outcome of a situation or opinion.

      Do you embody the characteristics of likable people depicted in Table 5.4 (p. 290)?

Yes I embody and support an open and honest relationship with my coworkers, friend’s family and colleagues. I display and in-turn expect the loyalty and respect of those I am in contact with including unconditional and a positive regard for individuals once they have proven their loyalty and honesty toward myself and my family. I extend an acceptance provide that honesty and loyalty is never taken for granted or abused it is generally for life with old friends and new alike.  

      Are you able to use influence both up and down your organization considering the information in Table 5.5 (p. 293)?  

      Yes I have the capability to influence and recommend change up and down the organizational chain based upon over 32 years of aviation quality and safety experience, my credentials and earned and in process degree work does render a certain amount of added credibility to the mix. I have and continue to strive for legitimacy in my efforts of raising the bar for the organization and its responsibilities to the science of NOAA and the American taxpayer for proper and responsible use of resources. I strive to offer a consistent and reliable assessment of the organization and its operations both at home and away. And I make an honest attempt at working with people in a likable and acceptable manner, although it can be a bit of a challenge from the perspective that I rarely get the support of upper management and direct line supervisors when the issue of continued monitoring and enforcement of policies and procedures. The true rub comes into play when upper management will not make good on their commitments of enforcing accepted policy and procedures although they have the ability to, it is rarely the true case of a commitment toward accountability and holding ones feet to the fire. As I have explained in the past… it is not my policy or procedure that I am auditing, it is the organizations. I am simply the auditor and collector of data with recommendations for positive and regulatory required compliance. In other words… it does not matter what I want, it does matter what management wants and has agreed upon.    

A520.7.3.RB_LarsonKurt, Importance of Having a Coach and Mentor

Write a blog entry on the significance, importance, and/or impact of having a coach and/or a mentor to help you in your professional journey.

The demands placed on individuals from all walks of life in today’s global economy, plus the need to have effective and consistent and positive interaction is an ever-increasing complex and human endeavor. Today’s workforce needs the confidence, self-esteem and determination, if they are going to succeed in business or government.

In the 1980’s as a young and still wet behind the ears Airman in the USAF, I was subjected to a multitude of new ideas and at the time appealing interests. It was an old and retired A.F. NCO who was at the time a civilian employee, took me under his wing and showed me the ropes of being an effective aircraft mechanic. The first and most lasting lesson was “treat and maintain an aircraft, like your family was going to fly on it.” I never have forgotten those words, and through the years, I still employ it in my profession and those appointed above me and below me.      

The importance of having a mentor is vastly important and can leave a lasting impression upon you like the above mentioned description. As you grow older and the demands that are placed upon you become greater and greater, the lines can often get blurry and the waters muddied between what may be ethical and prudent to what can be outright illegal or improper. The use of an impromptu mentor or someone who has been there and understands the true costs of poorly made decisions even with the best of intentions, can spell the difference between a successful career and possible jail time. The latter sentence although maybe a bit exaggerated, does hold some merit as to the consequences of one’s actions is a world and society slowly corrupting itself and willing to bring with-it as many causalities as possible. It should serve as a sobering reality check of what can happen if one were to let ones guard down.

A mentor can also be a good source of inspiration to an individual in a perspective career move and educational pursuits.  As an example, I recently accomplished a graduate degree change from Project Management to Leadership. I was not happy or satisfied with the degree work and where it was going, so, I enlisted the advice of the ERAU Academic Advisor as to where my career goals are and where I want to be in 3-5 years. She assisted me with the degree change and I am now on the road to a more personally and professionally rewarding degree work.

I my former A.F. life, mentors may not have been as friendly or as agreeable as I would have hoped, however, much like your parents may have been tough on you as a method of instilling you and get you prepared for life’s challenges and setbacks.  These mentors afforded me the same type of mentoring… even as an adult we all need a preverbal kick in the pants on occasion. Looking back, these individuals were probably my best and closest friends and allies I could have ever wanted, and I believe them partially or directly responsible for pushing me to realize my personnel, professional and educational goals.