Critical Thinking

Apply appropriate research and analysis techniques to investigate complex situations, to formulate informed decisions and to evaluate outcomes for individual and organizational improvement.

ARTIFACTS

REFLECTION

This learning objective presented the greatest challenge when attempting to limit the number of considerable relatable artifacts. As a skill, critical thinking is an area where I perceived myself to be significantly lacking. As I reflect back on my coursework and experiences within the MPS OL program I am struck by the multitude of coursework opportunities to develop critical thinking. Included are three challenging assignments which I believe most aptly portray my achievement of the critical thinking learning goal.

LDRS 802 is a concentration course within the FHSU MPS OL graduate program. Titled Organizational Systems, Change and Leadership the course focuses on enhancing students’ view of systems thinking as it relates to leadership and change at an organizational level. The course includes the reading of Thinking Systems Meadows (2008) where the ideology of stocks and flows is outlined. This concept is extremely useful when evaluating compounding factors within an identified system.

When developing the attached stock-and-flow diagram I was surprised by the number of issues I was able to identify when considering delays in the reimbursement process. As noted prior to developing this diagram (and in many other instances) I had not considered the many interconnections, complexities, flows, and stocks as part of an identified system. Furthering my recognition of the value and importance of the contributions of others an opportunity to discuss this stock-and-flow diagram with other team members, departments, or markets may bring additional surprising relationships or findings not yet considered.

The second included artifact is the final paper from Qualitative Methods Research LDRS 810. This course provided students the opportunity to learn about qualitative methods and then engage in a qualitative research project. The research project engaged in was one of professional interest. My education, experiences, personal values, and beliefs contribute to my interest in the availability and applicability of leadership development opportunities within the HIM profession.

As a leader in HIM I bring experience both in the technical aspects of HIM and leadership. I am a multiple certification holder within the HIM field. I have been working in HIM for nearly 20 years with the most recent five of those years being in a leadership role. I am a female within a career field which is largely dominated by females including leadership positions. Like many within the field, HIM was not an initial career choice or educational journey.

Unlike many of my HIM colleagues I hold a higher level of formal education along with a greater number of industry related certifications. Being introverted and task oriented I thrive at independent work and have historically given little attention to networking or the building of relationships. During the time I transitioned from a technical to leadership role in HIM AHIMA focus became one of transforming HIM roles, responsibilities, and capabilities which included more interest and focus on leadership as a necessary skill within the HIM profession.

The research paper within LDRS 810 provided an opportunity for me to vicariously participate in the leadership journey of several HIM professionals. This participation opened my eyes to the wide array of leadership journeys and leadership experiences available to those within HIM. Being more aware of these diverse journeys I find myself better equipped to mentor, promote and support those within my circle of influence on their personal leadership journeys. This awareness is extremely valuable to me. One of the primary reasons I pursued formal education in leadership was so I could be an improved mentor for other would-be leaders.

The third artifact included is the final research paper from SOC 621 Advanced Sociological Research which is a concentration course within the MPS OL program. The work within SOC 621 allowed for significant growth in what I would describe as my “logical” thinking skills. Learning how to approach questions, situations, and issues in a more methodical and non-emotional manner has improved interactions with my current team. Experiences as a result of this course and coursework have improved my ability to maintain an objective view while adhering to the facts.