When Being Wrong Might Be Right

("think" by michael pollak is licensed under CC BY 2.0)

Are you someone who reads a post and shares because it resonates with your perspective or are you one of "those" people who heads to fact-checker sites to debunk information found within the post? I am one of "those" people. How did I become one of "those" people? Leadership development, that is how.

First, I am ashamed to admit few things: 1) I have been a person who shared without reading. 2) I have been contributing to the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program for nearly 20 years and have much to learn and unlearn. 

Until recently, I had just barely scratched the surface on critical thinking. Over the last few years, however, I was determined to find a way to make sense of many things that were outside my understanding. Things people were posting were driving me crazy. I wanted to unfriend family members and found issue with the current state of society. I knew I could not control what was happening, but I did know I control how I reacted to the environment in which I chose to live and work. I had to get a handle on my feelings before my feelings handled me.

When the pandemic hit, I found myself with extra time in my day. I had become more productive and had time for learning. I came across FutureLearn and free courses they offered. Eventually, I came upon a course from Auckland University titled, "Logical and Critical Thinking." I knew I was deficient in this area and decided to give it a try. Information presented in the course has given me much insight into how we think which in turn has turned me into one of "those" people. 

Being one of "those" people is not a bad thing. I make sure that I show as much respect as I can when commenting about someone's post with which I find concern. I try to explain the fallacies as I (and my fact-checker) deem inaccurate. I try not to attack the person but the facts of their position. However, many people fail to even read the article they post and become quite defensive when challenged. 

As you can probably tell, I am a proponent of science. I love to test theories. As such I as lots of questions. I am trained to look for the "wrong" in thought. I am okay with the fact that my thoughts may be wrong. I don't like being told I am wrong, who does? But, when someone challenges my position, I try to be open to the thought...that is if you attack the position and not the person. Wouldn't it be great to openly and respectfully discuss our differences.

Here is a short video about the difference between science and pseudoscience and how they shape our logical and critical thinking. An awareness of the difference may help us alleviate our biases and move forward from the deep chasms we experience in society today.

I challenge each of you to embrace a healthy conflict mindset. Together, we can find a place where duty, respect, and integrity reside in harmony. And as always, if you don't agree, let's talk!

Wildland Fire Leadership Challenge - Digging a Little Deeper

• Learn more about logical and critical thinking.
• Philosophy of the Humanities - Leiden University
• Logical and Critical Thinking - The University of Auckland
• Watch Netflix's documentary "Social Dilemma." 
• How is social media affecting your relationships?
• How might artificial intelligence be affecting your relationships and shaping your mental awareness.

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About the Author: Pam McDonald is a writer/editor for BLM Wildland Fire Training and Workforce Development and member of the NWCG Leadership Subcommittee. The expressions are those of the author.