Critical Thinking in Practice
The article in question dwells upon burnout at the workplace and the correlation between social perfectionism and burnout. Childs and Stoeber (2012) claim that social perfectionism contributes to the increase in such symptoms of burnout as exhaustion, inefficacy, and cynicism. The research is quite sound and the researchers do not have any obvious bias. It is also possible to note that the researchers make their point quite compelling and provide a significant bulk of data to support their claim.
At the same time, there are certain flaws in the research that may question its validity. First, the research should involve more participants. Childs and Stoeber (2012) should also note that they focused on particular spheres (healthcare and education) as it seems that the researchers tend to generalize their findings. It seems that the researchers assume that the findings can be the same in other settings (other types of organizations, other types of posts, and so on).
The sample chosen is quite homogeneous as the number of females and males is disproportionate. It is possible to assume that females are more vulnerable while it is unclear whether males areas affected by social perfectionism as females are. As has been mentioned above, the spheres chosen are also quite specific as healthcare units and educational establishments differ significantly from other organizations. Therefore, it is quite difficult (or rather impossible) to generalize the findings as social perfectionism can have a very different impact on employees working for for-profit organizations or people employed in other spheres.
It is possible to add that the article leaves the reader with several questions without an answer. For instance, it is unclear whether social perfectionism has a role in other types of organizations. It is also quite unclear whether age, gender, or ethnicity has any impact on the correlation between social perfectionism and burnout.
Model for Reflective Practice
Self-reflection and self-evaluation are critical for any individual as they help people self-develop. It is possible to use a model for reflective practice based on the upper levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy. These levels are evaluation, synthesis, and analysis (Stanley & Moore, 2013).
These components will enable me to understand myself better, identify my strengths and weaknesses, and come up with proper strategies to develop my strong sides and eliminate my weaknesses. I will analyze and evaluate my behavior, my thoughts, and even my mood in various situations. I will identify certain trends and then I will be able to synthesize this knowledge to develop particular strategies that will improve my reactions in different situations.
This model will suit me best as I like when everything is clear and all points are properly analyzed. I tend to make plans and follow them, which enables me to remain focused and confident.
I can state that I have basic interpersonal skills. More so, I have some emotional intelligence skills that help me communicate with different people and be a part of a team. I can handle many situations and effectively work on projects within teams. However, I am quite emotional and this leads to certain undesirable outcomes. Sometimes I am offended or hurt and this leads to the development of burnout symptoms.
I believe that efficient self-reflection can help me address my weaknesses effectively. Thus, I plan to have a diary where I write down some events and ways I responded. I will note the most remarkable ones. I will analyze my reactions trying to identify reasons for my behavior, possible ways to change it, and behave differently in similar situations. I will also evaluate the behavior of other people and will try to reflect on ways to use the same patterns.
Reference List
Childs, J.H., & Stoeber, J. (2012). Do you want me to be perfect? Two longitudinal studies on socially prescribed perfectionism, stress and burnout in the workplace. Work & Stress, 26(4), 347-364.
Stanley, T., & Moore, B. (2013). Critical thinking and formative assessments: Increasing the rigor in your classroom. New York, NY: Routledge.