in Behavior, Psychology
I’m a sucker for anything that has to do with decision making. And, I’m also a sucker for anything that has to do with Sherlock Holmes. The two go together nicely. That is why I was excited to buy Maria Konnikova’s new book, Mastermind: How to think like Sherlock Holmes.
I found this excellent video where Maria talks about some of the ideas behind her book as well as some tips on how to make more rational decisions. …
This the sixteenth of a series of weekly posts where I will answer a few common questions about innovation. Please feel free to add your own response. Also, if you have any questions you think we should discuss, let me know.
“The better decision maker has at his/her disposal repertoires of possible actions; checklists of things to think about before he acts; and he has mechanisms in his mind to evoke these, and bring these to his conscious attention when the situations for decision arise.” – Herbert Simon, Nobel Laureate
There are plenty of ways to make better decisions. But what about when you are dealing with complexity (which we all do)? How can you see the essence of anything quickly?…
in Strategy
#Strategy is a choice. No company can be all things to all people and still win. – @rogerlmartin
— Jorge Barba (@jorgebarba) February 6, 2013
I firmly believe that strategy is about making choices. I didn’t have to read it in a book or sit down with Michael Porter to come to this conclusion. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been saying “no” to a bunch of things. I’m known to fire clients, or simply reject prospects without thinking about it. Sometimes, I don’t even take on clients because I perceive they will become a problem, and as a result it will become a pain in the butt work experience.
For me and my organization, it is very clear what types of organizations we want to work with. And, it isn’t because they can pay us more. It is because we admire, respect and feel that our values are aligned with their. It is a great filter to have. But for others who have worked with me, it is hard to accept; because they focused on closing deals.
I didn’t draw this up in a strategic plan or just deliberately do it. It is instinctive. It is my personality to focus on what matters and eliminate that which doesn’t. And, what matters to me is completely different to what matters to you. This is what strategy is about……
in Leadership, Strategy, Thinking
How can you get better at strategic thinking? Or in other words, “How do you improve your thought process?” One of the keys to becoming a great leader is to constantly improve your strategic thinking, so you can adjust to new global realities.
The first step is to accept that you are not right most of the time. You have to “constantly” question your own opinions. One way to do this is to surround yourself with people who don’t think like you. People who will question you. Make these people a key part of your team because what you don’t want is to be surrounded by YES men.
Another tip is learn game theory. Game theory is the study of strategic decision making. And strategic thinking is all about making better decisions. Game theory provides you tools to help you gain added perspective to generate alternative views. If you have added perspective, you’ll be able to anticipate and think critically about what may lay ahead; which are key strategic thinking habits.
Anyway, here a few simple and cost-effective ways to begin developing your strategic thinking ability:…
in Innovation
Why does critical thinking have a bad reputation? Is it because it seeks to uncover the truth? Do people think that the truth is negative? Is it because it is a Hope Killer?
I think that criticism is a form of optimism.
@cloverleafinnov wrote a nice post about how to think like an innovator. One thing they mention is how the ability to criticize is valuable:
Criticize. Creative thinking is critical thinking. The question “How can I improve this experience?” is a very powerful brainteaser. Just think of how many products out there solve problems or inconveniences: the remote control, the Swiffer, the Post-it… Next time you are in a frustrating situation like standing in a line which is taking too long, for example, ask yourself the question: “How can I improve this experience?” The answer may surprise you with its simplicity. This is how unpleasant experiences become idea starters.
The ability to think critically is probably the one thing I have trouble transferring over to others. I’ve even said that it is the gap between being truly innovative, to merely coming up with ideas.…
in Leadership, Strategy
Picture credit: Martin Oberhäuser
At its essence, strategy is a guide to behavior. And, when communicating your strategic intent, the most important goal is conveying your unique aspects and advantages with specific and engaging words.
This is hard. But, if you’re not being challenged at coming up with an effective strategy statement, you’re not trying hard enough. Because It is a real challenge to translate strategy into execution, this is something we must continually work at, that is, communicating strategy. Research has found that only %14 of employees understand their company’s strategy and direction.…
