"The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education."
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
These two quotes allude to the same thing: the need to continually review the process that leads to the decisions we make.
It is very easy to fall into a pattern of circular thinking. I think it therefore it is. But the obvious danger in doing this is self-fulfilling prophecy.
That would be OK if all our decisions were good ones but when they're not . . .
How (do) you challenge your decision making process?
It is very easy to fall into a pattern of circular thinking. I think it therefore it is. But the obvious danger in doing this is self-fulfilling prophecy.
That would be OK if all our decisions were good ones but when they're not . . .
How (do) you challenge your decision making process?
There's another quote to add: If you do things the way you've always done them, you'll get the result you always have."
ReplyDeleteA great new book addresses the process of thinking, looking at it in a new way, I think. It's called "Living Life as if THinking Matters," and it takes the position that because everything happens because of the way we think, solutions depend upon the way we think, too. The author helps readers take a new look at the decision-making process, including thinking about politics, family, love, the environment, economics, government and social issues and how to improve one's self and one's life.
Thanks for the book suggestion Liz; I will read it.
ReplyDeleteYou know some of the quotes in these posts and the comments that follow sounds so intuitive that they don't need to be said.
But then I look around at how business is actually conducted (including me) and conclude that what should be isn't the same as what is.
Out of curiosity how do you monitor your decision making process? Does it change over time and if so based on what?
What I do in that regard works to varying degrees at different times but whatever the case I know I must continually rethink the process and with that the case, all suggestions are welcome.
We repeat our mistakes because it is easier to do that than it is to find ways not to.
ReplyDeleteBill –
ReplyDeleteThat Einstein quote has always been one of my favorites. Bringing in new members to a team or an organization is one way to challenge assumptions and innovate. Then, as a leader, you need to train yourself to suspend your judgment and listen for new possibilities.
I agree with the "new blood" approach Dan as long as what the new people say is at least considered, a point you make as well ("Then, as a leader, you need to train yourself to suspend your judgment and listen for new possibilities.")
ReplyDeleteI read a very interesting article this week in the Wall Street Journal about an employee swap program between Google and Procter and Gamble (http://tinyurl.com/57mc8l).
Among other things it talked about the shock that both sides experienced when exposed to how the other did business.
Not everything that works in one environment will work in the other but an open and honest exchange of ideas will help regardless.
You know, it's an interesting question to really think about how I, personally, make decisions, as opposed to reading about how others do it! I do like the quote I gave you, about how you get the same result if you do the same thing. SO I do try hard, if I want to change the result of something, to alter how I got there. It's not always easy, though -- I think we get kind of entrenched in doing things the same way, just because it's easier.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I like the Randy Wysong book I mentioned -- it helps me to take a new look at existing situations!
Good luck.