Creative thinking styles
The CEO of a midsize organization was concerned that the lack of innovation from his senior team could be negatively affecting the company's performance. The CEO was right to be worried. A 2007 McKinsey & Company study (How companies approach innovation: A McKinsey Global Survey) reported 70 percent of participating executives said innovation was one of the top three drivers of business growth.
After shadowing the senior management team, it was evident that these six people were "one-note thinkers." One-note thinkers are stuck in a singular reasoning style. This style, repeated over and over, shapes reactions and actions and limits innovation. According to Edward de Bono, author of "Six Thinking Hats," "In a sense, words are encyclopedias of ignorance because they freeze perceptions at one moment in history and then insist we continue to use these frozen perceptions when we should be doing better."
Think about company meetings you've attended. Have you seen any of these reasoning styles reflected there?
Death by Delay Donnie. This thinking style never wants to be first and is also very risk-averse. A typical response is, "Let's just give it another month or two. By then, we'll know how such-and-such has turned out, and how so-and-so is thinking. Then maybe we'll be able to decide what's best."
Fear Factor Frannie. A typical first reaction is avoidance and looking backward. You might hear a Fear Factor Frannie say, "Don't you remember the last time we tried to change that? It was a disaster, and we certainly don't want a repeat of that scenario, now do we?"
Big But Ben. These are the glass half-empty folks, perpetually looking on the dark side and/or taking the contrarian view. "Sure, I've heard that 500 million people use Facebook, but we can't be certain how long that fad will last." Or, "Of course everyone likes Sam, but I'm not sure he's really right for the organization."
Positive Polly. These individuals wear their rose-colored glasses all the time, refusing to acknowledge or accept there's anything wrong with anyone or anything. "You folks are being much too hard on Billy. Yes, I know he got that DUI in a company vehicle and then fibbed about it happening. But no one was seriously hurt in the accident."
Like Me Larry. Being liked, rather than being correct or candid or respected, is at the top of the priority list for Like Me Larry, who agrees with whoever is speaking at the moment. "Polly, I couldn't agree with you more." Followed by, "Donnie, I know your position is a little different from Polly's, yet I agree with you, too."
Balance Sheet Bob. Everything, every time, is all about the bottom line to people caught in this line of thinking. "It doesn't matter that the telephone system is outdated. Customers can call back. There's no money in this year's budget to buy a new system."
Reflect on how you approach issues. Might you be stuck in a single style of thinking that feels comfortable yet is stifling your innovation because it keeps you from considering other options? The power of innovation flows from using all of these points of view. That way, you're thoughtfully analyzing a situation or devising a strategy by looking at the data from all angles.
Jane Perdue is the principal/CEO for the Braithwaite Innovation Group. You can reach her through her company's website, braithwaiteinnovationgroup.com.The Job Coaches are experienced volunteers from the Center for Women's Job Counseling Program. Ask them question by calling 763-7333 or e-mailing info@c4women.org. If you would like further assistance, make a counseling appointment; a donation of $35 is requested.
