Busy business leaders are often too focused on performance results to stop and think creatively.
I believed I knew the answer to most problems without the need to think it through thoroughly and slow down to be more creative.
I wasn’t patient enough. And if someone tried to slow me down to think creatively I would find it irritating and avoid these types of conversations.
As a result, I would keep doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result. What we know Einstein said was a sign of insanity!
I have learnt how to slow my thinking down, I take more time to listen to others and understand their perspective rather than only focusing on the end result.
Here are 4 steps you can use by yourself and with your team, so you take the best possible action to achieve results.
- What’s your single biggest challenge?
- What is your desired outcome (and by when)?
- Create options and ideas (brainstorm, get creative, listen)
- Choose the best option and identify a specific, measurable and timeframe for your target.
The aim is to avoid jumping to step 4 immediately. Slow down.
When we learn to truly listen and become more patient with ourselves and others we improve our well-being and dignity.
Otherwise, we limit our courage and the ability to fully explore, create and improve our performance.
Do you find it hard to slow your thinking down?