Thoughts About Thinking

A few weeks ago I was introduced to a wonderful poem by Robert Bly called “Things to Think.” It’s message invites the reader to “think in ways you’ve never thought before” and it has been ringing in my ears ever since. Most of us struggle to think differently; perhaps a symptom of a larger societal problem that protects the status quo. Those persons who offer new ideas are often dismissed out of hand or ridiculed and attacked for their different perspectives. At a time when we are facing enormous challenges as a business community and a nation doesn’t it make sense to encourage truly innovative thinking, to generate as many new ideas as possible, that can address our many ills?

One thing I have learned through my interaction with many different leaders and their teams is the importance of speaking the other person’s language. I’m not referring to a foreign tongue or regional dialect; the key is knowing their behavioral language—what resonates with them. This can be done by reading their behavior and offering your ideas in a context that makes sense to them. For example, if the manager or employee likes challenges and results it won’t do any good to present your new idea from a people or feelings perspective. Your argument that team morale will improve or customers will have more fun won’t connect. Only by presenting logical facts, with a focus on how the new idea improves revenue or reduces expenses, will they seriously consider your suggestion.

Of course the use of behavioral language won’t make every new idea attractive or successful. Organizations are filled with naysayers who pride themselves on destroying any new thought process before an idea takes root. They will accuse you of forcing your idea on them or wonder why a competitor hasn’t tried this already. Sometimes they will argue that now is a bad time or we don’t have the resources to pull it off. Compelling arguments to be sure but no reason to abandon a great new idea.

Common sense seems best suited to throw these naysayers off their game. Learn how to tailor your response in a way that reduces their anxiety. Use realistic comparisons, tout the uniqueness of the opportunity, or why it is essential to act now. If you take the high road and calmly respond to each salvo you are more likely to gain the respect of the attacker and anyone else that may be present. Never underestimate the power of a simple story to illustrate your point. Great communicators know how to integrate the past successes and present opportunities of their organization without data charts and PowerPoint slides.

What new ideas might be lurking in your organizations? Are there a few innovations locked in the recesses of your own mind? How will you create an environment that encourages the best and brightest to emerge? Now seems like an opportune time to “think in ways you’ve never thought before.” By the way, it’s been determined that should your new idea fail, the world as we know it won’t end.