Do You Think?

from Able Leader, March 2003

by Steve Kaye

One important characteristic of leaders is that they think.

So, how much time do you spend thinking?

Of course, everyone tells me that they think. But do you set aside time specifically for thinking? Do you schedule thinking on your calendar? Have you developed systems that facilitate your thinking so that it produces results?

Few people make systematic thinking a priority. Instead they find it easier to be busy working on problems, pushing things back-and-forth, and rushing from here to there.

After all, thinking is not urgent. There is no immediate payoff for thinking. And thinking seldom stops the noise around you.

However, thinking can help you avoid the problems that cause the noise. It also focuses your mind, reduces stress, and expands intellect. You may also create ideas that lead to useful products.

First set aside time for thinking. Choose the time when your mind works best. I like to think in the morning. You may prefer other times such as after lunch, in the afternoon, or just before going to sleep. Then schedule it on your calendar. I recommend scheduling at least half an hour to think.

At this point some of you are ready to yell, "How can this guy expect me to find even half a minute to spend on this!?!" Before you hit the delete key, realize that sometimes chaotic high-stress situations are the result of trying to do too much with too little.

Taking a break to sort out priorities will clear your mind and settle your thoughts. Just ten minutes may be enough.

Next, use thinking as a process of asking yourself questions and then answering them. This type of dialogue helps you find solutions and explore possibilities. The key to making it work rests in the questions that you ask yourself. Good, deep questions lead to valuable answers.

Lastly, write out your thoughts. Let a stream of consciousness flow from your pen. Suspend judgment, ignore the details, avoid evaluating what you write. Just write. You can always review and revise your ideas later.

If thinking intrigues you, let's talk. In some of my workshops, we spend time learning how to make thinking work for you. We work on powerful techniques that help you explore, create, and plan.

Key Point: Set aside time for thinking.

Much success,

Steve Kaye
714-528-1300