Deep thinking.
The ability to truly rise above and look at a problem from different angles.
To understand the underlying principles, not just formulas.
Seeing patterns and making inferences which lead to completely new ways of doing things is one of the most important skills you can master as a business owner.
Why? Because all innovation comes from people who think. Not just take the first answer thrown up by Google.
There appears to be an interesting and somewhat disturbing phenomenon since the Google Age.
According to some recent research by Yale Psychologists, it appears we think we’re smarter than we really are if we rely on the internet for information.
There’s another school of thought which says we’re getting intellectually lazy.
Gone are the days when you really had to dig for information. To sort and sift to see what’s real. To find meaning.
Today all you do is enter a query into Google – and not even a well formed one, and voila, up comes an answer.
I’m not saying this is a bad thing. Often the answer is just what you’re looking for. On the surface.
The problem is, is it the best one?
This is especially pertinent in business. The surface answer may keep your head above water.
But a deeply thought out, creative one might take you to a completely different level of growth.
Remember, as the leader your job is to invent the future for your business, your clients and your life.
So you must conceive of the future, then figure out how to make the concept a reality.
So use the information you glean from Google as a building block. Then add to it.
Now I can imagine some of you saying, “I’m really busy. I don’t have time for this.”.
Well, make time.
It’s called working on your business instead of in it.
Go on a “connectivity fast”.
Turn off your computer. Turn off your email. Turn off your phone. Get away from your normal office environment.
Take out a pad and pencil.
And think. Really think.
By giving yourself some distance you’ll be surprised at how often solutions will come to you. I’m sure you’ve experienced getting answers in the shower or while driving or just lying in bed.
This takes it to a new level.
How often should you do this?
Well, that’s up to you. But once a week for at least a couple of hours is a good start.
Try it and let me know how you go. I’m sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
And believe me the world will still keep turning while you’re out of the office!
