How do you think?

I used to be much more of a linear thinker — how to get from point A to point B in a straight line, marching down the bullet-points on a page, taking a single line of attack to find a solution to a problem - you get the idea. Maybe it comes from my experience as an investment banker coming out of college?

Anyway, I’ve made a big effort over the last year or two to become more of a whole-systems thinker, which takes some effort and a change in approach: it means thinking empathetically, in three dimensions, being curious as hell, open to seeming random connections and committed to finding a balanced “truth” (many debate whether truth exists at all).

I’m reminded of this every month or so when I meet my mentor (for b’fast). He is a consummate whole-systems thinker, listening well and conveying his points with powerful visuals or anecdotes. Rarely does he try to solve a thorny issue until he’s given it a good 360-degree evaluation (he’s got age/wisdom on his side as well).

I always leave these meetings feeling inspired to think better. And when I can pull off that inquisitive mode of thinking, even for a while, my days flow and take on more color…

Do you pay attention to how you think?

Image source: Wikipedia internet map