doug smith training

The brain is wonderful, isn't it? Fully capable of decoding, encoding, and subject to eroding when we least expect it, the brain is filled with surprises. To keep it focused, we focus hard -- on facts, on data, on details. All of that is important. It's also critical, as we practice critical thinking, to keep the big picture in mind. Where are we going? What is our mission? What's going on in the world (even the universe!) that will impact us whether we are aware or not? The big picture will include you, whether or not you include the big picture. Step back today and take a look. The big picture has probably shifted on you. -- doug smith  

How sure are you of the facts? In any decision, during any problem, the facts matter. While emotions propel us forward, unless we measure the facts, the facts could trip us up. How? Easily. What we believe to be facts could be something else. Inaccurate. Assertions. Assumptions. We need to practice our critical thinking skills to see thru the constant fog and clarify the facts. Accuracy depends on some fairly inaccurate assumptions. Before we can be sure, we need to recognize and qualify our assumptions. At least, I assume that's true... -- doug smith  

Have you ever been absolutely convinced of something, so certain that you would defend it or explain it or insist on it to anyone -- only to later discover that it was wrong? I have, and it doesn't feel great, does it? We can all fall into a habit of believing our beliefs so strongly that there's no room for learning. What feels most comfortable seems most true. Only, not always. Certainty is no measure of truth. No matter how true something seems, check for evidence. -- doug smith Call to Action: Write down one sentence on something that you are absolutely certain about. Now, write down three pieces of evidence for that certainty. What do you think?

I get stuck on an idea and the more I think about it, the more I like that idea. Is that the best strategy? Not as an exclusive approach to decision thinking because what if that idea is flawed? It's better to get some more thinkers in the mix. A little disagreement can test an idea before the idea has a chance to test you. Leaders need diverse thinkers to help them expand their limited perception. When we're wrong we don't even know it unless someone else opens our mind. Keep that mind open. That next idea might be much better. -- doug smith