What does it mean to be an original thinker and why is it important?

I believe these are wonderful questions. I have tried most of my adult life to be original for better or for worse. It has made me sometimes stand out, to be able to think of different and sometimes valuable new ideas and solutions and follow my own path.

It has also meant that I have become bored far too easily, it has made me unpopular at times and i have lacked a single-minded focus with my business (something i am trying to remedy with my Speed Thinking concept).

But to be an original thinker is still something to be cherished i believe. We all need people in our lives that help us see something in a different light or can open us to a new possibility. Original Thinkers are people with courage and imagination that do not want to follow the crowd nor accept the prevailing wisdom. Sometimes original thinkers are way ahead of everyone else and shine a light that others may follow and occasionally there are people that are original but are just plain wrong or mad or both.

But every now and then wouldn’t it be good to be more original at work (and your personal life).–to be the first person to think of a breakthrough solution and to jump ahead of the competition. To help others break out of the ‘me-too’ cycle?

How do you become an original thinker?

Here are some suggestions:

- Deliberately adopt an unpopular point of view and see the world fro this perspective e.g. is a good for the world that America is so powerful?

- Open your mind to new stimulus e.g. I read psychology and science magazines even though i am neither a psychologist nor scientist.

- Think of the ‘rules of the game’ that everyone seems to follow e.g. why are mobile phones getting smaller and smaller when the population is becoming older?

- Value your own experiences. We have been brought up to believe that our own experiences are somehow not valid they are too subjective. My bet is that if you are frustrated with a product or service for example then others feel the same way.

- Be fast. Don’t hesitate or second guess yourself. The lesson from Speed Thinking is that it is a process that enables your authentic and original self to emerge.

- Have courage. Be brave and follow your own thoughts. Be sure that if you voice a point of view others will follow.

These suggestions can help you become more original. Being able to think for yourself is a priceless ability and asset–in a washed out, neutral, grey world, a splash of colour can really stand out.

Ken Hudson

It is about this time when year 12 students (in Australia) receive their final year school results. It can be a mixture of joy or disappointment. But often there is a feeling of, ‘if only I had studied harder or longer I might have gained a few extra marks.’

There is also a feeling (from talking to students) of ‘if only i had scored a few extra marks in ……….exam’. They would often say  something like ‘I know that i could have finished that last essay but i ran out of time or if only i would have started the essays without searching for the perfect opening paragraph.’

The first of these laments are to do with content issues. Any school or university student simply has to be across the course (I taught at a university, part-time for ten years–you can tell straight away if the student know their stuff). This is where becoming better at subject revision and doing past papers can help.

But what about improving your performance in exams? Content is not the issue here but trying to get this content out, easily and simply.

This situation begs the question–does our education system and our teachers have the right skills and tools to help students to think quicker and better in a time-pressure situation like an exam. The answer I believe is no. This is where Speed Thinking can help.

I recently ran a pilot program with a private school in Sydney with their final year students and the teachers. It was a voluntary program and approx. 40% of the students (as well as over 30 teachers) attended and were exposed to a single 40 minute Speed Thinking session this was to coincide with a school period). The sample size is small as is the numbers but the results are highly suggestive that a more formal, developed Speed Thinking program could help any student to improve their essay results in an exam, feel more confident and energized in what is a stress-full year.

Based on a survey of this survey, students they could immediately see the benefits of Speed Thinking and could apply it straight-away. Teachers also found this new approach fast, innovative and helpful. They found it easy to learn and communicate and this new skill can complement and enhance their existing tool-kit.

As one year 12 student commented, ‘you’ve only got one chance at the HSC so why not give it everything you’ve got?’

For a full copy of the Speed Thinking pilot results program send me an email: info [at] thespeedthinkingzone [dot] com

I am looking for any student, teacher or principal that would like to introduce Speed Thinking to their school.  Speed Thinking was developed by me with and for business people but I believe this application is far more important.

Dr Ken Hudson

 

Many people believe that there are two types of decision-making. The first is the classic approach which is calls for a precise defining of the decision, developing a number of options and then carefully considering each approach and then deciding on the right decision. This approach has many apparent benefits–it is rational, people believe it is objective, unemotional and there is a formal process. The facts will decide which way to go. Detractors of this approach might point to the fact that it is timely and assumes that you know the outcome of every possibility.

 The other approach is to use your intuition to make decisions. Using this style a person can make decisions based on their experience and judgment. It is usually quick, decisive and can be creative. Some people might argue that it can be wrong, it is difficult to teach and it is an internal process that is hard to substantiate.

But can you have both? Can you have quickness with structure? Can you have rigor as well as relying on unconscious processes? It is my experience that you can have the best of both worlds. My creation of Speed Thinking enables people to create ideas, solutions or decision options at lightning speed (i.e. nine in two minutes) but because of its four stage process (i.e. start, evaluate, build and action) the better ideas can rise to the top through an iterative process. What’s more it can be learned and taught to others.

In a time-poor, fast-moving world, individuals and leaders have to make timely decisions. The adage, time is money is a perfect description of this new world. But it requires a new way of thinking, deciding and acting–one that can synergistically combine two previously opposing ways of thinking. Speed Thinking is one such way.

 

A million years ago I was a young man trying with all my heart to become a first grade soccer player. I once came on as a reserve but never quite made it. The reason? The first grade coach described me as a one-pace player. By this he meant that regardless of the circumstances of the game I played at my own steady pace. I could neither quicken up or slow down.

 

I believe that thinking is exactly the same. You can decide how fast or slow you think depending on the time available and the nature of the situation–by doing so, you can become a more effective and flexible problem-solver, idea generator and decision-maker.

 

Let’s consider a practical example. I am in the process of designing a course on overcoming procrastination. I started thinking quickly and designed the first outline of the course. Then I realised that there were many gaps in my knowledge so I slowed down and reflected on the content (slow thinking). This led me to start a LinkedIn discussion and I read numerous research reports. Finally I quickened my pace and completed the design of the course and then sent it around to various people for comments.

 

My message? Getting anything done requires just starting and I have found the best way of doing this is to do it quickly. Once started you can then slow down then speed up. The aim is to continuously create movement. You also feel good and there is a sense of progress.

 

Try it next time. Don’t procrastinate–just start (quickly). Then slow down and reflect and ruminate if you need to then accelerate. You will get more done and you you will stop procrastinating.

 

If only someone had told me this earlier on in my soccer career I might have played for a rich club overseas–but that is another story.

 

Best wishes ken

 

We all believe that to make a good decision you need to take your time, carefully create and consider all the options and then make a final choice. This is what many people consider the ideal decision-making process. Yet in the real world when:

- Time is short

- Perfect information is not available

- You do not know the full impact of your possible decisions and/or

- And you do not know what your competitors might do.

Then is spending more and more time on a decision a smart and effective thing to do?

My experience is that it is not particularly for day-to-day decisions. In these circumstances when tine is short and the implications of a decision are not far-reaching and the risk is relatively low than you are much better off making a quick decision (what’s more if it does not work out as you intended than you can quickly make another one).

But how can you improve your chances of success? Here where an intention to make a decision and practicing making decisions is important. But often this is not enough. You will need a range of decision-making tools. I have listed one of these below:

The tool is called My Heroes:

Step 1. In the next two minutes list nine heroes of yours. These could be your dad or President Obama etc.

Step 2: Then select one of these at random and think about the decision in front of you. What decision would your hero make in these circumstances?

Step 3: Select another hero and repeat the process. Remember to really become that person.

Step 4: Keep repeating this exercise until you feel ready to make a decision. Often there is a consensus among your heroes on what to do.

Using this decision-making tool you will great enhance your chances of making a good decision in minutes.

 

Question: What is one of the fastest growing packaged categories in the world?

Answer: According to Mintel Market Research, ‘the popular beverage market of energy drinks continues to grow with sales increasing over 240% from 2004 to 2009. In the same timeframe, there has been a flood of new energy drinks to the market with new product launches up by over 110%.

http://www.mintel.com/press-release/Energy-drink-ingredients-continue-down-unhealthy-path?id=386

The problem with this amazing increase is the growing awareness that energy drinks have a downside. As Lynn Dornblaster from Mintel notes, “There is a significant market right now for drinks offering a boost of energy. “Although consumers say they try to eat and drink better, it appears that energy drinks is not a category in which that happens, as they continue to choose options that contain sugar, caffeine and taurine, all of which can have negative effects if consumed in excess.”

But is there a better way of boosting your energy levels but not resorting to energy drinks? Doing some exercise for example or perhaps meditating?

What about thinking quickly?

According to Princeton’s psychologist, Emily Pronin (et al), the simple act of thinking quickly (or what she calls manic thinking) can help you to feel more energized.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/09/060926171045.htm

The authors note that: "The results of our experiment suggest the intriguing possibility that even during moments when people feel stuck having depressed thoughts, interventions that accelerate the speed of such thoughts may serve to boost feelings of positive affect and energy."

So if you are feeling low in energy rather than reaching for an energy drink or your 5th cup of coffee try Speed Thinking. You can now re-energize yourself-naturally without any potential damaging side-effects.

 

This quote is from a book, The Act of Creation by Arthur Koestler (page 230). This 700 page classic was written in 1964 and is still (I believe) the best book on creative thinking ever written.

Koestler’s basic idea is that the creative act is a "bisociation" which happens, if two (or more) apparently incompatible frames of thought ("matrices") are brought together by an ingenious mind (Wikipedia). For example, it was only a few years ago that someone had the idea of placing a cafe within a car-washing place. This is such an obvious idea, have a coffee whilst your car is being washed buy no-one had thought to place these two concepts together. Note there is nothing original about car-washing nor a cafe but putting these together for the first time is a classic example of what Koestler calls ‘bisociative thinking’ i.e thinking in two planes not one.

 

It seems that this Hungarian borne essayist, novelist and journalist was way ahead of his time. Recent research by  Professors Jeff Dyer of Brigham Young University and Hal Gregersen of Insead, conducted a six-year study surveying 3,000 creative executives and conducting an additional 500 individual interviews. During this study they found five "discovery skills" that distinguish them. These are:

 

1. Associating–a cognitive skill that allows creative people to make connections across seemingly unrelated questions, problems, or ideas (see the connection with Koestler’s work?). 

 

2. Questioning — an ability to ask "what if", "why", and "why not" questions that challenge the status quo and open up the bigger picture.

 

3. The ability to closely observe details, particularly the details of people’s behavior.

 

4. The ability to experiment — the people we studied are always trying on new experiences and exploring new worlds.

 

5. And an ability to network with smart people who have little in common with them, but from whom they can learn.

 

The researchers suggested that the ability to make novel and original associations as the most important of these discovery skills (for the full interview click on:  http://blogs.harvardbusiness.org/hbr/hbreditors/2009/09/how_do_innovators_think.html)

 

 

We have all heard of the seven deadly sins (Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, and Pride) but what of the seven deadly fears?
 
These are (in no particular order):

1. Fear of Dying
 
2. Fear of Ageing
 
3. Fear of Change
 
4. Fear of not Measuring up to Other’s Expectations.
 
5. Fear of Rejection.
 
6. Fear of Failure
 
7. Fear of making a Mistake
 
This is a personal list–no doubt there are others or you might have your own list. My point is that many people go through life limiting themselves in what they can achieve because they are trapped by their own fears. For example, let’s consider the first one (i.e. the fear of dying). Why worry about something that we know is going to happen? We can minimise the probability of it occurring early but that is about it. My own personal view is that religion has been created by man to overcome this often crippling fear. I do not believe in the promise of an after-life but i do believe however that if we find meaning in your life then you do not have to fear death.
 
And while we are at it–why fear ageing (the second fear)? Again this is a natural biological process that every living organism goes through at varying rates. Again why worry about it? With age can come wisdom, maturity, kids and if we keep mentally active we can stay young in heart and mind.
 
The remainder of the seven fears can also be overcome or reduced. One of the reasons I am excited by Speed Thinking for example, is that it provides a glimpse of what we are all capable of because it enables you to just create, decide or solve without worrying about these fears. Why? Because you are too busy doing to worry about any of these fears. I have watched literally thousands of people amaze themselves because for a brief few minutes they are not being fearful. They are being authentic and original.
 
What do you fear in life? How is it limiting you? Wouldn’t you like to be free of this even if only for a short time?

According to the latest Business Week edition, Design Thinking is the next big thing in business, ‘Sure, it’s the latest trendy term to sweep the business world, but it’s a technique that designers and executives alike hope may help to provide a solution to some of the world’s serious challenges. ‘

http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/sep2009/id20090930_806435.htm?chan=innovation_innovation+%2B+design_top+stories

But what is Design Thinking? According to Wikipedia, Design thinking is a process for practical, creative resolution of problems or issues that looks for an improved future result.

Another insight is offered by Edward De Bono when he suggests, ‘you can analyse the past, but you need to design the future". He defines Design Thinking as combining existing things in new ways to deliver value.

The common themes among people concerned with Design Thinking is that it is a way of thinking that is more concerned with the what could be rather than what exists today. It complements rather than replaces analytical thinking which is mainly used in business. 

Speed Thinking is similar to design thinking with its emphasis on creating new possibilities, movement and not being stuck in the past. Also Speed Thinking is not concerned with being right or wrong in the early START stage.

But Speed Thinking has one key difference with Design Thinking. The emphasis is on thinking quickly. By varying the pace at which you think not just how you think you can obtain amazing results. This is because you do not filter or judge your responses as you are too busy just creating, solving or deciding in the moment.

The ideal for me? Design Thinking@Speed!

 

If you ever thought chess was a slow-moving, serious even boring game, then think again. Just have a look at these two grandmasters go ‘hammer and tong’ in a version of blitz chess which lasts no more than one minute. It is a whirlwind of movement, energy, attack and defense, all while trying to win and keep up with the clock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzrap8Vtyq’

Now for the purists this type of accelerated chess is nor everyone’s cup of tea. For example, Malcolm Pein, the Daily Telegraph’s chess correspondent, fears that the faster contest loses the “purity” of the traditional game.

He also believes that it could lead to a reduction in the “highest level of the game”. His comments come as Kasporov and Karpov face each other in an exhibition chess match commemorating the 25th anniversary of their marathon first title bout.

“It is a little bit like one day cricket gaining pre-eminence over Test cricket,” said Mr Pein, an International master.

“As a little bit of a traditionalist I am just a little concerned with losing the purity of the slow game where you get the highest level of chess.

“But of course one has to move with the times and in a sense Kasparov and Karpov would not want to play a long match of what they call classical chess because it is just too exhausting.”

The two men waged one of the world’s greatest rivalries when between 1984 and 1990 they met five times for the world championship and pretty much drew even – Kasparov won 21 games, Karpov took 19 and they drew 104 times.

The first title bout started in September 1984 in Moscow and lasted nearly five months before it was halted with no winner declared on the grounds that both were exhausted.

Kasparov won a rematch in 1985 and captured his first world title, at age 22, becoming the world’s youngest-ever champion.

Traditional chess had a five hour limit but with speed chess it is reduced to 25 minutes (Telegraph.co.uk 24/9/09).

But Speed Chess also has it benefits. It can help you to think and evaluate the opponents moves rapidly, identify positional play and develop new strategies. It is also more practical if you have only a short period of time or you are playing a painfully slow player (http://www.101chesstips.com/why-play-speed-chess.jsp).

My invention of Speed Thinking faces similar criticism from some quarters. Somehow it is not as elevated as traditional thinking and quality might suffer. My proposition is that Speed Thinking like Speed Chess is similar to the original game but it also is different (for better and for worse). It can help you improve your traditional thinking just by encouraging you to practice thinking more. Sure you might make more mistakes but you will also learn more. You will also do more and make many more decisions rather than procrastinating.

So if you only have limited time then start thinking without the fear of making mistakes. Speed Thinking like Speed Chess is great fun and with any skill you will become better at it, the more you do it.