How we think as leaders profoundly shapes our ability to navigate complexity, make sense of challenges, and involve others. In this episode, we explore the "Thinking" dimension of the Inner Development Goals (IDG) and why developing our thinking skills is crucial for long-term success. We share insights on how leaders can expand their perspectives, avoid oversimplifications, and strengthen their ability to make sense of complex challenges.

1. Complexity Awareness

Leaders are often great at solving ‘technical’ challenges; however complex, adaptive, challenges require a different approach. We discuss why awareness of complexity is key.

2. Perspective Skills

Seeing a problem from multiple angles helps us avoid blind spots. We explore how leaders can actively seek contrasting perspectives, facilitate diverse conversations, gain deeper insights into issues, and enhance decision-making.

3. Long-Term Orientation and Visioning

The pressure for short-term results often overshadows long-term priorities. We highlight why future-focused thinking is essential and how leaders can balance immediate demands with a compelling long-term vision.

4. Sense-making

When faced with uncertainty, how do we structure the unknown? We discuss how leaders can guide teams through messy challenges, recognize emerging patterns, and align around a shared understanding.

5. Critical Thinking

Jumping to conclusions can be a costly mistake. We examine how leaders can challenge assumptions, test ideas, and refine their thinking before taking action.

Reflection Questions

• Where might my worldview, my perspective, be limiting me? How can I expand this perspective and be more open to different perspectives?
• Who has perspectives that would challenge me, and how can I invite them into a conversation?
• What are the stories I make up in my own mind about a certain problem? How can I explore my own mental model, understand my story and assumptions to identify blind spots?

Our Previous IDG Episodes

The Inner Development Goals - The Leadership Model for the Future

Why Successful Leaders Focus on "Being" before "Doing"

The Thinking Skills You Never Thought of

A Fresh Perspective on Improving Relationships at Work

Five Critical Skills to Boost Collaboration in Your Organisation

The Surprising Skills for Driving Change

About Second Crack
More information about us and our work is available on our website: secondcrackleadership.com. Contact us now to explore how we can support your leadership development in a company-wide initiative or with individual executive coaching: hello@secondcrackleadership.com.

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Martin Aldergård
Gerrit Pelzer