ON LEADERSHIP: When better thinking hinders rethinking

Thinking is a fundamental aspect of being human. It is the engine which drives innovation, learning, and progress. However, an ironic phenomenon emerges when we delve into the realms of thinking and rethinking. It appears that the better you become at thinking, the worse you are at rethinking.

I recently heard this explained during a webinar with author and organizational psychologist Adam Grant. It immediately brought to mind times where I observed very smart people unable to rethink their perspective, and at the time I didn’t have the right words to explain it.

The Power of Thinking

Thinking is a complex cognitive process involving analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information to reach conclusions and make decisions. It is an essential skill in business and everyday life. Those who excel at thinking often exhibit traits like information analyzation, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. They can see connections, identify patterns, and devise innovative solutions to challenges.

However, the more proficient one becomes at thinking, the more entrenched their thought patterns may become. Their well-developed thinking abilities can create an unconscious bias making it difficult to step back and reevaluate their own thought processes, becoming less open to alternative perspectives or contradictory information. Being less likely to question their own assumptions or consider new ideas, they believe their existing knowledge is superior.

At its worst, those who can’t step back and rethink often over explain their point of view in an attempt to convince others. Unfortunately, the opposite often happens and others reject that point of view because it isn’t perceived as objective.

The Challenge of Rethinking

Rethinking, on the other hand, involves revisiting our previous thoughts, ideas, or decisions with an open and critical mindset. It requires the ability to challenge your preconceived notions, question assumptions, and consider alternative viewpoints. Rethinking is crucial for adaptation, growth, and progress. It allows us to learn from our mistakes, refine our beliefs, and embrace new insights.

Overcoming the Irony

To overcome the irony of great thinking hindering rethinking, you must cultivate a mindset which values continuous learning, humility, and openness to new ideas. Here are some strategies to help break free from this cognitive trap:

• Embrace a Growth Mindset: A growth mindset, as coined by Carol Dweck, involves believing our abilities and intelligence are constantly being developed. It is understanding that no matter how much you think you know, there is always more to comprehend.

• Seek Diverse Perspectives: Actively seek out diverse viewpoints and engage in discussions with people who hold different opinions. Exposure to a variety of perspectives can challenge your existing beliefs and encourage rethinking. Adam Grant recommends surrounding yourself with a challenge network, a handful of trusted individuals with different experiences who are not afraid to challenge your thinking. A peer group can be an effective challenge network.

• Practice Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on your own thought processes and decisions. Ask yourself why you believe what you believe and whether your beliefs are based on solid evidence or biases. This can be difficult, but be honest with yourself.

• Stay Informed and Curious: Stay up-to-date with current research and developments. Constantly seek out things you don’t know. New information and discoveries can challenge established beliefs and encourage rethinking.

The irony of better thinking hindering rethinking highlights the importance of striking a balance between expertise and openness to new ideas. While thinking is a valuable skill which drives innovation and problem-solving, it can become a double-edged sword when it inhibits our ability to rethink and adapt.

Cultivate a mindset valuing continuous learning, diverse perspectives, self-reflection and staying informed and curious. By doing so, you can harness the power of thinking while remaining open to the possibility of rethinking, supporting your own personal and intellectual growth. And remember: You can’t check your thinking with your thinking.

Joni S. Naugle is the founder and president of Naugle Associates LLC, Reading, where she works with clients on leadership, strategy and organizational effectiveness. She leads executive peer groups through an alliance with Vistage Worldwide.