Adair
3 forms of applied thinking
decision making (a vs b)
creative thinking (light-bulb)
problem solving
Definition of Systems Problems
a deviation from the norm
What is reverse brainstorming?
Asking: how can this idea fail?
Explain the depth mind concept
* Unconscious mind is at work + processing our problems even when we are doing other tasks
* Leaving problems aside for a while can allow the depth mind to process it - can help generate ideas or solutions!
1 Pillar of the problem solving mindset:
PROBLEMS ARE THERE TO BE SOLVED, BELIEVE IN YOUR ABILITIES, FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN INFLUENCE
Explain the analogy of the computer in relation to the brain vs mind
brain = computer parts, mind = computer screen
actual brain usage < potential brain power
What percentage of all ideas are valuable?
10%
In which step of the creative thinking process does the Eureka appear?
Insight
Bad vs Wrong decision
bad decision: method or process of decision is ignored or dismissed (ie. launching a spaceship in bad weather)
2. wrong decisions: problem in the decision making process (based on luck and other factors you can’t control)
Anne Sullivan is used to explain which part of the problem solving mindset?
PROBLEMS ARE THERE TO BE SOLVED
How many braincells do we lose each day?
400!
Difference between problem solver and decision maker
Problem solver = clever, good analytical skills in problems of particular fields
Decision maker = wider range of skills and characteristics
Percentage Split between Obstacle-Type Problems vs Systems Problems
80/20
In brainstorming, what is the ideal number of ideas you should come up with within how many mins?
70 ideas in 20 minutes
5 steps of the systematic problem-solving process:
Clarify, Causes, Create, Choose, Commit
5 Steps of Decision Making
Define the objective, Collect relevant information, Generate feasible options, Make the decision, Implement and evaluate
What are the 2 branches under individual needs (of Adair's leadership model?)
physical needs
food, shelter
psychological needs
each person wants to feel like they’re doing something useful
What are the 5 mental roadblocks?
Lack of facts
Lack of conviction
Lack of a starting point
Lack of perspective
Lack of motivation
2 forms of consequences
Manifest
Consequences that you can potentially foresee (depends on experience)
Latent
Consequences that are impossible to foretell as they are triggered by a series of complex chain events
The root of the word ‘optimism’:
the Latin optimum, which means ‘best.’
Pillars of John Adair's Action-Centered Leadership model
task needs, team needs, individual needs
Explain the 3 Levels of Competence
Awareness: recognize problems early before they grow
Understanding: know which stage of the Bridge Model you’re in
Skill: ask the right questions and test assumptions
5 Pieces of Advice/guideline to keep in mind for brainstorming:
Suspend judgement: don’t criticize or evaluate ideas yet
Welcome free-wheeling: unusual ideas are encouraged; it’s easier to tone down than think up
Strive for quantity: the more ideas, the better chance of finding a great one
Combine and improve: build on others’ ideas and connect them in new ways
Do not edit: record ideas quickly without elaboration or defense
Explain the planning continuum + the most autocratic form of it
how far you should create the plan by yourself vs how far you should share the plan continuum with your team/colleagues
Leader makes and sells their own plan
As a smart problem solver, you will only accept an issue as a problem if two basic conditions are fulfilled:
1. Importance: The issue is important for you. 2. Control: You can actually do something about it