Do successful people think differently than unsuccessful people? John C. Maxwell thinks so and has written another book, based on the premise that successful people have one thing in common -- how they think -- and that anyone can learn that skill.
Maxwell identifies 11 different skills of thinking. As he says in the introduction, he isn't trying to tell the reader what to think, but rather help the reader learn how to think. Many of us know people who claim to think carefully about a decision, but in reality are just reviewing their own narrow thoughts, fears, and prejudices. That isn't real thinking though, at least not the way Maxwell would describe it. As he succinctly explains each thinking skill, one begins to understand an underlying theme. Good thinkers are open minded and thirsty for knowledge. They are willing to reach beyond their own beliefs to uncover what is really true. They approach a subject realistically, yet can be creative and are able to explore all the possible angles.
Though a good leader should adopt all 11 skills, two really resonate with me. The first is the need to question popular thinking. Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying "If everyone is thinking alike, then no one is thinking." This is the crux of Maxwell's argument against popular thinking. A good thinker doesn't go along because everyone else is. At the same time, shared thinking is important as well. These two skills are not mutually exclusive, as it might appear. Some of us are very competitive, but it isn't a sign of weakness to collaborate with other good thinkers. The give and take of several good thinkers will usually produce a better result than the work of an individual.
The second skill I found especially important is unselfish thinking. This unselfish thinking, freely giving of yourself, results in a more fulfilling life. Too often we get busy and don't think about what we might do for others, or even how a decision might affect those around us. People who practice unselfish thinking find it leads to far greater rewards.
Do we really need a book telling us how to think? As I read through its pages, I questioned that myself. It is not the same fare as The 21 Irrefutable Laws" or other books of the sort and I kept saying to myself, I already know this. I consider myself reasonably good at deducing answers, but not quite possessed of enough hubris to call myself a great thinker. So I looked through the book again and found that each thinking skill Maxwell lays out and each step to obtain that skill are things that could use constant reminder. But the real reason to read this book, and review it often, is what Maxwell never quite says, though it seems to be an underlying theme. That is, a great thinker must start with the humility to admit the need to always strive for improvement.
Bob Mason is a speaker, trainer, and consultant with 30 years of leadership experience. Go tohttp://www.planleadexcel.com to see how he can help you excel. His new book, Planning to Excel: Strategic Planning that Works will give your organization the tools to excel because it provides a step by step guide to a usable strategic plan. Go to http://www.planningtoexcel.com. |
