Name: Time to Think
Rating: 4.5 (302 reviews)
Author: Nancy Kline

What’s in it for me? Unlock the thinking potential within yourself and others.

Have you ever been in a bustling crowd, yet felt like the only person in the room because someone gave you their undivided attention?

The late Diana, Princess of Wales had an extraordinary ability to create this feeling in others, embodying a principle we'll call the Thinking Environment. Her presence would dissolve nervousness, making individuals feel like they truly mattered. She had the unique knack of turning the spotlight on others, even in a room full of people there to see her.

Why is this relevant? Well, the quality of everything we do is directly connected to the thinking we do beforehand, which is influenced by the quality of attention we receive from others. Whether in organizations, families, or personal relationships, establishing a Thinking Environment can foster an abundance of good ideas, spur action, and ensure that individuals thrive.

So how do you create such an environment? It involves a mixture of undivided attention, questioning that eliminates limiting assumptions, and fostering conditions conducive to independent thought.

In this Blink, we’ll cover all of these factors in detail and delve into the world of the Thinking Environment, where you'll discover how to refine your listening, questioning, and appreciating to unlock your thinking potential, and that of others.

The Thinking Environment

There are ten overall conditions for creating a Thinking Environment, but let’s focus here on three of its core pillars –⁠ Attention, Incisive Questions, and Appreciation.

The quality of your attention directly affects the quality of another person's thinking. This point can’t be understated. Paying good attention brings out the best in others, making them articulate and creative. Poor attention can cause them to falter and struggle.

One common illustration of this is that when people share their problems, we often leap into solution mode. We believe that's what they're seeking. But how often does the other person actually end up following your advice? Or maybe they did follow it, but it didn’t resolve the situation in a way that was totally satisfying to them?

It’s usually better to allow people the opportunity to use their own cognitive faculties to find a solution. After all, the mind grappling with a problem is usually also capable of finding its solution. And the solution they find themselves is one they’ll more readily follow.

So, instead of rushing to provide advice, offer people the space to explore their own thoughts first. By simply listening and asking questions such as, "What else comes to mind?" or "What else do you think?” you can help them uncover fresh ideas and perspectives.

When speaking with someone, it’s also essential to resist the temptation to interrupt or finish their sentences. This stifles their creativity and denies them the opportunity to express themselves fully. And be sure to maintain eye contact. It's a powerful way to show your full attention and presence, affirming that the other person’s ideas matter.

Another crucial component of the Thinking Environment is Incisive Questions. Incisive Questions are designed to eliminate limiting assumptions –⁠ those negative beliefs that act as barriers to our thought process –⁠ and inspire fresh thinking.

Let's imagine a scenario: You're hesitant to approach your boss, Neil, due to a fear that he'll dismiss your ideas as stupid. Beneath that fear, you discover a deeper assumption: the belief that you might genuinely be inadequate or stupid. This kind of limiting assumption restricts your actions and potential, preventing you from pursuing what you want or need.

Now, let's consider how to handle such a situation. A well-meaning colleague might tell you to simply ignore Neil's possible reaction and assert yourself. But this advice doesn't effectively address your limiting assumption, and hence, doesn't encourage you to change your behavior.

An Incisive Question, on the other hand, can be transformative. It prompts you to reassess your limiting assumption, engage with a more empowering belief, and explore new possibilities. For instance, replacing the limiting assumption of being stupid with the freeing assumption of being intelligent can be done by posing the question, "If you knew that you were intelligent, how would you talk to Neil?"

Finally, for the third condition of a Thinking Environment, let’s discuss Appreciation, which greatly influences a person's capacity for independent thought. Genuine praise helps people think for themselves much better than repeated criticism.

To that end, try to maintain a five-to-one ratio of appreciation to criticism in your interactions. And when delivering criticism, always start and end with positive notes. Concentrate not on every flaw you can think of but on the main one that, if corrected, would drive significant improvement. This approach ensures that the critique is received as a constructive suggestion and makes the person much more likely to make a change.

To elevate thinking in your surroundings more broadly, simple, sincere appreciation can go a long way. Take a moment to acknowledge the positives in others and express them honestly. Try it out today. Think of someone you admire or appreciate, someone you may not have praised openly for a while, or ever. Choose some words to express your admiration –⁠ and then tell them! Repeat this act on a weekly basis, ensuring your words are authentic and heartfelt.

By practicing the principles of Attention, Incisive Questions, and Appreciation, we can all help ourselves and others to uncover innovative ideas, remove limiting assumptions, and maintain a positive mindset.

Improving organizational thinking

Every single day, we're influenced by the choices made by a range of organizations. Whether they're companies, schools, or governments, they decide everything from how we work to what we eat and even what we spend our money on. The decisions they make are a direct reflection of the quality of thinking within them. And the quality of thinking is, in turn, shaped by how the group members treat each other when they're in the process of decision-making.

Let's consider team meetings. They're the heart of group thinking in any organization. Making sure that these meetings act as a cradle for nurturing thought –⁠ a Thinking Environment –⁠ can be a secret superpower.

The Thinking Session

Do you often find yourself acting without giving a situation much thought? Or maybe never acting because you don’t know what to think?

Fortunately, there’s a single solution to both problems: a twice-per-week dedicated Thinking Session. This is a thirty-minute period dedicated to solving a specific problem in your life. Ironically, despite taking up some of your schedule, these Thinking Sessions can save tons of time by altering your approach or transitioning you from passivity to a more effective method.

Creating Thinking Environments everywhere

Envision a world where every space is a Thinking Environment. Wherever they go, individuals feel free to voice their ideas, knowing they’ll be heard and not penalized. Imagine the potential that could be unleashed if we all woke up each day confident that our ideas matter – that our thoughts will be heard. And that we’ll be supported in identifying and discarding limiting beliefs.

Transforming everyday places into Thinking Environments might seem like a small change. But the effects would be huge and touch every part of our lives. Let’s look at how this could work using a few examples: schools, families, and love relationships.

Key ideas in Time to Think

What is Time to Think about?

Time to Think (1999) is a thought-provoking exploration of the power gained by giving individuals our undivided attention and creating a space for authentic thinking and dialogue. It unveils the profound impact that dedicated listening and respectful silence can have on unlocking creativity, fostering growth, and nurturing meaningful relationships.