Think Before You Think Strategically
This might seem like an odd title for a post: Think Before You Think Strategically. You might be asking yourself, “Isn’t this what strategic thinking is all about? Changing the way I think?” It is. But to understand how to improve your approach to analyzing data and information, it helps to take the time to think about how you go about thinking in the first place. Unfortunately, people skip this activity to their detriment. Thinking about how you think—or metacognition as it’s known—is a key ingredient to thinking more effectively. If you’re interested on improving your own metacognition, here’s a few helpful hits to start you thinking.
People Often Aren’t as Smart as They Think. Do you know anyone who, no matter what you say to them, responds with “I knew that already”? There’s a possibility they did, but it’s more likely they’re suffering from a cognitive bias know as the Dunning-Kruger Effect. There’s ample research that shows when people are polled about things like driving, their health, and other behaviors, they rate themselves as well above average. People who are overconfident are especially prone to this bias. A dose of reality is a good starting point for upping your thinking.
You Can Improve Metacognition. Virtually everyone can improve how they think, if they try. There are a variety of resources available to assist. Prompts geared toward planning, monitoring, and evaluating highlight what you’re thinking in real time and encourage reflection when you’ve finished. Other techniques such as polling, conducting self and/or group assessments are beneficial practices too. Keeping a learning or reading log can be especially beneficial.
How You Organize Information Matters. If you do keep a learning log, one of the most effective approaches to structuring how you engage with, and process information, comes from the Cornell Note Taking System. As basic as this sounds, it’s a very effect tool that improves understanding and retention. Sound a little ‘old school’, note taking that is? Maybe. But research shows that writing notes by hand is more effective than with a computer. That said, the Cornell Note Taking System can be adapted for tech users as well. If you’re interested in learning more, The Learning Strategies Center at Cornell offers a free, publicly available online course in Canvas. Even if you’re not interested in taking the course, there’s helpful videos to watch on the site.
Anne Hutchinson one of the early American feminists is quoted as saying, “I have been guilty of wrong thinking.” She is not alone—most of us have. Take the time to explore your own cognition and your ability to think well and strategically will improve.
If you’d like to learn more about strategic thinking, check out the Twelve Skills brief Mastering Strategic Thinking.
Serious about improving your skills? Get the companion guide to the Twelve Skills book the Twelve Skills Strategic Thinking Workbook. Packed with thought provoking activities, hands on exercises, and bonus material, it’s a proven way to boost your knowhow. Best of all, IT’S FREE!
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