…Why So Stupid? From Thinking Managers

A blog posting on Thinking Managers, “Management thinking: why so stupid?” (http://www.thinkingmanagers.com/management/management-thinking) centers around the idea that managers need to think differently.  By not thinking reactively but rather proactively, managers will be in a better position to make good decisions.

As a student of Strategic Foresight, I agree with this, and even expanded the idea in commentary, below:

What a logical commentary!  I see and understand the limitations of our learning models.  It seems like you are suggesting that thinking become a more involved exercise then simply reiterating what we have seen or learned.  I understand you are saying that we should take and apply our knowledge and experiences, synergistically, and develop a more creative outcome.

It seems as though thinking creatively would lead one to needing to create several different scenarios, and look at possible outcomes of each scenario, as you’ve described when a doctor diagnosis.  I suspect that if we think about the immediate ramifications of a decision along with the long-term ramifications of a decision – some possible scenarios, we can have even greater influence when being proactive.

For example – my family has a history of of heart disease and diabetes.  Now, thinking reactively, I could wait and see if I get it, and respond by dying, being medicated or changing my diet, exercising and being medicated.  Thinking creatively, I might visit the doctor, yearly, to see how my body is progressing toward possible diseases, and be responsive as indicators are revealed.  Thinking futuristically (so to speak), I could have chosen to start exercising and watching my diet, years ago (which I did) in an effort to reduce the chances of contracting the diseases altogether, in addition to visiting the doctor, yearly for a checkup.

If we, as managers thought like that, we might end up being leaders instead of managers, and developing more productive, knowledgeable workers who were committed to a shared vision. 

Please leave comments, below.