5. Shared Thinking Returns Greater Value than Solo Thinking
Because shared thinking is stronger than solo thinking, it’s obvious that it
yields a higher return. That happens because of the compounding action of
shared thinking. But it also offers other benefits. The personal return you receive
from shared thinking and experiences can be great. Clarence Francis sums up the
benefits in the following observation: “I sincerely believe that the word
relationships is the key to the prospect of a decent world. It seems abundantly
clear that every problem you will have—in your family, in your work, in our
nation, or in this world—is essentially a matter of relationships, of
interdependence.”
6. Shared Thinking Is the Only Way to Have Great Thinking
I believe that every great idea begins with three or four good ideas. And most
good ideas come from shared thinking. Playwright Ben Jonson said, “He that is
taught only by himself has a fool for a master.”
When I was in school, teachers put the emphasis on being right and on doing
better than the other students, rarely on working together to come up with good
answers. Yet all the answers improve when they make the best use of everyone’s
thinking. If we each have one thought, and together we have two thoughts, then
we always have the potential for a great thought.
HOW TO ENCOURAGE THE PARTICIPATION OF SHARED
THINKING
Some people naturally participate in shared thinking. Any time they see a
problem, they think,
Who do I know who can help with this?
Leaders tend to be
that way. So do extroverts. However, you don’t have to be either of those to
benefit from shared thinking. Use the following steps to help you improve your
ability to harness shared thinking:
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