An ideal software for considering by means of the implications of an motion is the Seven So-Whats.
Good vital considering processes don’t simply have a look at causes, they have a look at penalties as nicely. An ideal software for considering by means of the implications of an motion is the Seven So-Whats. The Seven So-Whats power you to go from an early reply to suppose by means of all of the doable implications and future penalties of your motion.
Let me provide an instance. Let’s say we now have a scenario the place we’re going to vary our incentive and bonus plan. And we are saying, “That’s the recommendation.”
Okay, so what? If we modify that, what occurs? So what?
Effectively, if we have to change it, we don’t know the way. I imply, if we knew how, we might have already modified it.
Okay, so what? If we don’t know the way, what’s the implication of that?
Effectively, we have to discover somebody who does know learn how to do it.
Okay, so what? What are the implications of that?
Effectively, which means I would like to start out a search for a vp of compensation.
Okay, so if we begin that search, so what? What’s the implication of that?
Effectively, I have to deprioritize different searches for different roles in order that I can deal with getting this particular person in.
Okay, nicely, so what? What occurs if we deprioritize these different recruiting efforts?
Effectively, which means I’m going to have to cut back my search for someone in provide chain and deal with this VP of compensation.
Okay, nicely, so what?
Effectively, which means I in all probability want to vary my supply-chain targets for the yr.
This all began with our marketing strategy is damaged, or our incentive mannequin is damaged. And now, we’re targets for provide chain. If we didn’t suppose this by means of, we could have brought on big issues for the group by making that one change to the motivation plan with out considering by means of the implications.
While you’re making a advice, ask your self, “So what?” And ask seven occasions. And the lens you must have on that’s what’s the consequence of this motion? What’s going to occur to our enterprise? What is going to occur within the market? What is going to occur with our associates? What are the reactions we’re going to see? And if that response occurs, so what? What occurs subsequent? By considering ahead, by occupied with penalties, what you’re going to do is be capable of see new alternatives in addition to keep away from issues you may unknowingly trigger.
Check out a advice you’re engaged on proper now. Are you aware the implications? Are you aware the actual downstream impacts of the change that you just’re proposing? Have you ever stopped and thought critically concerning the implications of your advice? Make investments that point as a result of it’s going that can assist you keep away from future issues that have been attributable to the advice you made.
Need to study extra about vital considering? How about taking a complete course on it? Go on to the course and begin studying learn how to suppose critically. Your entire course is on the market at LinkedIn Studying. Take pleasure in!
Did you get pleasure from this put up? If that’s the case, I extremely encourage you to take about 30 seconds to turn out to be an everyday subscriber to this weblog. It’s free, enjoyable, sensible, and only some emails per week (I promise!). SIGN UP HERE to get the thoughtLEADERS weblog conveniently delivered proper to your inbox!