Vision based on flawed understanding can be more distracting than helpful.
(This is a continuation of the Order of Operations Matters series of posts started here.)
There is a tension that exists when we are working to understand a new situation. As we start to develop our understanding we begin to essentially mentally sketch out the environment that we’re observing. The structures tend to be simple, the blacks very black and the whites glowing. Consequently there are solutions that seem to be apparent that if implemented could be disastrous.
As we grow in our understanding, we can start to see nuance. The problem with nuance is that it makes the basic structures, challenges, problem and solutions more difficult to see. Additionally, we tend to start to lose our “eyes” as we see challenges, and understand that there are rationale reasons for why the world exists as it does. We need to be able to keep new eyes while also growing in our understanding.
How can we have “new eyes” but also a nuanced view of the world and challenges? How can we really understand the complexities of a situation, an organization or a dynamic (environmental, cultural, familial or organizational).
How to keep a learner’s mindset and a analyst’s awareness?
- Take notes.
We all have a tremendous capability for self-deception. We easily mis-remember information, restructure conversations in our minds, change positions, and revise history. Taking notes on observations, thoughts, theories, confusing points and opportunities can be invaluable. - Consider Outcomes.
It is easy to become enamored of activity. There is a nobility to action that can pull us away from paying attention to results. Considering the outcomes can be incredibly important to know if your actions are accomplishing what you hope they would. - Be committed to intentional learning.
Exposure is not the same as intentional learning. Coming back to our subject matter repeatedly, sharing out thoughts, observations and confusion with others can result in refining out position and stress test our ideas. - Be patient.
It’s easy to intuitively jump to conclusions, and there is value in listening to our intuition, our minds are problem-solving machines. Left to themselves, they cannot help but work on problems.
Vision is a picture of what could be. However, without understanding what IS, we run the risk of trying to impose an ill-fitting picture of what could be on the future. The more we understand, the clearer that vision can become.