Go Back to Go Forward

Think back to simpler times. When approaching something, take a moment to put yourself back into the shoes of a 5-year-old. What do you see? What surprises you? What's possible? Researchers in the late 1960s discovered that humans are born with the capacity to approach challenges from four perspectives: analytically, procedurally, relationally or innovatively. Yet, by puberty, we've shut down half of that capacity. From that point forward, we only preserve the modes of thought that have seemed most valuable during the first decade or so of life. It speaks to the value of teams made up of diverse thinkers and varied perspectives. It also reinforces the value of stretching one's mind and reclaiming skills from yesteryear in order to deliver beyond business as usual for future success. Start small on something you control, then expand to larger projects and strategic planning efforts that set the stage for your future.