As you become a clearer and more vibrant thinker, you become a more effective leader (and human being). To become that clear and vibrant thinker, we must go to the source – our inputs. Set aside the thinking process for a minute. Let’s explore how and why inputs for thinking are critically important – and how you might change them.
Here's how I think about it:
From our inputs, our thoughts grow and our actions and ideas flow.
Let’s work backward.
If we want better ideas and actions (and who doesn’t?), we need to look to our thinking. And to get better thinking, we need to look, in part, to the source.
Our inputs.
People have long compared this to the computer adage: GIGO – garbage in, garbage out. But while that is true for us as thinkers, it is incomplete for at least two reasons:
- GIGO could also stand for gold in, gold out.
- We don’t typically think of our inputs as “garbage,” even if some of it might be.
Some Examples
Let’s look at some specific examples of inputs to our thinking that we might not consider either garbage or gold.
- Binge watching or reading. Have you ever found your thoughts dwelling on the next episode or installment? Or thinking (obsessively) about the characters you are watching or reading? Is that serving you best as input to better thinking?
- Watching lots of sports or news. Sports is potentially my downfall. If I start paying too much attention to college basketball (hypothetically), I fill my thoughts with the scores, outcomes, and predictions. For you, it might be news. It’s the same. Chances are those inputs aren’t clarifying our thinking in the rest of our world.
These are just two common examples. The point is if our mental diet isn’t varied enough, it won’t serve our thinking very well.
Considering Our Inputs
Here are four suggestions that can help you improve your inputs for thinking.
- Be more varied. I’ve made that point – but variety can come in many forms. Consider older inputs, different media, more than one news source. Also seek out new inputs and information from sources or topics you haven’t previously considered.
- Be more intentional. The whole point of looking at inputs to thinking is to help improve and clarify our thinking. So be more intentional about what you watch, read, and consume.
- Be more positive. Gold is better than garbage! Make sure you are consuming things that lift your spirit and view of humanity.
- Consider your goal or challenge. This means more than being intentional (reading about a topic you want to get better at, for example). It also means looking through the lens of your goal or challenge for any input. The best ideas often come from new and unique connections.
As a Leader
Everything we’ve talked about can help you as an individual and as a leader. But as a leader, you are in a position of leverage. Not only will better thinking serve you, it will serve your team (individually and collectively) too. Here’s how you can help your team change their inputs for thinking.
- Help them see the value. You can share this article or talk about these ideas in your next meeting or in one-on-ones.
- Share what you are trying. Once people see the value of your inputs, they might be more interested in what else you are testing and trying.
- Encourage further variety. If everyone on your team is reading the same newsletters and industry updates, we aren’t adding diverse inputs. Encourage people to look for new sources personally.
- Consider your team as one of your sources. You have smart people on your team. Are you asking for their ideas and input often enough?
- Make time to think. Inputs are important, but as a leader you need to make time to use those inputs. Think about what is in front of you and how to help your team achieve better results.
Thinking clearly will help you in every area of your life. Working on the inputs for thinking is a positive step toward improving both your thinking and your results.
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