Smarter Filters = Better Choices = Best Outcomes
We all make choices all the time.
Our choices range from mundane day-to-day things to those with deep and broad impact.
- How do we make choices?
- On what basis do we decide on ‘C’ rather than ‘Z’?
- What drives our choices?
- Do choices matter?
Leadership Weekly Notes #2, #3 and #4 of 2024 unpack and explain the underlying intellectual basis of the Influential Leadership System, and by implication the associated Apex Skill—the practice of Influential Leadership.
The current edition of the Notes (#3/24) tackles the SECOND of the three parts of our intellectual construct, Social Agency, which is our capability to:
[1] think (critically),
[2] choose (smartly) and
[3] act with (productive) purpose.
Last week (080124) we showed why critical thinking sets the stage for being in a position to obtain the most productive (smartest, best, cleverest, most rewarding) results (outcomes) in any human endeavour.
We might be buying a new pair of shoes, mobile phone, car or home, finding a better job, deciding on a direction of study, or whether to obey the law and who to support in Palestine—all deserve thoughtfulness – our critical thinking.
The new shoes require a lot less mental gymnastics than a direction of study or a new job.
While this might be obvious, it seems that many people transpose these sorts of things—the shoes get a greater deal of attention…
This week’s Note asks how we make our choices, which goes further than expecting people to think, and better still, to think critically.
Once we have applied our minds, how do we choose our course of action?
Do we ignore the data and the critical thinking we have applied in step one?
Do we revert back to our gut, our feelings, our emotions, our default settings?
The best and most clear-headed critical thinking is all for naught if we discard its conclusions and revert to an unproductive filter.
The opening infographic illustrates a variety of filters we can use to prepare ourselves for a decision. They are consistent with our critical thinking principles too.
Some of the filters illustrated will at best produce a 50/50 chance of success, if we have only two options.
However, life is often a lot more complex than choosing right or left. In such instances, we make the best choices by:
- Thinking critically.
- Seeking out and understanding objective facts.
- Applying your life and leadership philosophy.
- Deciding what principles and values are at stake.
- Discarding subjective influences.
- Trusting the process.
- Making a choice consistent with the results of your critical thinking.
In answer to an earlier question: Yes, choices matter!
Smarter choice filters reliably provide the best choices and outcomes, especially in our big leadership moments.
So, for the best possible outcomes, choose productive filters.
Regards,
Colin @ Karoo
We Activate Apex Skills!
Leadership Weekly Note: 0324.150124
e: colind@karoo.world
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