Smart Thinking: Three Essential Keys to Solve Problems, Innovate, and Get Things Done

"There is surely nothing quite so useless as doing with great efficiency what should not be done at

I cite the Drucker observation because it correctly suggests that misdirected efficiency is worse than no effort at all. Why? The problem to be solved is certain to become even worse, if neglected. As I began to read Art Markman's book, I was reminded of a passage from Judgment, a book co-authored by Noel Tichy and Warren Bennis. In the first chapter, they assert that what really matters "is not how many calls a leader gets right, or even what percentage of calls a leader gets right. Rather it is important how many of the important ones he or she gets right." They go on to suggest that effective leaders "not only make better calls, but they are able to discern the really important ones and get a higher percentage of them right. They are better at a whole process that runs from seeing the need for a call, to framing issues, to figuring out what is critical, to mobilizing and energizing the troops." Whatever its size and nature may be, every organization needs what Markman characterizes as "Smart Thinking" at all levels and in all areas of the given enterprise. That is, develop a culture within which everyone involved is prepared to solve new (i.e. unfamiliar) problems using the knowledge they possess including knowledge of where and how to obtain the additional information they may need. Decades ago, Eppie Lederer ("Ann Landers") observed, "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance." I agree, presuming to add that not knowing what you think you know but, in fact, don't is perhaps the most damaging form of ignorance. According to Markman, "Smart Thinking is like chess. Even though it may seem like Smart Thinking must be some kind of talent, it is really a skill" and almost anyone can master it. o James Dyson: How did he come up with the idea for his vacuum? (Pages 8-13) o The Formula for Smart Habits (33-41) o Changing [Bad] Habits (44-54) o Seeing Less Thank You Expect to See (60-71) o Help Others Use the Role of 3 (81-98) Note: This refers to "three simp...