Seen.
Skip to the end
This week we were in a meeting trying to come up with a solution to complex problem. Everyone expected a complex process.
But someone decided to ask whether anyone had any conclusions at the outset.
It transpired that everyone was on the same page. The topic was definitely complex, but everyone felt the same about where navigating that complexity would lead.
We often use processes to manage the process of generating thinking. However, the process isn't the point, the outcome is.
Can you sometimes skip to the end?
Read.
Ticking over
In recent times much has been said about how important it is to look after yourself and take a break. The self care movement is important, but not new.
We were reminded this week about an essay called "In Praise of Idleness"
Written by the great Bertrand Russel in 1932, his essay evokes a truth: that the best thinking often happens when we stop doing so much.
Not to say that being idle is the same as being lazy. It may appear so, but is different. Idling has purpose; it is building up the next head of steam for action.
Learned.
The calm head
Of course many founders may be convinced of the virtues of idleness, but know full well that they have no such luxury.
Thinking well, when you have no time, no resources and are confronting a crisis could be seen as simply a necessary skill for founders.
We've heard many founders share with us that those times when quality thinking is the most important, tend to be the times they find themselves in the worst possible environment in which to do it.
The Aversity Quotient or AQ is a measure of how effective we are when confronted with adversity. The work around it shows we can improve our AQ - and many writers and podcasters have shared a perspective.
Being able to generate your best thinking when you need it most, seems to us to be a valuable competency for any founder to nourish.
And finally.
Alex was in poetic mood this week. He shared a verse on our podcast:
“What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare."
We all thought it was Wordsworth. But the more educated listener may of course gently remind us these are the opening words of "Leisure" by W. H Davies.
Every day is a learning opportunity.
Don’t forget to check out the accompanying podcast version of #founderhacks for a tantalising live experience of team atomex!
