Thinking about thinking

Today, we’re going to start with a meditation on the concept of thinking.

And to help you on this, repeat this famous quote from Descartes:

“I think, therefore I am”.

“I think, pause, therefore I am”.

Take a breath.

“I think, pause, breathe, therefore I am”.

End of meditation.

René Descartes is known for his focus on the power of human thought. He recognized that in the pause between thoughts, in that stillness, our existence is affirmed. My mom was a bit of a genius when she introduced me to his work at the age of four. I didn't quite get the whole philosophy thing back then, but I remember saying "Pienso, luego existo" in school for just about everything. My mom probably sensed the impulsive nature of her daughter (Aries rising, you know).

Since then, the simple concept of thinking has obsessed me. How do people think? How is this skill developed? Can I change how myself and other people think? From my very first Continuous Improvement role, teaching people how to think has become one of my missions, and Descartes has guided me on this.

Let's explore the first three thinking styles I like to teach (and I say first because there are many, but these are the foundational ones):

Analytical Thinking: This method involves breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts, so you can get into the details, identify patterns, and understand the relationships between different elements. Descartes was a master of analytical thinking. His method of doubt involved breaking down complex problems into simpler components.

Critical Thinking: This is the process of evaluating information, arguments, or situations. It involves questioning assumptions, considering evidence, and forming well-reasoned judgments (or data-driven decisions, as everyone is calling it nowadays). Descartes' philosophical approach was deeply rooted in critical thinking. He questioned everything, including his own beliefs, and tried to eliminate any uncertainties through rigorous analysis.

Creative Thinking: this involves generating new ideas, making connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, and approaching problems with a fresh perspective. Descartes' capacity to generate new approaches to understanding the world demonstrates a creative aspect of his thinking.

In the context of continuous improvement, the ability to think is crucial. We have to engage in analytical thinking to analyze data, identify inefficiencies, and make informed decisions, while critical thinking plays a central role in problem-solving and root cause analysis. And creative thinking is required to define the most accurate action plans to actually solve the root causes of all losses found. See? everything is connected.

I invite you to stay in the space between thoughts. Today let’s channel our inner Descartes and dive into the world of thinking, just thinking.

Sit there, pause, reflect. Question your brain and yourself.

Next post: Can this much thinking lead me to analysis paralysis? one of the worst CI nightmares!

*It's important to note that while these connections can be drawn at a conceptual level, the historical and contextual differences between Descartes' work and continuous improvement methodologies are significant. CI has evolved into cultural principles and practical tools for organizational and process improvement in various industries, while Descartes' contributions were rooted in philosophy and mathematics.