In our study of highly effective CEO’s, yet another common thread emerged.  They place a high premium on creative, critical thinking.

This may seem basic, but consider this:  when do we set aside time to think?  In our chronically distracted world, we sometimes confuse reacting to conditions and circumstances with thinking.  Taking time away from the business to think about the business may seem like a luxury few can afford in a hyper-competitive, under-resourced operating environment.  But leaders in the best performing companies make it a habit to get themselves and their management team offsite, as often as quarterly, to think about and plan for the future.

Getting away from the noise and distraction of the workplace provides an ideal setting to consider and address concerns, opportunities and unique organizational strengths.  This higher level of focus often uncovers ideas and productive patterns of thought unattainable during the swirl of a typical business day.  This is when real thinking takes place; where breakthrough ideas, opportunities and possibilities emerge. 

Many find they are best able to untangle complex situations and develop creative approaches to solve even the thorniest problems.  The ability to apply creative thinking and problem solving is invaluable. These are essential components in keeping a business growing and thriving, especially in a fast-moving complex operating environment.

Innovation is a process and a mind-set established and cultivated in high-performing organizations.  Here, breakthrough ideas are celebrated but so are failures and mistakes when they are made in pursuit of the mission and set the stage for future learning.

Leaders who engage their teams in challenging, vigorous, open and candid discussions about issues, opportunities and obstacles stand a much better chance of making their way through even the toughest times. 

Creative thinking and problem solving is not a task to be delegated to a select few.  It’s a function that is most effective when it is organization-wide and deeply imbedded in the company’s culture.  The most effective leaders set a clear course for innovation by creating an operating environment that makes this an accepted and embraced way of organizational life.  And as with any cultural shift, it begins with the leader.

For more information on planning for your business success, contact me at joe@ajstrategy.com.