Time to Think

Synopsis

Most people think they listen well, but they rarely do - not at this level. Listening this way is a radical act.

The power of effective listening is recognised as the essential tool of good management. In this book, Nancy Kline describes how we can achieve this, and presents a step-by-step guide that can be used in any situation.

Whether you want to have more productive meetings, solve business problems, create bold strategies, or build stronger relationships, this book offers you a new world of possibilities.

From blue chip companies developing high-powered teams to individuals seeking personal growth, a Thinking Environment has come to mean transformation of the highest quality.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Importance of Thinking Time

* Importance of setting aside dedicated time for thinking.
* Real example: A manager schedules a weekly block of time for strategic planning, leading to innovative product ideas.

Chapter 2: Creating Thinking Time

* Techniques for carving out thinking time in a busy schedule.
* Real example: A CEO uses commute time for brainstorming and problem-solving.

Chapter 3: Overcoming Barriers to Thinking

* Common obstacles to thinking time and strategies to overcome them.
* Real example: Distractions are minimized by using noise-canceling headphones in a dedicated "thinking room."

Chapter 4: The Four Levels of Thinking

* Different levels of thinking, from daily tasks to long-term strategy.
* Real example: A business owner engages in Level 4 thinking (creative problem-solving) to develop a new marketing campaign.

Chapter 5: Thinking Tools and Techniques

* Effective tools and techniques to facilitate thinking, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, and SWOT analysis.
* Real example: A marketing team uses mind mapping to generate ideas for a new product launch.

Chapter 6: Critical Thinking Skills

* Developing critical thinking abilities to evaluate information and make informed decisions.
* Real example: An accountant uses critical thinking to assess financial data and identify potential risks.

Chapter 7: Creative Thinking Skills

* Fostering creativity to generate innovative ideas and solutions.
* Real example: A design team conducts a brainstorming session to develop a novel home appliance design.

Chapter 8: The Value of Thinking Time

* Benefits of dedicating time to thinking, including increased productivity, innovation, and problem-solving.
* Real example: A software company experiences significant performance gains after implementing a "thinking hour" policy.

Chapter 9: Sustaining Thinking Time

* Strategies for maintaining a commitment to thinking time amidst busy workdays.
* Real example: A non-profit organization establishes a monthly "Think Day" for strategic planning and reflection.

Chapter 10: Thinking for Life

* Importance of setting aside time for personal thinking and reflection.
* Real example: An individual schedules daily journaling time to process thoughts, set goals, and cultivate self-awareness.