How to think about... thinking

In this episode of High Agency, we go deep into the art of thinking, an exploration that is close to my heart. I had the pleasure of discussing this topic with Kris Chichak — who, in a previous life was a valued member of the team at Skyrocket Digital. Today, Kris is the Lifecycle Marketing Manager at Thinkific — and at the time that we discussed this episode, I don't think it occurred to either of us that I was sitting down with someone from "Thinkific" to discuss "thinking".

Our conversation ranged from the essential frameworks that guide our thinking to the nuanced balance between divergent and convergent thought processes. Ultimately, our work is about building, solving, creating value in the world. So, how we generate and cultivate our ideas is the foundation for everything that we do.

Balancing Divergent and Convergent Thinking

One of the critical points we tackled was the balance between divergent and convergent thinking. I introduced the Double Diamond Design Process Model, which perfectly encapsulates how we move from broad, exploratory phases to focused, actionable solutions. Divergent thinking is about exploring numerous possibilities, while convergent thinking is about refining those possibilities into a clear path forward. This balance is crucial, especially in problem-solving and innovation, ensuring that we consider a wide array of possibilities before honing in on the most effective solution.

Embracing Frameworks

Frameworks and models are indispensable in structuring our thought processes. Kris and I discussed several key frameworks, including the Business Model Canvas and the Value Proposition Canvas. These tools are invaluable for capturing the essential components of a business and aligning them with customer needs, thus facilitating a more systematic approach to problem-solving. Kris highlighted how these frameworks were instrumental during his time at Skyrocket Digital, helping navigate diverse client needs.

Cognitive Flexibility and Emotional Intelligence

Cognitive flexibility and emotional intelligence emerged as crucial elements in our discussion. Kris mentioned the importance of switching perspectives and considering different viewpoints, a skill essential for divergent thinking and creative problem-solving. Emotional intelligence, which involves recognizing and managing our own emotions and understanding those of others, enhances our decision-making and interpersonal interactions.

The Value of Experimentation

Experimentation is another vital component of innovation that we explored. I shared the Horizon Planning model from McKinsey, which divides a company’s focus into three horizons: day-to-day operations (Horizon 1), emerging opportunities (Horizon 2), and future possibilities (Horizon 3). This model emphasizes the importance of allocating time and resources to experimentation, allowing for the development of innovative ideas that can eventually become integral to the business.

Practical Applications and Real-World Examples

Our conversation was rich with practical applications and real-world examples. One story I recounted was about an insurance company that transformed customer experience by turning stressful moments, like car accidents, into positive interactions with the insurance provider. This anecdote illustrated the power of understanding customer journeys and addressing pain points creatively.

Kris shared his experiences at Thinkific, where customer journey mapping and jobs-to-be-done theory are used to align products with customer needs. He emphasized that viewing products not just as tools but as solutions to specific problems is crucial. This approach has led Thinkific to expand beyond online courses to include digital downloads, live events, and memberships, thereby catering to a broader spectrum of customer needs.

The Intersection of Technology and Human-Centred Design

In today’s context of rapid technological advancements, particularly with AI, the importance of human-centred design cannot be overstated. While technology can optimize many processes, the human element—understanding emotions, motivations, and experiences—remains crucial. Kris and I discussed the balance between leveraging technology and maintaining a focus on human needs and creativity.

Reflecting on our conversation, it’s clear that “How to Think About Thinking” is more than just a topic—it’s a journey into understanding and improving our cognitive processes. Through themes of divergent and convergent thinking, the use of frameworks, high agency, cognitive flexibility, emotional intelligence, and the value of experimentation, Kris and I navigated the landscape of effective thinking. This episode is both a practical guide and an inspirational call to embrace thoughtful, intentional thinking in all aspects of life.

As we move forward, I’m excited about the prospect of turning this topic into a series, digging deeper into other models and frameworks, and bringing real-life examples into our discussions. The age of AI and rapid technological change only makes the human element of thinking more important.