Thinking Big
By Stephanie A. Parson, Ph.D.
We all want to generate exciting new ideas that will revolutionize our sphere of influence and for some of us – revolutionize the world. Yet many of us do not succeed. Is it because we use the wrong methods of thinking, thinking small instead of Thinking Big? Thinking small enables you to keep doing the same thing over and over; however, this environment will not provide a setting for the next electrifying ideas that are needed to propel our lives, our organizations, and our legacy to the next level.
|
Thinking Small |
Thinking BIG |
| Focuses on the short term | Looks to create lasting change |
| Has a narrow focus | Sees with intense, far reaching vision |
As a leader, your goal is to incorporate Thinking Big throughout every aspect of your life because ongoing change is the norm. You must become the guru, being as openly creative and ambitious as children are before they learn not to be creative and not to question. You must believe and lead your team members to believe that there is no problem that cannot be solved; that their goal (and your expectation) is together you all will make things better than you found them.
You must create an environment where minds are expanded on a daily basis despite the world’s pressure. In fact, you must create an environment where the approach to Thinking Big is fun and energizing. Everyone has an inner ability to Think Big – create and cultivate that potential within your organization.
You can assist others to engage in activities which promote new mental connections. Try blending or alternating activities such as:
- Holding a meeting, then breaking and taking the participants to a museum.
- Incorporating play into work, giving your people ways to be physically active and time to follow their own interests. (Google gives its employees 20 percent of their work time to pursue independent projects)
Your goal is to promote an interdisciplinary mindset so that people of different backgrounds continually connect ideas in new ways. The purpose of Thinking Big is “to assist you in recognizing and overcoming your loser’s limp; to open your mind, stir your imagination, and make you think; to arouse your curiosity and create a healthy dissatisfaction with your status quo; to arouse the sleeping giant inside you.” (Zig Ziglar). Starting today choose to Think Big!
Dr. Stephanie Parson is a Business Strategist, Executive Coach, Author & Speaker and the president of Crowned Grace International. info@crownedgrace.com.
