The Skill You've Never Been Taught: How to Think and Lead in a Changing World

The Skill You've Never Been Taught: How to Think and Lead in a Changing World

Thinking critically through problems is a skill that is highly valuable yet rarely taught. It is a skill that can be learned through practice and experience, but not one that can be simply taught in a classroom. Good decision-making creates time, while bad decisions consume it. This is why it is crucial to develop the ability to think effectively in order to save time and make better choices.

One common misconception is that multitasking is an effective way to think and work efficiently. However, research has shown that the more people multitask, the worse they become at not only other mental abilities but also at multitasking itself. Multitasking impairs our ability to think and to keep information organized. It prevents us from developing deep ideas and understanding. Instead of trying to do many things at once, we should focus on one thing at a time and give it our full concentration.

This notion of slowing down and concentrating is also applicable to writing. The best writers often write slowly because they understand that their best thinking comes from taking the time to let their minds make associations and draw connections. By giving our brains a chance to make these connections, we can come up with original ideas and insights.

Interestingly, the busiest people are often the ones who make the worst decisions. This is because they do not take the time to think and reflect on their choices. They are constantly busy correcting poor decisions instead of preventing them in the first place. If we want to think better, we need to schedule time specifically for thinking and honing our understanding of the problems we face.

Now, let's shift our focus to the role of a CTO in an organization. The role of a CTO is no longer just about technical expertise. While technical skills and the ability to predict and understand future technologies are important, it is equally crucial for a CTO to have a broad perspective and leadership skills to guide the entire organization.

One of the most important behaviors for a CTO is to become a "jack of all trades" and take on any task necessary to speed up the product validation cycle. This means engaging in user interviews, accompanying the sales team to gather customer feedback, taking on the role of a tech lead by writing code, and ensuring that the necessary resources are available to realize the desired functionality and design.

In the early stages of an organization, it may not be necessary to have a clearly defined structure or system. As the product takes shape and the market fit becomes clearer, the need for evaluation, division of responsibilities, and the right people becomes more apparent. This is when it becomes crucial to document the organization's vision, product ideology, and values. By doing so, the organization can create systems and structures that align with these principles.

It is important to note that communication skills and the ability to effectively convey goals and objectives to team members are essential. Simply establishing systems and policies is not enough; they must be communicated in a way that everyone can understand and align with. This can be achieved through regular one-on-one meetings and fostering a culture of open communication.

In conclusion, the skill of thinking critically and the ability to lead with a broad perspective are vital in today's rapidly changing world. To enhance these skills, we should prioritize focused thinking, slow down, and concentrate on one task at a time. Additionally, scheduling dedicated time for thinking and reflection is crucial for making better decisions. For CTOs, it is important to embrace a "jack of all trades" mentality and take on various tasks to speed up the product validation cycle. Clear communication of the organization's vision and values is also key to building a strong and successful team.