In my switch thinking workshops or courses I start by suggesting to participants that they are already adept at switching.
In fact they are doing it – everyday.
For example:
You can switch positions (e.g. in football, at work).
You can switch roles (e.g. partner, parent, work colleague).
You can switch lanes (e.g. in. a car).
You can switch outfits.
You can switch subjects (at school, university).
You can switch gears (e.g. bike, car).
You can switch clubs (e.g. golf).
You can switch channels (e.g. TV).
You can switch hit (e.g. baseball, cricket).
You can switch stances (e.g. boxing, martial arts).
You can switch brands.
What can we learn from these examples of switching?
You are switching all the time.
It involves some type of ideally positive change (either big or small).
The change is immediate.
You often switch in an attempt to progress (e.g. switch lanes).
Switching is about movement (i.e. switching is forward and back).
It gives us a sense of freedom and security as you can always switch back.
Being able to switch gives you a greater sense of agency and control (e.g. switch channels, subjects, courses, positions, roles).
Switching suggests an element of fun, risk and play (e.g. an outfit).
Being able to switch is a way to adapt to change and create positive change.
Switching is a vital, enjoyable and rewarding part of life.
So why not switch your thinking?
It’s your super skill you need to succeed in a changing world.
As a team leader it’s the one of your most important drivers of success – being able to switch the team’s thinking when they get stuck, hit a wall or run out of energy.