My new Switch Thinking book has just hit the bookshelves and I couldn’t be happier.
It’s like giving birth without the physical pain and a longer gestation period.
But nonetheless the moment has arrived.
I am both excited and a bit nervous about how it might be received.
The Why of Switch Thinking
It’s almost cliche to say that we alive in a rapidly changing and unpredictable world.
The result is that the thinking that helped you succeed in the past may not work in the future.
You have to be prepared to change your thinking (e.g. assumptions, beliefs, expectations) to adapt to and create even more change.
And be able to do this at a moment’s notice.
But here’s the rub.
We have not been taught how to do this – until now.
Switch Thinking gives you the tools to make often small changes in your thinking which can lead to big changes in how you see a situation, feel and act.
And what’s more it can help you switch – right now!
The guiding principle of Switch Thinking is that there is always another way to think about any situation.
For example,
What can make a 1% improvement?
Switch
What could make a 100% difference?
Or:
How might an engineer think about a challenge?
Switch
How might a music conductor think about the same challenge?
As you can see the switches a small in nature, fast, easy and empowering.
For example,
What is?
Switch
What if?
A change of one letter can have a profound difference in what new opportunities you and others can create.
My Insight:
The original insight for Switch Thinking came from watching bilingual people switch languages.
I was at a conference in Singapore and another attendee sat next to me and she started talking to her colleague in Mandarin then switched and chatted to me in English.
I was in awe of her ability to switch seamlessly between the two languages (i am not bilingual).
I wondered, if you can learn to switch your language perhaps you could learn to switch your thinking?
Through trial and error, a leap of imagination and reflecting on my 20 years of helping corporate leaders to think differently I created what I call Switch Thinking.
It’s a skill, hence it can be practiced and developed and the great news is that you can use it immediately.
The switches are easy and energising like a caffeine shot for your mind.
What makes Switch Thinking Different?
The goal of switch thinking is to create movement so you can see a situation in a different way.
There is not a right or wrong way to do this.
Just switch.
Switch Thinking revolves around switching in 2 minute bursts.
This makes the approach time efficient, creative and empowering.
It involves two Modes of thinking Box and Ball Mode.
These are powerful metaphors that equate to the latest brain science.
The emphasis is on matching the mode of thinking to the situation.
Another key point is that the starting point is on modes not types of people.
Everyone can use the two modes, at any time for any reason.
The switching can be back and forth between either of the modes.
Who would benefit from reading Switch Thinking?
Anyone that is interested in personal development and acquiring a powerful yet practical new life skill.
It will of particular appeal to leaders and anyone that is concerned with developing talent, leaders and human performance.
The concept is easy to role model and communicate.
And you can use the switches at work, home and everywhere in between.
Coaches, teachers, facilitators, consultants and gig professionals will also find the switches can help them with their clients, students, partners – instantly!
Switch Thinking – The Bare Bones
- Published by Wiley in Australia and will be available soon in the UK, Singapore and the US.
- 194 pages
- There is an introduction, 12 chapters and a conclusion
- The style is easy to read, quick, practical and replete with examples, exercises, anecdotes and switches
- There are chapters on Box Mode and Ball Modes, the 2 minute switch and a chapter on each of the 6 switches
- There are some helpful suggestions for neurodiverse minds
- And how you can use Switch Thinking by yourself, with a team and AI.
I hope you find Switch Thinking interesting.
I genuinely believe that it can help you in your life, every day.
In an uncertain world it’s the one skill that everyone needs to develop.