Liminal Thinking

Liminal Thinking

Our habitual thinking patterns tend to detract us from innovative solutions. How can we guard against this risk of blindness?

Author(s): Dave Gray

Publisher: Two Waves Books

Date of publication: 2016

Manageris opinion

Often, we miss out on opportunities because our attention is focused on other things. Faced with a problem, for example, we spontaneously turn to data that we assume is relevant to finding a solution. For that purpose, we use the knowledge and convictions forged from our experience. But, in so doing, we restrict our scope of analysis. What if a piece of information we consider inconsequential was actually the key to a much more innovative solution?

Dave Gray warns us against the natural tendency to repeat our habitual thinking patterns. He explains the cognitive mechanisms behind this phenomenon and shows how they predispose us to perceive only a fraction of available information, namely that which confirms our assumptions. Fortunately, he also gives us keys to expand our scope of attention and avoid overly yielding to these biases.

A simple and clear book, very helpful in guarding against the risks of being caught short by blind spots.