‘Intelligence is the ability to think and learn, but in a rapidly changing world, there’s another set of cognitive skills that might matter more: the ability to rethink and unlearn’ - Adam Grant
As a CEO, your thinking shapes every corner of your business. Over my 18 years of advising CEOs, I’ve observed a consistent challenge: while many leaders prioritize self-awareness and personal development, they often overlook the importance of examining how they think. This oversight can create blind spots that impact decision-making, growth, and adaptability.
To lead effectively, you must continuously challenge your way of thinking—not only to become the leader you aspire to be but also to meet the evolving needs of your business.
Here’s a practical framework to help:
- Start with Business Insights: Your business reflects your leadership. Begin by assessing its financial health, operational systems, and market positioning. How effectively does your business capture and use data? Are you delivering value to customers in a way that builds trust and loyalty? These insights reveal areas where your thinking—and strategy—may need adjustment.
- Address Short-Term Challenges for Immediate Impact: Identify pressing issues that can deliver quick wins. For example, streamlining a key process or launching a customer engagement initiative can demonstrate the value of fresh thinking while addressing urgent needs. These actions set the stage for broader, long-term changes.
- Define the Future State of Your Business: Articulate a clear picture of how your business should operate in the future. Beyond the vision statement, think about the practical aspects: What systems and structures will enable success? What kind of leader will you need to be to support this transformation?
- Align Leadership with Business Goals: Becoming the leader your business needs requires deliberate alignment. Use metrics to track progress and seek feedback to refine your approach. Whether it’s improving communication, decision-making, or strategic foresight, ensure your leadership evolves alongside your business.
- Build Systems for Continuous Growth: Establish systems and processes that reinforce long-term adaptability. This could include data strategies, operational workflows, or leadership development programs. These systems provide a foundation for sustained growth and resilience in a changing market.
It’s not an easy process.
Challenging your thinking is not easy. It means embracing doubt, seeking perspectives that test your assumptions, and rethinking entrenched beliefs. However, the rewards are significant: a stronger business, better decisions, and leadership that inspires confidence.Ultimately, asking “How does my thinking shape my business?” can be transformative. The willingness to evolve not only strengthens your business today but also ensures its success for the future.
