Thinking clearly isn’t about impressing others; it’s about making complex ideas simple. It’s about clarity and collaboration. Here are some helpful phrases to guide conversations toward actionable decisions.
1. Help Me Understand
Start with curiosity. When you say, “Help me understand,” you invite discussion instead of conflict. This approach encourages sharing information and reduces defensive reactions. For instance, when a colleague suggested a tight deadline, instead of arguing, I asked them to explain their reasoning. This led us to discover an underlying issue that changed our approach.
2. Define the Problem
Ask yourself, “What are we really trying to solve?” If you can’t explain it in one sentence, the conversation might be going nowhere. During a project discussion about logos, a quick question about the problem reframed our focus: we weren’t just picking a logo; we wanted to make sign-ups easier. Identifying the real issue saved us hours of back-and-forth.
3. Surface Assumptions
Everyone has assumptions that drive their opinions. To expose them, ask, “What must be true for this plan to work?” As psychologist Daniel Kahneman points out, it’s easy to overlook what we don’t see. Listing these hidden beliefs allows us to test or discard them without putting egos on the line.
4. Check the Base Rate
“Is this typical for situations like this?” This question moves discussions from individual experiences to broader trends. For example, when planning a marketing launch, looking into average engagement rates helped us set realistic goals and adjust our strategies.
5. Compare Alternatives
“Compared to what?” opens up options. When considering a lifestyle change, rather than saying “go vegan,” I present choices: try a flexitarian diet or a weekday vegan approach. Evaluating various options helps assess their practicality and benefits.
6. Reversible vs. Irreversible Decisions
Think of decisions as doors. Some can easily be reopened, while others can’t. Jeff Bezos emphasizes that reversible decisions should be made quickly, but irreversible ones need careful thought. Identifying which type of decision you’re facing can streamline discussions and decision-making.
7. Second-Order Effects
What happens next? High-level thinkers consider consequences beyond the immediate effects. While slashing prices might increase sales, it can also lead to double the support queries and rising customer churn. Anticipating these second-order effects could help refine strategy and reduce headaches later.
8. Change-My-Mind Test
What would make you reconsider your stance? This question fosters open dialogue rather than debate. By establishing clear criteria for changing our minds, we become open to new evidence and remain intellectually honest.
9. Simplest Thing That Could Work
“What’s the simplest thing that could work?” This mindset encourages simplicity in problem-solving. During a project, I opted to create a basic version of my idea quickly, rather than getting bogged down in complexity. This expedited progress and provided proof of concept.
10. Define “Good”
What does “good” mean in this context? Without clear criteria, we end up exchanging opinions rather than facts. By defining what success looks like, we can measure outcomes objectively, whether in team projects or personal plans.
11. Facts vs. Stories
Distinguishing between facts and the narratives we create about them can clarify conversations. When a friend felt neglected due to canceled plans, separating the facts from the feelings led to a more constructive discussion rather than assumptions of disinterest.
12. Test This Week
“Let’s run a small test this week.” This phrase promotes action instead of waiting for perfect information. By launching a quick experiment, we can gain insights and make informed decisions. Research from behavioral scientists like Katy Milkman highlights that small experiments are often more effective than grand plans.
These phrases aren’t just catchy lines; they’re tools to navigate conversations effectively. Use them in day-to-day discussions and see the difference they make in shaping productive dialogue.
For more strategies and insights, check out research on effective communication techniques here.
