BecomeMore Group Staff
The concept of creating a "culture of thinking" within an organization is a powerful approach that transcends traditional leadership methodologies. In their insightful new book, Scott and Tammy reveal six critical tactics that leaders can implement to foster environments where innovative thinking flourishes rather than stagnates. These tactical approaches serve as the foundation for transformational leadership that prioritizes cognitive development across teams.
The first tactic discussed in depth is the powerful notion that "readers are thinkers." This concept emphasizes that leaders who cultivate reading habits within their organizations create interconnected webs of knowledge that spark innovation. When team members read professional literature, they begin to recognize patterns and connections between different ideas, which ultimately leads to breakthrough thinking. This isn't about passive consumption of information but active engagement with ideas. As highlighted in the discussion, the true value emerges when reading becomes collective—when teams discuss books together, debate concepts, and share diverse perspectives on the material. This collaborative approach to professional reading multiplies the impact of individual insights and creates a shared intellectual foundation for the team.
Another standout tactic explored is what they cleverly term "SSL" or "Stay Stupid Longer." This counterintuitive approach encourages leaders to resist the natural urge to provide immediate answers or solutions when team members raise questions or challenges. When leaders with experience and organizational authority quickly provide solutions, they inadvertently shut down thinking processes in others. Team members learn to wait for leadership direction rather than developing their own analytical abilities. By "staying stupid longer"—intentionally holding back their own expertise—leaders create space for team members to develop and articulate their own thinking. This builds problem-solving capacity throughout the organization rather than centralizing it at the leadership level. It's arguably one of the most challenging tactics for experienced leaders to implement consistently, as it requires restraint and patience, but potentially one of the most powerful for developing organizational intelligence.
The discussion reveals an important distinction between consuming information and truly thinking about it. Scott describes his approach to reading business books—highlighting passages, making notes, and actively connecting concepts across different sources—as fundamentally different from how he reads for pleasure. This active engagement represents the kind of thinking habits that exceptional leaders both practice themselves and cultivate in their teams. The emphasis throughout is on moving organizations away from reflexive doing and toward thoughtful consideration of problems and solutions. By implementing these tactical approaches consistently, leaders can transform organizational culture from one that values quick answers to one that prioritizes deep thinking, leading to more innovative solutions and sustainable success.