Current e-Journal

Catalytic Thinking Exercise:
Certainty as the Enemy of Possibility

I already know that.
We already tried that.
I already do that.

You may notice in some of our discussions at Creating the Future, that we emphasize “Beginner’s mind” – an attitude of curiosity and inquiry vs. certainty, best practice, and “expert’s mind.”

In the expert’s mind, we meet possibility with “that will never work.” We meet curiosity with “get real.” We meet anything new with “that’s not how we do things.” Because we already “know” what will and won’t work.

We think we know the answer even before the question has been fully asked. We half-listen to new ideas, because we already know what’s best.

Expert Mode is an obstacle you put in your own way, barring the door to what is possible and keeping you stuck.

We often don’t realize we are in Expert Mode. Therefore, the first step in opening up to Beginner's Mind will be to notice how often your mind is closed. And to then take steps to open up to the vast ocean of possibility around you.

And if you’ve read this far, and thought, “This isn’t for me…” then this is especially for you!

Try this
The opposite of expert mode is beginner’s mind – the curiosity and inquisitiveness of not having the answer. That openness allows you to explore what is possible. It forces you to listen more carefully, to analyze before you even begin to think you have the answer.

It all begins with listening and noticing.

1) Notice:
When you are in conversation with your team members or your spouse, or when you’re reading an article (like this one), notice your thoughts. Notice if those thoughts sound like any of the following… 

• I already know that / do that.
• I already know what you’re going to say.
• Here’s how I’ve done that.
• I tell that to my (kids / students / team) all the time!
• We already tried that (and it didn’t work).
• That's not how I do it / I do that better.

2) Adopt Beginner’s Mind:
Once you’ve noticed those Expert Mode phrases, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this moment? From this person? From this conversation? What might I learn about this other person? What might I learn about myself?” Give that person your full attention, right in that moment, with the sincere intention to learn something from them. Be curious, wondering openly, “What might I learn?”

Listening with the intent to learn and explore is at the heart of the practice of Catalytic Listening. If you haven’t tried that practice, you’ll find it a powerful tool for quieting your mind and listening for the potential in any situation. The Resource section below has some great places to start.

By opening your mind to other ways of seeing, you will be opening the door to a whole realm of possibility. That is why moving towards Beginner’s Mind is embedded in Catalytic Listening. And it’s why Catalytic Listening is so essential to the practice of Catalytic Thinking.