Things to Think About
“For every complex problem, there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.” H. L. Mencken
I can’t think of a quote that better sums up the wave of populism that is impacting governments around the world today. I would also add that this applies to businesses, too. While I realize that most of us like simple answers, we do so many times without regard to context and motivation. This is where critical thinking is so important. So, the next time you hear someone’s “simple” answer, put it into context and ask yourself questions like: “What is this person’s source of credibility on this particular topic? What resources have they utilized to formulate this simple answer and were they biased? Have they articulated clearly the consequences of their simple answer if it doesn’t work as planned? What is this person’s track record for delivering simple answers that actually worked?
And remember this: Good answers only get better when they are questioned.
Good luck on your journey!