Dennis R Perrin, Accredited Edward de Bono Trainer
"How To Be A Thinker!"
By Dennis R Perrin
Our thinking has not changed for centuries. We still try to solve problems using argument, a system inherited from Socrates then refined by Plato and Aristotle. This means that we are obsessed by three types of thinking all mixed up: 1. searching for "the truth", 2. putting ideas into "boxes and categories" and 3. "argument". This thinking system as described is over 2,000 years old and has never been updated.
We update our computer software every few months, yet our thinking stays the same. We believe that if we are intelligent then it follows that we can think well. Not so. Intelligent people are often bad thinkers because intelligence is a value judgement. When intelligent people pass exams, they then assume an arrogance and complacency far beyond the level of thinking inherent in those exams. Let's say that the level of thinking in all schools and universities is at the boiled-egg level compared to a master chef level - using a cooking analogy. We go through life at the boiled-egg level of thinking, when there is now an opportunity to reach the level of master thinker.
A master thinker learns thinking tools. A master thinker develops skill in creativity. Master thinkers learn the value of pausing and resist impulsive emotional thinking and the need to rush. Master thinkers can be high achievers without the need to impose their thinking, beliefs or sales upon others.
Learning thinking tools takes time and master thinkers are prepared to take one step at a time, patiently learning the tools one by one, and then practising these tools at every opportunity in order to hone them, in the same way a trainee pilot hones his/her flying skills. Master thinkers no longer need to argue self-righteously about how right they are, their status as thinkers is more important than their social status, and their confidence is in their own thinking whenever there is a need to make a decision.
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Dennis R Perrin, de Bono Trainer |
There are three factors that master thinkers take into account whenever there is a need to think: 1. Time: they take the time to think, and this specific time element is what they learn in de Bono Thinking Training. 2. Master thinkers use thinking tools, and it is in using the tools skilfully that is another aspect of the Dr de Bono Thinking lessons; and 3. master thinkers learn focus. Focus is the most important aspect of thinking. When a master thinker thinks, he/she knows exactly what they are doing, he/she expects and gets results, and the thinking results either give the next steps or a conclusion.
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| Dr Edward de Bono, master thinker, photo taken by de Bono Trainer Dennis R Perrin |
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