Monty Python on Thinking Slowly

I just got back from the ICCM (International Call Center Managers) conference here in Las Vegas. The Keynote speaker was John Cleese. Yes, thee John Cleese of Monty Python fame.

Mr. Cleese had some very insightful and profound thoughts on creativity and thinking that I wanted to share with you right away. His speech concentrated on our ability to be creative by thinking more slowly. Research has shown that creativity is not related to intelligence. But that is counter-cultural to what we call “thinking” because we must always “look” busy. Slowing down to think and ponder is not what we are used to nor something we are comfortable with. Our natural instinct is to quickly analyze a problem and solve it analytically and logically. This is typically a result of being under pressure or stress, but it doesn’t always yield the best solution.

By taking our time and pondering a problem and thinking it over, we will often yield a more creative solution. More complex problems will actually benefit the most from slow, creative thinking. Have you ever “slept” on a problem and the next morning found a really creative and good solution? Of course you have. This is what Mr. Cleese was talking about. Now, this doesn’t require thinking harder, just more slowly. You have to give yourself time to think slowly. Both types of thinking are needed, however, depending on the type of problem. In fact, usually when we come up with a solution slowly and intuitively, we then validate it with more logical and rapid thinking. But remember, unconscious gut feelings don’t always have to have a logical explanation. Sometimes we just “feel” that this is the right answer.

So, when a customer says, “I have to think it over,” this may have some validity. Just make sure you keep them on track and don’t let them think it over forever.

Look for more information about my visit to the ICCM show in my October issue of “got sales?”. If you don’t already subscribe to my “got sales?” newsletter, you can do so now for free by clicking HERE.

Thanks and take care.
Russ Lombardo