In today’s fast-paced business landscape, leaders are often faced with complex problems that require innovative solutions. To tackle these challenges effectively, one must become proficient in sensemaking—a skill that helps individuals understand and interpret information to make informed decisions. This article by David Skriloff will discuss techniques for improving your sensemaking abilities, ultimately leading to better business performance.
Master Sensemaking: David Skriloff On Boosting Your Business Performance Through Improved Decision-Making
The Criticality of Sensemaking in Business Leadership
Sensemaking is the process of creating a mental model in response to ambiguous or uncertain situations, says David Skriloff. It involves taking in information, connecting the dots, and forming a coherent understanding of the situation. In a business context, sensemaking can help leaders make strategic decisions, anticipate risks, and respond quickly to changes in the market.
Effective sensemaking is not only about collecting and analyzing data; it’s also about fostering an open-minded, flexible, and adaptive mindset that allows individuals to explore various perspectives and possibilities. To excel in your sensemaking abilities and drive better outcomes for your business, consider implementing the following strategies.
Cultivate a Culture of Curiosity
Curiosity, as the saying goes, is the engine of achievement. In a business environment characterized by uncertainty, fostering a culture of curiosity among your team members can lead to more informed decisions and, consequently, better overall outcomes. Encourage your employees to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and think critically about the information they receive, helping them develop their sensemaking abilities.
You can also promote curiosity by providing employees with the freedom to explore and experiment with new ideas, as well as offering opportunities for continuous learning and development. This approach can create a more innovative and adaptive workforce that is better equipped to navigate complex and uncertain situations.
Embrace Diversity of Thought
Diversity of thought is essential in enhancing sensemaking, as it brings multiple perspectives to the table, broadening your scope and understanding of a situation. Encourage productive dialogue and debate by assembling teams with a range of backgrounds, experiences, and expertise. This will allow for more well-rounded insights and ultimately lead to better decision-making.
Furthermore, be open to receiving input and feedback from different stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and other industry experts. Their contributions can offer invaluable insights that may otherwise go unnoticed, ultimately improving the quality of your sensemaking efforts.
Develop Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EI) pertains to the capacity to understand and manage one’s own emotions, as well as those of others. EI is a valuable skill for leaders to possess, as it allows them to accurately decipher the emotions behind various pieces of information, an essential component of sensemaking.
According to David Skriloff, to improve your emotional intelligence, practice self-reflection and mindfulness, enabling you to become more self-aware and attuned to the emotions of others. Additionally, work on building strong relationships within your team, creating an environment that fosters open communication and emotional understanding.
Learn from the Past, but Remain Forward-Looking: David Skriloff’s Concluding Thoughts
While it’s essential to learn from past experiences, remaining too anchored in the past can impede effective sensemaking. Instead, maintain a forward-looking mindset by focusing on potential future opportunities, threats, and trends. Utilize data and analytics to anticipate shifts in the market, keeping your organization agile and adaptive in the face of uncertainty.
According to David Skriloff, one way to remain forward-looking is to adopt scenario planning, envision possible future states, and prepare your organization to handle each one effectively.