What Type of Thinking Are You Using?
Ever find yourself making all your decisions, the same way, again and again?
Most business owners do, and don’t even realise it. Yet, the type of thinking you bring to a decision shapes everything that follows: the results you get, the opportunities you see (or miss), and whether you stay stuck or break through.
After more than two decades coaching, mentoring and training hundreds of smart, growth-focused business owners, I’ve noticed a simple truth:
Most business owners use task or tactical thinking for almost every decision.
That works for day-to-day issues, but it won’t take you to the next level.
The Right Thinking for the Right Decisions
Think back to your last five business decisions. What were they?
Were any just tasks? Which were Tactical? Operational? Were any Strategic?
If you’re not sure of the differences, don’t worry. You’re not alone, this isn’t taught at school. But it’s a game-changer when you learn to match the right type (and level) of thinking to the decision being made and the potential it offers.
If you’ve been following along over the past few weeks, you’ll know where this is heading – but stick with me. I’ve added another layer to what we’ve already covered, and if you’re new here, you’re right on time. What follows, matters
A Quick Guide on What Thinking Belongs Where:
Task Thinking:
For routines, habits, or simple jobs (“just do it”). Minimal thinking required. Think: updating your calendar, sending invoices, stocking shelves, making coffee.
Tactical Thinking:
For fast decisions, immediate actions and short term results. (“get it done now”). Think: sales, and marketing activities, serving customers, solving urgent issues, reacting to what comes.
Operational Thinking:
For improving how your business runs. (“develop it, make it better”). Think: developing systems, processes, and people. Managing resources for maximum efficiency and profits.
Strategic Thinking:
For important, longer-term decisions about direction, positioning and impact. (“think it over, choose your path – carefully”). Think: decisions about the nature and direction of your business. The market to compete in. The customers to serve. The market position to own. Where you are heading. What you need to change to get there. How to break through.
How Do You Know What Kind of Thinking You’re Using?
It shows up in your language (and your results).
- “Just get it done” → Task
- “That’ll do for now, go for it” → Tactical
- “This system’s not working, we need to improve it” → Operational
- “Is this still the right market for us to be in?” → Strategic
Start listening to yourself. Your words always reflect your thinking.
Try This Exercise:
- Write down five decisions you made this week.
- What type of thinking did you use for each?
- What type of thinking did they actually need?
- How do you know?
(Hint: I’ll show you next week.)
Why Does This Matter?
Because every issue overcome, and breakthrough you will get, starts with the right thinking.
Most business owners get stuck because they try to make strategic decisions with task or tactical thinking. That’s like using a putter for a tee shot – and for every shot after that. Making the right decisions with the wrong thinking won’t bring you the results you’re after.
If you’re always in “task or tactical mode,” chances are you’re missing out on more growth, leverage and opportunities than you realise. All it takes to unlock more potential is to learn how to match your thinking to the type of decision you’re making and the potential it offers.
Next week, I’ll show you how.
Next week, I’ll share the Better Thinking Matrix – it’s a simple, yet insightful tool I created to make it easy for business owners to know exactly what type and level of thinking to call on – for whatever challenge you’re facing or decision you’re making.
It quick and simple to use – but it holds the key to breaking through to your next level of business. It takes next level thinking to get next level results. More on that next week.
Until then, give the exercise a go – and see what you notice.
Cheers,
Geoff
