Chess – a game best played from above the board.
[This is Part # 17 of a 20 Part Series to Improve Your Strengths] — Take the Strengths TEST
Quote: “All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.” -Sun Tzu Definition: “having systematic plans of action in mind”
Yes, I’m the kind of guy that will (and did!) wait 3 hours to do the Empire State Building tour. “Couple of tickets for the Observation Deck, Mack!” After Steve gave me a funny glance, we headed on up with a gleam in our eyes.
There we were, stuck in that box, screaming to God knows how many floors above us. Feet being planted into the floor until that familiar “DING!” signals it’s time to breathe again.
We step out, fight 800 mph winds, and make our way to the fenced edge. And what did we see?
Everything.
What was just a jumbled mess of roads, subways, and gobs of people to us petty tourists suddenly became clear as day. The map before our eyes. Nothing hidden, all for the visual taking. A clear picture of what we were a part of.
This is what it means to think strategically… to get the 86th floor view of things and execute your plan to improve your strengths!
Constantly Question Your Own Assumptions and Opinions
Have you ever tried to explain “luck” to a toddler? I did. It took some real effort, patience, and a fair bit of what hair is left on my head. I think we eventually came up with some analogy that ended the barrage of ‘why’s.
And there is the key to this part of strategy. Don’t always assume you know what’s going on. Don’t think you have any idea of what other people are thinking. Something that we think we really understand becomes a “common sense” thing. When that happens, watch out – it could be a trap in the bushes.
Work through an assumption from past to future and you might just begin to see a way over soon.
Consider the Ecology of Your Decisions
How will your next major decision influence your life? Your family and friends? How about the world? Too much to think about? Nah…