Lean Musings and other stuff

Suspension

This week – right? Somehow it's “flying by” and “dragging on” all at the same time. I think there might be a rip in the fabric of time and space that needs patching……..

Exchanging points of view sounds fairly easy. In our line of work, where we are trying to improve things, we are constantly challenged to explain our point of view, a theory, or just ask challenging questions. That’s where it happens. I call it the “lock-down phenomena”.

I can see it in the faces and body language. The question or statement just made has officially crept over the “comfort line”. We are no longer exchanging ideas. We are now trapped in a tug of war where I think I’m explaining something and they are focused on holding their ground. You ever been there?

I think there’s something to being willing to hear a differing point of view and even being willing to acknowledge you might learn something that shouldn’t be confused with “if I hear it I will have to agree to it”. It might even be a good idea to offer a disclaimer first. Maybe agree that all we are doing is hearing each other out and asking questions for clarity versus checking out or going along passive aggressively?

This technique is called “suspension”. It is the ability to voluntarily suspend your opinion, bias, or apprehension until you feel it’s needed. Like many conversational or negotiating techniques it isn’t complicated, but it is something that needs practice. You have to be willing to talk about and explore ideas you may hate from the beginning and reach the fullest possible understanding, before you end your “suspension”.

Because we’re charged with letting the data tell us where, what, or why we the problem exists, this is a critical thinking skill for those that aspire o problem solving.

So, what do you think? Can you trade in your suspicion for some suspension?

Have a great weekend and enjoy the fall days!