A Mic-Drop Moment with Nils: Unraveling the PMI Scan Connection

Yesterday, my boyfriend, Nils, left me in awe with his response to a simple question. Instead of the usual "Yes" or "No" when I asked if he wanted to watch the Netflix series "Better Call Saul," he replied with a mic-drop moment: "Wow, I'm so looking forward to doing something enjoyable together and connecting. The only thing is, maybe an even better way of connecting is taking a sauna together. On the other hand, maybe the series makes us laugh or inspires us, so either we watch it or come up with a way to make the sauna fun and inspiring."

I couldn't help but think, "I need all my girlfriends here to witness how amazing he is!" Nils's response was a hundred times better than a simple "Yeah, sure" or "Not really." It was thoughtful, engaging, and filled with possibilities. As I reflected on his words, I couldn't help but connect this incredible moment to something I recently discussed during a LinkedIn Live session – the power of the PMI (Positive, Minus, Interesting) scan.

Slowing Down for Smart Decisions

Our brains are incredibly efficient at making quick decisions, but Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman suggests that we should slow down for more important choices. He introduces us to two thinking systems: System 1 (fast and automatic) and System 2 (slow and deliberate).

Slowing down your thinking allows you to:

1. ?? Explore Multiple Perspectives: Delve into various angles and gain a comprehensive understanding.
2. ?? Evaluate Consequences: Assess potential short- and long-term effects.
3. ?? Reduce Regret: Make choices aligned with your values.
4. ?? Mitigate Cognitive Biases: Counteract biases for rational decisions.

The PMI Scan: A Toolkit for Thoughtful Decisions

The PMI scan (Positive, Minus, Interesting) is a simple yet powerful tool that encourages you to pause and evaluate your thoughts and decisions:

?? Positive: This step involves identifying the positive aspects of a decision or situation. In the case of the Netflix invitation, it meant Nils recognized that watching a series together is an opportunity to spend quality time together.

?? Minus: Here, you consider the potential drawbacks or negatives associated with the decision. For the Netflix scenario, it made Nils realize that it's difficult to have meaningful conversations while watching TV, which could be a drawback when seeking connection.

?? Interesting: The interesting point invites you to explore unexpected or intriguing aspects of the decision. With the Netflix case, Nils saw the potential of the series making us laugh or inspiring us.

Connecting the PMI scan with slowing down your thinking enhances your decision-making. It aligns beautifully with the deliberate approach of System 2 thinking.

So, the next time you face a decision – big or small – employ the PMI scan and savor the depth and insight it brings. And hey, maybe you'll have your own Nils moment, leaving you with a mic-drop-worthy moment! ??

I recently organized a LinkedIn Live about this! Watch the recording here. Or if you're interested in this topic, here's more information.

Talk to you in two weeks!

Sarah