Mind Software and Thinking

The recent proliferation of AI (Artificial Intelligence) has surfaced a lingering issue: If we can create software to increase the capabilities of a computer, can we not create software to increase the capabilities of the greatest computer we know of – our minds?

?????????? Let’s unpack this idea.? First, a definition of software.?? Here’s what Wikipedia says: “groups of?binary values?signifying?processor instructions?….”

??????????? If software gives instructions to a processor, can we not build a set of instructions that will enhance our ability to think more effectively?? If so, wouldn’t that be mind software??

?????????? To make sure we are all understanding the same thing, here’s a definition:? Mind Software is a set of instructions that drive thinking processes so that we can more effectively accomplish a sophisticated task.?

?????????? We probably don’t need any special software to accomplish routine daily activities.? But, from time to time we encounter a problem or a project that requires sophisticated answers, or that carries with them such important consequences that we ought to use whatever tool we can to ensure a positive outcome.

?????????? Our rapidly changing environment challenges us to change the way we work and think and do it better.? If we don’t change and improve at least as rapidly as the world is changing around us, we’ll fall behind.? It’s time to add some new tools to our repertoire.? Mind Software is one of them.

?????????? As with any sophisticated work, one of the building blocks to mind software is effectively designed processes.

?????????? We understand that a good, well-designed process makes everything work better and easier.? This is true for any and every sophisticated task. So, we can think of a server taking and delivering a restaurant customer’s order., for example. ??The restaurant owner can let every server do it however he/she wants, or he/she can create a process, and then train and equip the staff to implement that process.?

?????????? Since the process is composed of key steps, those steps can be measured, and those measurements compared to a goal. So, for example, let’s say that the server’s process requires the customer’s order to be entered into a tablet computer at the table, within 15 minutes of the server greeting them.? You could easily develop a means of capturing the information and then compare actual measurements to the ideal. When there is a discrepancy, you can take some action to improve that step on the process. ?In so doing, you continuously improve.?

?????????? That approach is effective for any and every recurring, sophisticated task.? Think of McDonalds without a system or processes.? They don’t hire the best people they can find, and then give them this charge: “You guys figure it out.”? No — they create a system, made up of processes, activities, tools and measurements, and then train and measure the employees to effectively implement that system.

?????????? Whether it is making a sales call, cooking a meal, assembling a Ford, or writing a term paper, any and every sophisticated, reproducible task should be turned into a process and systematized in order to do it better and continually improve it.

?????????? The task should be sophisticated. In order words, it should be composed of a number of sub-tasks.? So, for example, installing a new video doorbell requires a number of tasks, whereas ringing the doorbell does not.? ?

?????????? It should also be recurring. In other words, the same task should present itself over and over again.? So, if you are a homeowner, building a house is probably a one-off sophisticated project. You are unlikely to do it over and over again.? But, if you are a builder, the project of building a house is a regular, recurring challenge. The homeowner may not need a system to think about it, but the home builder sure better have one to survive.

?????????? So, a good process, well-designed and adhered to carefully can be a significant tool for effectiveness and efficiency.?

What about Thinking?

?????????? But, what about thinking?? Are there sophisticated, reproducible tasks that can be accomplished more effectively and more easily by creating and installing ‘mind software’ – instructions about thinking processes to accomplish this task?

?????????? Certainly, we all have sophisticated, recurring tasks that we encounter.? And a significant number of those require sophisticated responses.? Understanding that, can we ‘think better?”

?????????? What if, instead of launching into a sophisticated task like strategic planning, we spent some time... CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE