The Power of Free-Form Ideas and Low Formality Thinking

Hi Crisis Leaders,

When I had the privilege of teaching future captains in tactics at the Leadership Academy, I realized something profound that I've since observed in numerous situations. During tactical training, students would present several Courses of Action (COAs) as part of their planning process and then issue orders. What struck me was that when students presented a highly detailed COA to their superiors, the focus often shifted to irrelevant details—such as language, grammar, and formatting—rather than the strategic essence of the plan. However, when they presented a more abstract sketch of how they intended to win the battle, the discussion became far more creative and focused on the core strategy.

This pattern of behavior intrigued me, and over the years, I’ve encountered it repeatedly in various professional settings. I was particularly pleased when I came across the research of Professor Gordon Sanson, a retired biologist from Monash University, whose work provides insight into why this phenomenon occurs.

In this week’s edition of The Weekly Crisis Thought, I want to explore Professor Gordon Sanson’s research into Low Formality Thinking offers valuable insights into why the way we present and engage with ideas matters so much.

Over the last 50 years, there have been numerous scientific studies on the impact of handwritten notetaking, particularly in educational settings. The consensus is overwhelming: handwriting, as opposed to typing, fosters better recall and deeper understanding. But why is this the case? To understand this, we can look at Sanson’s concept of low and high formality in idea presentation and how it impacts creativity and decision-making.

In the early 2000s, as technology advanced, Professor Sanson became interested in how university lectures were evolving, particularly the shift from traditional teaching methods like chalkboards to digital tools like PowerPoint. He noticed that when teachers used high formality content—polished slides and typed notes—students’ feedback often focused on minor details such as formatting or grammar, rather than engaging with the core ideas. Conversely, when low formality methods, like chalkboard sketches, were used, the focus shifted to the bigger picture, promoting a more conceptual and creative discussion.

Key Insights and Takeaways:

Let’s delve into some key insights from Professor Sanson’s work:

• Low Formality vs. High Formality Thinking: The distinction between these two types of content is crucial. Low formality content—like hand-drawn sketches or chalkboard notes—encourages creative thinking and big-picture focus. In contrast, high formality content, such as typed documents and polished presentations, often leads to a narrow focus on details, such as spelling, grammar, or design.
• Cognitive Load Theory: Cognitive Load Theory helps explain why low formality content is more effective for creative thinking. When we reduce the cognitive load associated with processing polished, high-formality content, we free up mental resources to focus on the core ideas. This theory suggests that the more we can simplify the presentation of ideas, the more we can encourage creative and strategic thinking.
• Practical Applications of Low Formality Thinking: Sanson’s research has practical implications not just in education but in everyday work settings. For example, when brainstorming or problem-solving, using a whiteboard or sketchpad can lead to more innovative solutions. Conversely, when you need detailed feedback on a specific document, a typed, high-formality format may be more appropriate.

Practical Tips/Actionable Advice:

To implement these insights in your leadership practices, consider the following steps:

1. Encourage Free-Form Idea Sharing: Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing rough, hand-drawn sketches or notes. This can be done during brainstorming sessions, strategic planning meetings, or any setting where creative thinking is valued.
2. Utilize Low Formality Tools: Incorporate tools like whiteboards, sketchpads, or digital tablets with stylus pens in your meetings. These tools allow for a more fluid exchange of ideas and can help teams focus on the bigger picture.
3. Balance Low and High Formality Content: Recognize when to use low formality content to stimulate creativity and when to switch to high formality content to refine and finalize ideas. This balance is crucial in ensuring that your team remains both innovative and effective.

In-Depth Discussion: Low Formality Thinking – The Impact of Pen Use

Professor Sanson’s interest in low and high formality content led him to explore how different mediums—like chalkboards versus PowerPoint—impact learning and idea development. He observed that when ideas are presented in a low fidelity, or low formality, manner, such as with chalk on a chalkboard or a sketch on paper, people are more likely to engage with the core concepts rather than getting distracted by superficial details.

For instance, in user interface design, when developers present a hand-drawn prototype, the feedback they receive is typically more conceptual. Users focus on the overall functionality rather than the aesthetics. However, when the prototype is polished and appears as a finished product, feedback often shifts to minor design elements, such as the size of buttons or the color scheme, rather than the overall usability or purpose of the design.

Sanson’s studies revealed that this principle applies broadly, from educational settings to workplace brainstorming. When students take notes by hand, they tend to remember more because the process of handwriting requires them to process and summarize information actively. This form of low formality thinking not only enhances recall but also deepens understanding, as students create connections and engage more meaningfully with the content.

In contrast, when students type notes or when lecturers use highly polished slides, the focus tends to narrow to the specifics—often at the expense of grasping the bigger picture. This leads to what Sanson described as a "Performance Preference Disconnect." Despite evidence showing that "chalk and talk" lectures lead to better student outcomes, many students still prefer the perceived ease and polish of PowerPoint presentations.

Application in Leadership: Strive to Make the Change

For leaders, understanding the impact of low versus high formality thinking is critical. When you’re looking for innovative ideas or big-picture thinking, consider using low formality methods like whiteboards, sketches, or rough notes. This approach not only encourages creativity but also allows for a more dynamic and collaborative discussion.

Conversely, when the goal is to refine and finalize ideas, high formality methods—like typed documents and structured presentations—are more appropriate. However, it’s important not to skip the initial, low formality stage of idea development. Jumping straight to high formality content can stifle creativity and lead to less effective outcomes.

Professor Sanson’s forward-thinking approach also extended to embracing new technologies. He recognized that low formality thinking doesn’t mean rejecting modern tools; rather, it’s about using those tools in ways that enhance, rather than hinder, creative processes. For instance, using a digital tablet with a pen allows for the flexibility of low formality note-taking with the convenience of digital technology.

Conclusion: Don’t Skip Low Formality!

As you lead your teams through the challenges of today’s complex environment, remember the importance of low formality thinking. Whether you’re brainstorming new strategies, solving problems, or simply generating ideas, starting with a less formal, more flexible approach can lead to more innovative and effective outcomes.

By embracing both low and high formality content at the appropriate stages of the creative process, you can foster an environment where big ideas flourish and are then refined into actionable plans. So, before you reach for the keyboard, consider picking up a pen or stepping up to a whiteboard first. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your leadership effectiveness.

Wishing you a creative and innovative week ahead!