This week we continue to look at the knowing-doing gap and why there is frequently a gap between knowing something and actually turning that knowledge into action. This article is based on the research work of Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert Sutton on how smart companies turn knowledge into action. Of course we can also learn from this how smart people turn knowledge into action. Last week we learned about smart talk and how this can be a trap which leads to inaction. This week we look at how memory can replace thinking. What we mean by this is that organisations can get stuck into a certain way of doing things. This is how things have always been done around here type thinking. It’s a mindless reliance on the past. Translating knowledge into action which involves changes is resisted. People are afraid to question the old ways of doing things. Management practices persist even when their ineffectiveness is acknowledge by organisational leadership. The result is that organisations avoid adopting new practices.
How can we relate this to our own lives? Well, are you stuck in a rut and doing things in a mindless way because you have always done it that way? Are you stuck in the ‘good old days‘ when your were successful in the past?
Alternatively are you open to fresh thinking and doing new things? One practical exercise that you can do every day to promote new thinking and create new ideas is to write down 10 creative ideas on any topic of your choice every day. You will build your creative muscle! You will generate new ideas and enhance your ability to break out of mindlessness. Build this practice into your daily routine. Your diary is a great place to brainstorm these 10 daily ideas (I use the Journal Software by DavidRM : Order Link; Demo Download Link; Product Information Link)
Next Week: Fear is the enemy when it comes to organisations breaking free of precedent. In the next article we look at why fear prevents action and exacerbates the knowing-doing gap in organisations and what lessons we can learn to improve our own lives.
