What was Dan Gilbert thinking?

Back in my 20’s and perhaps 30’s, I would have rattled off something similar. But experience teaches you that when you open your mouth under stress, bad things can happen.

Whatever Dan Gilbert was thinking, it certainly wasn’t Big Picture Thinking.

Coincidentally, both Gilbert and I experienced similar events. Gilbert was loyal to James to a fault building a new area, new training area, new this and new that. In the end, there was no loyalty.

For me as you know, we were loyal to TIGI to a fault in everything we did. Like James, TIGI bolted, there was no loyalty.

But that’s business, that’s life, and that’s why Big Picture Thinking is so critical not only in these trying times, but at all times.

Experience has taught me in my 40’s and now 50’s that strategic thinking and competitive intuition are much more powerful weapons than opening your mouth. On Monday, we will be making a very important announcement that has me giddy all over. That is what Big Picture Thinking will do to you.

So what is Big Picture Thinking anyway? It’s not in any textbook I know of but I have learned the context from our illustrious and very strategic GM, Kym Riffel. Only because it’s Friday and I am pre-giddy for Monday am I sharing her thoughts on Big Picture Thinking. Here goes:

“In changing times we need to step back and think about the BIG Picture – it brings perspective.

It’s like using your magnifying icon on your computer expanding what you can see and what you’re able to do!!!!

If you’re a Big Picture Thinker:

· You’re never satisfied with what you already know – you’re a lifelong learner!!!!

· Listen to someone who has experience in an area where you don’t!!!

· Make an effort to get outside of themselves and see other people’s worlds through their eyes!!!

· See many components involved in any given situation:  issues, people, relationships, timing, and values!!!

BIG PICTURE THINKING:

· Allows YOU to Lead

· See the VISION before your competition does

· Size up situations, taking into account many variables

· Connect your Future with your Past to make your journey more meaningful

· ALLOWS YOU TO ENJOY MORE SUCCESS!!!!!!!!!!

Finally,

Big Picture Thinkers Learn from every experience and give themselves permission to grow!!!!

I can say I learned from our experience and I’m fired up to MOVE FORWARD!!!!

I can’t wait for you to hear the announcement on Monday!!!!”

Happy Friday!

This entry was posted on Friday, July 9th, 2010 at 8:15 am and is filed under Big picture thinking, Kim Riffel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.