Tag: decision making

How will you measure your life?

Balancing Achievement and Fulfillment:
Christensen’s work emphasizes the delicate balance between career achievement and personal fulfillment. He suggests that while professional accomplishments are measurable and visible, personal satisfaction is often less tangible but equally important. The key lies in defining what success truly means on a personal level and aligning it with one’s professional goals.

How will you measure your life?

Investing in Relationships:
One of the central tenets of Christensen’s book is the significance of investing in relationships. He argues that strong personal relationships are the most substantial source of long-term happiness. For executives, this might mean reevaluating priorities to ensure that relationships with family, friends, and community are nurtured alongside career aspirations.

The Danger of Marginal Thinking:
Christensen cautions against marginal thinking – making decisions based on short-term gains rather than long-term values. This approach can lead to compromises in both personal integrity and life goals. For leaders, maintaining a steadfast focus on core values and long-term objectives is crucial for true success.

The Motivation Factor:
Understanding what motivates us is another critical aspect. Christensen points out that motivation often comes from intrinsic rewards – the sense of satisfaction from the work itself – rather than extrinsic rewards like money or status. Leaders need to identify what intrinsically motivates them and their teams to foster a fulfilling work environment.

Creating a Personal Strategy:
The concept of developing a personal strategy is pivotal in Christensen’s philosophy. Just as businesses require strategic planning to thrive, individuals need personal strategies to achieve their life goals. This involves setting clear objectives, understanding the resources available, and regularly reviewing and adjusting these plans.


“How Will You Measure Your Life?” offers a reflective and strategic approach to life’s biggest decisions. For executives and leaders, Christensen’s insights provide a framework for aligning professional achievements with personal fulfillment. By focusing on what truly matters, leaders can navigate their lives with purpose and satisfaction, creating a legacy that transcends professional success. This book is not just a guide to living but a reminder of the values that define a truly successful life.

Six Thinking Hats Framework

Always approach problem-solving using the Six Thinking Hats framework, which is a valuable tool for examining issues from various perspectives:

  1. White Hat (Facts and Information): Start by gathering all the available data and facts related to the problem. What do we know?
  2. Red Hat (Emotions and Feelings): Consider the emotional aspects of the problem. How do you and your team feel about it? What are your initial gut reactions?
  3. Black Hat (Critical Thinking): Analyze the potential drawbacks, risks, and challenges associated with the problem. What are the potential pitfalls and obstacles?
  4. Yellow Hat (Optimism and Positivity): Focus on the positive aspects and opportunities that may arise from solving the problem. What are the potential benefits and solutions?
  5. Green Hat (Creativity and Innovation): Encourage creative thinking and brainstorming for new ideas and solutions. What innovative approaches can you explore?
  6. Blue Hat (Process Control): Finally, take control of the thinking process. Summarize the insights gained from the other hats, prioritize actions, and outline a plan to address the problem. What’s the next step?

By systematically examining the problem from these different angles, you can arrive at a well-rounded and thoughtful solution.

Six Hats framework

Strategic Thinking

In the ever-evolving world of business, the ability to think strategically is paramount. One useful tool in this endeavor is the ‘Strategic Thinking MicroSkill Cheat Sheet’. By dividing strategic thinking into three main pillars – Logical, Creative, and Emotional – this cheat sheet provides a roadmap for honing our strategic prowess. Let’s delve deeper.

1. Logical Skills in Strategic Thinking:
These skills provide the foundation for critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.

  • Anticipation: Predicting future changes or challenges allows companies to be proactive rather than reactive.
  • Meta-cognition: Understanding one’s own cognitive biases can prevent costly mistakes.
  • High-quality questions: Instead of asking, “Is our strategy working?”, ask, “What conditions make our strategy effective?”

Insight: Logical skills are all about connecting the dots and understanding the bigger picture. It’s not just about having the answers but asking the right questions.

2. Creative Skills in Strategic Thinking:
These skills bring innovation and adaptability to the forefront.

  • Storytelling: A well-crafted narrative can be more persuasive than a data-packed report.
  • Contrarianism: Sometimes, going against the grain can lead to breakthroughs.
  • Devalorization: Re-assessing and challenging established norms keeps businesses adaptable.

Insight: Creativity in strategic thinking isn’t just about new ideas; it’s about seeing old challenges in a new light and daring to challenge the status quo.

3. Emotional Skills in Strategic Thinking:
These skills anchor decisions in empathy and self-awareness.

  • Empathy: Truly understanding your customer’s or team’s perspective can lead to more nuanced strategies.
  • Courage: The business landscape is filled with uncertainty. Having the courage to take calculated risks can set companies apart.
  • Self-awareness: Recognizing one’s own strengths and weaknesses can guide better decision-making.

Insight: Emotions drive decisions. By understanding and harnessing emotions, businesses can craft more effective and resonant strategies.


The ‘Strategic Thinking MicroSkill Cheat Sheet’ isn’t just a list of skills; it’s a blueprint for success. By understanding and cultivating these skills, we can navigate the complex waters of business with confidence and foresight.