Thinking Partners: A Concept and a Compact

Leaders should not underestimate the importance of Thinking Partners as they embark on new ways of learning and leading. As they continuously re-examine traditional leadership practices and test new mental models, leaders become vulnerable. Thinking Partners provides the structured reflection and safe means to evaluate leadership practices.

Thinking Partners is not simply a person or a role, but rather a concept that includes the roles of both partners and the structure of the conversation. It can be defined as a structured, thinking-sharing-listening-reflecting session in which:

• one person thinks out loud
• the other person listens and asks questions to deepen thinking

Thinking Partners is a Concept & a Compact

Select a Thinking Partner

Look in your circle of influence for someone you are comfortable with. You and your thinking partner should:

1. share mutual trust
2. genuinely care for each other as individuals
3. be able to support each other’s commitment statement

Agree on Structure

Thinking partner sessions are best done in person, but can be done in a video format like FaceTime or Skype. As a last resort you may speak by telephone. You and your thinking partner should agree to:

1. practice empathy
2. engage in mutual inquiry

What will you “think “about during the sessions? Possible topics are:

• reaction to things you are trying
• reflection on actions you have taken
• new ideas you are considering
• concerns you have
• things you are avoiding

As you think out loud, your partner will listen with intent and then pose questions to deepen your thinking and offer you new perspectives.

Questions to Deepen your Thinking

• Do you routinely include structured reflection in your work?
• Do you ask others for help in “thinking things through”?
• Do you look to others for new perspectives or to shift your thinking?

Related Posts

Mutual Inquiry: 8 Steps to Deepen & Shift Thinking
Transformational vs. Transactional: 2 Things a Leader Needs
Setting Meaningful Goals: 3 Components of a Commitment
The DOs and DON’Ts of Curious Listening: Tell Me More

Credits

Goleman, D. (2013, December). The Focused Leader:How effective executives direct their own – and their organization’s – attention. Harvard Business Review.
Knowles, M. (1984). The Adult learner: A neglected species. Houston: Gulf Publishing Company.