Marty, recruits restaurant managers. Last January, he interviewed a candidate for possible positions. This past week, he wanted to connect with this individual about a particular opportunity. He sent the following message:
“We talked back in January. I need to connect with you about a new job in Allentown. When would be a good time to call today?”
The candidate’s reply? “My phone currently has issues on calls. It’s very difficult to speak over the phone. I am available via e-mail though.”
In his exasperation, Marty sent me an e-mail explaining what happened and adding, “In your words, FIGURE IT OUT!!!!! His phone has issues??? Can he borrow someone else’s phone? Maybe go to his mom’s house and use her rotary-dial phone? How about Morse code??”
One of the big deceptions of the past twenty years has been that digital technology would make our lives easier. Perhaps, but only in ways manipulated by those producing the software. As we have grown more dependent on choose endless options, we’ve also become more shallow thinkers. The result? Limited thinking that can stump many of us even with everyday challenges.
So how do you supervise those who limit their problem solving to the options on a smart phone? Try these three strategies:
Don’t rush to their rescue – Sure it’s easy to just give provide a solution. If you do, be prepared for an endless parade of similar issues. Simply saying, “You can figure this out,” will compel many to do so. The others will require more perseverance. When you set an unspoken expectation that people think for themselves, they will.
Ask “what else?” – When someone says, “I don’t know what else to do,” ask “What else might work?” and then get quiet and wait. We all need a little push sometimes to think more innovatively. When the person in charge places that responsibility on us, we will try harder. If the person suggests a solution that might work but could be better, ask “And what else?” Do this several times and they’ll get the message that there is a better solution out there and it’s their job to find it. When they do, a complimentary word will encourage them to try harder next time without your assistance.
Work the problem with them, but make sure they do the thinking – Say, “Let’s work on this together. Where should we begin?” Then wait and watch. Be patient, it might a few seconds for their creativity to ignite. As they work the problem, act as a facilitator. Resist the temptation to make suggestions. If you do, they will be tempted to adopt your solution and stop there. Silence is your ally here. It will compel them to think harder and that’s the unspoken point.
When those around you conclude that they need to think for themselves, they will discover that most of life’s solutions lie in their critical thinking, not on-line. Digital dependency can be cured. It just takes a bit of persistence.