When we are struggling with a problem, we often say, “Let’s sleep on that.” This works, because it has a scientific basis in something called the Zeigarnik Effect.
I’ve observed this effect many times but not known it has a name.
Your point about letting documents age made me think of a related phenomenon.
Sometimes I will scrap a small document in its entirety.
Not because I’ve let it age, but rather, in the process of writing it I’ve come to a better understanding of the issue at hand. This happens most commonly for me when drafting emails. By the time I’ve finished the draft I realise that I don’t need to send it or that I need to send a different email to someone else.
I wonder if there is a name for this effect, of having to meander through one thought process to arrive at another.
Great observation, Meg. I have another lesson learned from my business partner that can be applied here. It is called the Pyramid Principle. I can be used to clarify your thought before committing to an entire composition. I hope to write up that one next. Stay tuned, as I know you always do.
I've been reading a bit on brain science and the power of the non-verbal, holistic thinking side of your brain for finding different pathways to a solution. I think this is a big part of *how* this works. Human cognition is fascinating to me.
"Alternative to argument. When a meeting becomes contentious, don’t let it devolve into an argument, where positions harden.” This, 100x.
Thanks! I have other lessons learned coming on how to turn arguments into breakthrough solutions.
I’ve observed this effect many times but not known it has a name.
Your point about letting documents age made me think of a related phenomenon.
Sometimes I will scrap a small document in its entirety.
Not because I’ve let it age, but rather, in the process of writing it I’ve come to a better understanding of the issue at hand. This happens most commonly for me when drafting emails. By the time I’ve finished the draft I realise that I don’t need to send it or that I need to send a different email to someone else.
I wonder if there is a name for this effect, of having to meander through one thought process to arrive at another.
Great observation, Meg. I have another lesson learned from my business partner that can be applied here. It is called the Pyramid Principle. I can be used to clarify your thought before committing to an entire composition. I hope to write up that one next. Stay tuned, as I know you always do.
I've been reading a bit on brain science and the power of the non-verbal, holistic thinking side of your brain for finding different pathways to a solution. I think this is a big part of *how* this works. Human cognition is fascinating to me.
Great observation, Meg. Have you read Ed De Bono? He is big on this. I hope to post on some lessons learned from him soon
I added his book to my list - thanks for the reco.