Creating a Thinking Environment
At the end of last year, I had the privilege of completing a deeply transformative Time to Think course with the brilliant Sophie Stephenson.
It was an experience that left me both inspired and energised.
Since then, I’ve been passionately focused on creating Thinking Environments - in my work, my relationships, and even within myself - to elevate the quality of thinking and, ultimately, the outcomes it produces.
What is a Thinking Environment?
It’s an intentional space where the conditions for high-quality thinking are nurtured. It’s where we can truly tap into our best ideas, insights, and creativity. But more importantly, it’s where we can listen - deeply, fully, and without distraction. I really saw from the training that – ‘The quality of thinking is impacted by the quality of listening.’
Below are some of the essential components of a Thinking Environment which I’ve been exploring and practicing:
1. Attention, Ease, and Equality
At the heart of any Thinking Environment is the gift of attention. Giving someone undivided attention, free from interruptions, judgment, or impatience, creates a powerful foundation for clarity and trust. Coupled with a sense of ease and equality, it ensures that everyone’s voice is valued equally, regardless of time, status or background.
2. Appreciation and Encouragement
How often do we pause to appreciate one another - not just superficially, but sincerely? Building appreciation into conversations fosters an atmosphere of trust and possibility. Appreciation coupled with encouragement helps individuals take risks in their thinking, venturing into new territories without fear of judgment.
3. Feelings and Information
Sometimes, the biggest barriers to clear thinking are the feelings we don’t acknowledge or the truths we don’t face. Naming emotions and asking, “What are we not facing?” can unlock stuck thinking. It’s about honesty, both with ourselves and others, and being willing to explore what might feel uncomfortable or inconvenient.
4. Difference and Incisive Questions
Diversity in thinking is essential. Welcoming different perspectives challenges groupthink and enriches the conversation. But what really shifts the dial are incisive questions. These are the questions that expose and dismantle limiting assumptions - questions like, “If you knew you were capable, what would you do?” or “What assumption is blocking you, and what is the truth?”
5. Thinking Enhancers vs. Thinking Inhibitors
It’s fascinating to notice what enhances or inhibits our thinking. Enhancers include things like time, space, encouragement, and openness. Inhibitors, on the other hand, might be fear, judgment, or distraction. By consciously cultivating enhancers and minimising inhibitors, we create conditions where creativity and problem-solving thrive.
Why Does This Matter?
The quality of our thinking underpins everything - our decisions, our relationships, our leadership. When we foster Thinking Environments, we elevate not just the individuals within them, but also the broader outcomes they influence.
As I continue to practice and refine these principles, I’m finding they have a ripple effect. They don’t just improve thinking - they create connection, build trust, and enable growth. And isn’t that what we all need more of?
If this resonates with you, I’d encourage you to try it.
Start small: offer your full attention to someone today, ask a question that challenges assumptions, or simply pause and reflect on what you’re not facing. You might be surprised by what you discover.
Here’s to creating more spaces where thinking - and the possibilities it unlocks - can flourish.