THE CASE FOR MACHETE THINKING
Forget about left and right brain thinking and let's talk about "Machete Thinking."
When we speak to groups about Machete Thinking, most people go straight to visualizing negative things related to the machete (Says something about human nature, doesn't it?)
They think about open wounds, fights and death (Thank you Hollywood!) If we ask what they think it means in business terms they inevitably think of cutting costs or cutting jobs (Thank you Corporate America!)
We want to change the perception of the machete and explain how its symbolism translates into the power of Machete Thinking.
The machete has been described as the ultimate outdoor and survival tool as the blade is used for slicing and the weighted upper blade provides the force required for chopping. The machete will cut, chop, slash, hack, split, scrape, scoop, hammer, dig, crush, carve, whittle, crack or smash just about anything you can put in front of it.
For further validation of its value, the contestants on the popular TV show, "Naked and Afraid," get to pick two survival items of their choice. The most popular choices are a fire starter and you guessed it, a machete.
To us, the machete represents the following:
- A simple, versatile and powerful tool
- It has stood the test of time and is still relevant today
- It cuts through barriers
- It clears paths that lead to a destination
- It has an edge
- That edge needs to be continuously sharpened to be effective
- It’s used to harvest the results of a well designed effort
Machete Thinking incorporates all of these things:
Simple, Versatile, Powerful - Machete Thinkers use common words when communicating, not ones that make them look and feel smarter (it doesn't work.) They strive to make complex things simple so everyone can understand. They run focused meetings that have an agenda and stay on point. Their powerpoint presentations are typically under ten slides and include simple yet powerful images and stories that stick with their audience long after the presentation is over (isn't that the objective?) They understand that change and/or progress will NOT occur if people are confused so simplicity is key.
Stands the Test of Time - Machete Thinkers understand there aren't many new leadership or management theories. Just new situations and environments to apply proven philosophies. For example, how many times have you read a statement from a so called management "guru" that sounds similar to this quote,
“Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people.”
Guess who wrote this............Socrates around 400 BC!
Machete Thinkers cut through the crap of the latest fad or theory and know that there are universal principles for success that have been around for hundreds and even thousands of years.
Cuts Through Barriers - This is a sweet spot for Machete Thinkers. They don't like flowery wording or dancing around problems for fear of it being a CLM (career limiting move!) Their talk is straight forward and honest. They despise cultures that discourage debate and discussion. They like to identify problems and issues quickly so the organization can work on the solution. If a product or service stinks they will say it stinks. The phrase "sacred cow" is not in their vocabulary. Machete Thinkers will cut through the organizational crap that prevents progress.
Clears Paths - Machete Thinkers like pursuing the unknown and are not afraid to blaze a new trail. They know that the best opportunities lie in the paths that have yet to be cleared. They know that breakthroughs only come from taking risks into the unknown. Some will work and some will fail and they are alright with that. They know the biggest opportunities cannot be seen. We have to go find them.
Has an Edge - Winning involves having a competitive edge over your competition. The Machete Thinker knows that the company's competitive edge must be real and it must be clearly defined. They will have a relentless focus on aligning strategy, people, structure, process and technology to LEVERAGE this competitive edge. Also, if the company doesn't truly have a competitive edge, they will say it so we can get to work on finding one.
Edge Needs Sharpening - Continuous learning and growth is key to the Machete Thinker. Patting yourself on the back for past achievements is the kiss of death in today's environment. They are constantly looking for new ways to improve themselves, their department and/or the organization in a way that brings new value to customers.
Harvests a Well Designed Effort - The organization will reap the benefits of Machete Thinking due to its focus on designing, aligning and delivering intentional results. They celebrate successes with confidence knowing that it DID NOT happen by chance.
Are you a Machete Thinker? Do you need more Machete Thinking in your organization? Be sure to discuss with your teams and organizations. Share your thoughts in the comment section below so others can benefit.