A simple but underutilized process for making intelligent decisions is by using a team or “crowd” to help. That is “crowdsourcing” intelligence.
We’ve been on the record for a long time saying that “the more brains that are involved in solving a problem, the better.” Of course, this assumes that every person in the group feels free to express their perspective and thoughts about potential solutions.
In our view, the same is true for any sort of decision. More minds and the diversity of perspective they bring almost always improve decisions. This includes decisions that are typically reserved for “experts.”
For example, facing a decision about taxes, you might be tempted to consult with a “tax expert.” In our view, you would be better served by speaking with several “tax experts” and several “non-tax experts,” ideally, while they are in the same room. The diversity of perspective is invaluable. The trick is keeping people’s egos in check and making sure their investment is in helping each other reach the best solution — not an easy trick to master.
It may be hard to always “crowdsource” intelligence but we think you’ll find it worth your effort.
The quotes:
“This is what I learned: that everybody is talented, original and has something important to say.” ~ Brenda Ueland
“A smart man makes a mistake, learns from it, and never makes that mistake again. But a wise man finds a smart man and learns from him how to avoid the mistake altogether.” ~ Roy H. Williams
Brenda Ueland Quotes. (n.d.). BrainyQuote.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018, from BrainyQuote.com Website: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/brenda_ueland_388678
Roy H. Williams Quotes. (n.d.). BrainyQuote.com. Retrieved February 1, 2018, from BrainyQuote.com Website: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/roy_h_williams_357698