A Better Life: Benefit From Inversion
AdmissionSight founder and CEO Eric discusses how he uses this practice as a guiding principle
Solving problems are simpler, even if not easy, if they are approached properly, which isn’t always natural and the norm for us and other people.
"Invert, always invert: Turn a situation or problem upside down. Look at it backward."
This quote by the now-late Charlie Munger struck a chord and seemed worthy of taking a little deeper look at, so Communication Intelligence, the Newsletter, decided to explain the process a little and have a conversation about it with a company leader.
Here’s what deep thinker, writer and author of “Atomic Habits” James Clear wrote:
“This way of thinking, in which you consider the opposite of what you want, is known as inversion. When I first learned of it, I didn’t realize how powerful it could be. As I have studied it more, I have begun to realize that inversion is a rare and crucial skill that nearly all great thinkers use to their advantage,” Clear communicates.
He says that this process is driving the brain in reverse, which maybe sounds foolish until you consider, “Inversion is a powerful thinking tool because it puts a spotlight on errors and roadblocks that are not obvious at first glance. ‘What if the opposite was true? What if I focused on a different side of this situation?’ Instead of asking how to do something, ask how to not do it,” Clear writes.
He provides examples for the workplace:
“Leaders can ask themselves, ‘What would someone do each day if they were a terrible manager?’ Good leaders would likely avoid those things.
“Similarly, if innovation is a core piece of your business model you can ask, ‘How could we make this company less innovative?’ Eliminating those barriers and obstacles might help creative ideas arise more quickly.
“And every marketing department wants to attract new business, but it might be useful to ask, ‘What would alienate our core customer?’ A different point of view can reveal surprising insights.
“One of my favorite applications of inversion is known as a Failure Premortem.
“Imagine the most important goal or project you are working on right now. Now fast forward six months and assume the project or goal has failed.
“Tell the story of how it happened. ‘What went wrong? What mistakes did you make? How did it fail?’ In other words, think of your main goal and ask yourself, ‘What could cause this to go horribly wrong?’” Clear writes.
As you might speculate, this type of thinking is being ignored when we run our lives off emotions, feelings and impulses or when we are confident or overconfident and are driving ourselves and the mission hard and forward.
That’s an egregious, dangerous error.
“These words have been my guiding principle in both my personal and professional life,” says Eric Eng, founder and CEO of AdmissionSight, which guides students through the college admissions process, including Ivy League schools and top 10 universities. ”This quote speaks to the importance of approaching problems from unique angles.”
He talks about how — and how often — he uses this thinking.
“In the world of college admissions, I apply this concept daily. In my work at AdmissionSight, I often encourage students to 'invert' their perspectives when considering their college applications,” he says. “Rather than asking, 'Why should this college accept me?', I encourage them to consider, 'What unique value can I bring to this college?' This shift in perspective can unlock new insights and opportunities, allowing students to present themselves in a unique and memorable light.”
Munger’s belief and advisory is smart and valuable, maybe invaluable for both risk management, progress, accomplishment and success-earned rewards.
“It is valuable because it encourages us to approach problems from different angles, challenging our usual way of thinking,” Eng says. “Conventional thinking often leads to standard solutions, which may not be the best or most efficient. Inversion prompts us to look at it from the end goal, provoking innovative thinking and potentially leading to more effective solutions.”
Theory is exciting yet people want to know how it works best in practice.
“It's not just a theoretical concept; it's a practical tool that comes into play every day,” Eng asserts, going on to provide an industry-specific example to illustrate how our thinking can benefit from being redirected to smarter reframing and better questions.
“When a student comes to me with a common problem - 'I have good grades, but nothing that makes me stand out for Ivy League admissions', I encourage them to invert their thinking. Instead of focusing on their perceived lack of uniqueness, I guide them to dig into their personal experiences, passions and achievements, no matter how insignificant they might seem. This process often reveals unique angles and narratives that they can weave into their applications, thereby distinguishing themselves from their peers.”
The rest of Munger’s mental model about inversion is very pointed and important to remember too. “Instead of looking for success, make a list of how to fail instead -- through sloth, envy, resentment, self-pity, entitlement, all the mental habits of self-defeat. Avoid these qualities and you will succeed. Tell me where I'm going to die, that is, so I don't go there.”
Wow. Did you see it? “Make a list of how to fail.” Who advises that? Not many people. Munger does it for a protective reason though to help people. He drives his point home about clearly identifying what will prove self destructive or organizationally reckless and prevent you from succeeding and telling you to decide to avoid it so you can “win.”
"Invert, always invert: Turn a situation or problem upside down. Look at it backward."
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