[April 2, 2017] In Part 1 the strategy of thinking (an analytical tool) was introduced; a technique to help us get our thoughts in order. Teaching young leaders how to think is the beginning for them to learn to advance in a complex and competitive world. It is something they can use, modify to suit their needs, and keep as a tool for further development as they mature.
Many of us in our younger years made decisions that we regretted and were in situations where we were utterly unprepared to do the right thing. Training on how to make good decisions and survive unpredictable situations is the hallmark of good leadership because it intelligently prepares others to succeed.
Part 1 introduced the Ends, Ways, and Means analytical model and discussed the 1. Ends and 2. Means. In this post, the Ways will be discussed and how it connects the dots for better decisions by getting one’s mind prepared to understand one’s social environment.
3. Determine the Ways: ‘Ways’ are the methods, tactics, procedures, practices, or strategies to achieve the ‘Ends’ we are looking for. Given that there are many ways of getting things done (frankly, it is nearly endless), it is not uncommon for young folks to get confused and fail at this point. This is why it is recommended we instruct them on how to specifically think; to think through the many ways to achieve a goal and select those most appropriate and likely to end in success. From experience, this is often done through an iterative route including the brainstorming of ideas. In our Cub Scout example from yesterday, the question for us was; how do we build the boys’ mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually. Using the same matrix we used to list our Means, the group of adult leaders identified “best practices” culled from past successes and from the local scout executive and other Cub Scout dens. This allowed the leaders to clearly identify what needed to be done and when. A three-ring binder was used for each of the four goals; a method that achieved considerable success to help in planning any future event. These planning binders were so successful that they were later used by the Webelos and Boy Scout Troops where many of our Cub Scouts later transferred. The model was instrumental in improving on the safety of the Cub Scouts, reducing risks, and putting to rest the anxiety of parents.
The Ends, Ways, and Means analytical model has been successful for decades in helping people organize their thoughts in adult organizations like the U.S. military and several commercial enterprises. Logical, tested, and commonsensical are features this model uses.
While it is best taught by those who have used it before, anyone can pick-up the basics by studying examples where it’s been used to good effect. The model is highly recommended for teaching young leaders how to think.
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- Teaching Young Leaders to Think (Part 1): https://www.theleadermaker.com/teaching-young-leaders-think-part-1/