Second-Level Thinking

"Experience is the best teacher, but sometimes the tuition is high." - Anonymous

We learn from interdisciplinary thinking and metacognition, "thinking about thinking." First, I share a brief article about investing and a quote within. "Second-level thinking is deep, complex and convoluted."

Michael Useem's book The Leadership Moment is required reading for the North Carolina Women's soccer team dynasty. In the book, Useem suggests four questions:

1. What went well?
2. What went poorly?
3. What can we do better?
4. What are the enduring lessons from this? 

Second-level thinking asks, "what can go wrong" not just "what is going well?" Second-level thinking frames a range of possibilities and seeks to enhance the odds of success. 

President Kennedy expressed it another way. 

Second-level thinking rewards process. Second-level thinking means checking your gym bag to assure it contains ALL your equipment, extra socks, extra shoelaces, any medication like an inhaler, contact lens solution, adhesive bandages, tape, and so forth. 

Second-level thinking means making hard decisions about roster construction (e.g. position and grade distribution). 

Second-level thinking anticipates depth needs for illness and injury. It recognizes the role of nutrition, protective equipment, and rest. 

Second-level thinking develops relationships and training with players and families long before tryouts.

Second-level thinking doesn't guarantee success. It informs the likelihood of 'sustainable competitive advantage.' Like common sense, second-level thinking deserves more recognition. Focus on process and results take care of themselves.