Picture Auguste Rodin’s sculpture The Thinker, which was unveiled in 1906 in front of Rome’s Pantheon. It depicts a muscular young man sitting with his chin resting on his hand, pondering endlessly. Unfortunately, this is how most in the business community have come to view critical thought. Critical thinkers are assumed to be frozen statues incapable of action or, in the popular vernacular, suffering from “paralysis by analysis.” This misunderstanding has led to a polarized notion that swift action cannot coexist with reasoned thought.
“Speed, speed, speed” is the mantra of countless CEOs, which has led to the generalization that speed in itself is a virtue. But that is not true. Making a quick ...
