Don't use "my boss is a small thinker" as an excuse

During a talk in Seoul (South Korea) on Big Think Strategy (see pic), a middle manager asks me, "What can I do if I think big but my boss doesn't?"   I first point out that I often hear the same from senior managers -- that is, "I think  big, but my staff doesn't" and I describe that I have written a lot about how leaders can set up organizational structures and hire for Big Think. But the questioner insists: what if the boss is a small thinker?  In that case, you must try to carve out a niche for yourself in the organization;  go for a smaller but significant  project -- one that is not under the radar  screen of your small  thinking boss --  and there, think big!  Also, find allies  in other  departments,  even among senior managers.   Don't use my boss is a small thinker" as an excuse!

Comments

[Cool guy!]

Hi Prof.
I beg to differ. "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link". If I see plain boring presentation on patents and filing process at our R & D team, it will not encourage me to innovate, let alone file patents.

[David W.]

I've seen serious contention between those claiming to be "practical thinkers" vs. those who are "big thinkers." Seems that no one is ever persuaded that the the other person's thinking is better than theirs. Good luck!