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The Power of Environment in Fostering New Ways of Thinking: Nancy Klein’s Thinking Environment
Nancy Klein’s concept of a Thinking Environment is founded on the idea that the quality of everything we do depends on the quality of the thinking we do first. To create a Thinking Environment, Klein identifies ten components that are essential for encouraging independent thinking and fostering a culture of creativity and respect. These components are:
1. Attention: Giving undivided attention to others, listening without interruption.
2. Equality: Treating each other as thinking peers, giving equal turns to contribute.
3. Ease: Creating a relaxed atmosphere, free from pressure and rush.
4. Appreciation: Offering genuine, specific praise and acknowledgment.
5. Encouragement: Encouraging a spirit of competition-free collaboration.
6. Feelings: Allowing the expression of feelings, acknowledging emotional experiences.
7. Information: Providing accurate and comprehensive information to enable informed thinking.
8. Diversity: Valuing diverse perspectives and ideas, embracing differences.
9. Incisive Questions: Asking questions that remove limiting assumptions and encourage breakthrough thinking.
10. Place: Creating a physical environment that says to people, “You matter.”
The Importance of Environment
The environment in which we think, feel, and relate significantly impacts our ability to innovate and connect. Contrast the experience of holding a workshop in a dark, enclosed space like a dungeon with one held atop a mountain or in an open field. The dungeon might feel oppressive, stifling creativity and fostering a sense of confinement. In contrast, a mountaintop or an open field can inspire freedom, clarity, and expansive thinking.
Creating the Right Environment
Creating an optimal environment for thinking and relating goes beyond choosing the right location. It involves considering various elements such as facilities, lighting, layout, and sensory engagement.
Facilities and Light: Natural light can have a profound effect on mood and cognitive function. Well-lit spaces, preferably with natural light, can enhance alertness and positivity. Adequate facilities that cater to comfort and convenience also play a crucial role.
Layout: The arrangement of the space can significantly influence the dynamics of interaction. For instance, arranging chairs in a circle encourages equality and open dialogue, as opposed to rows of tables that might impose a hierarchical structure.
Decor and Ambience: What is displayed on the walls can affect the tone of discussions. Artwork, paintings, or even blank walls can create a different atmosphere compared to walls filled with graphs, charts, and dashboards. A thoughtfully curated environment that engages all the senses can foster a deeper connection and stimulate creative thinking.
Engaging the Whole Human
To foster a genuine sense of “want,” it’s crucial to engage all five senses, not just cognitive functions. This holistic engagement can be achieved through various means:
Walking and Talking: The process of walking while discussing can be particularly effective in coaching and facilitation. The physical activity promotes a sense of journey and progress, which can mirror and stimulate mental and emotional journeys.
The Hero’s Journey: The concept of a journey, from beginning through a process to an end, resonates with the Hero’s Journey framework. This framework outlines a transformative journey involving a call to adventure, facing challenges, achieving a significant change, and returning with newfound wisdom. Creating an environment that facilitates this kind of journey can lead to profound personal and collective growth.
Practical Considerations
Location: Choose locations that inspire and energize. Natural settings, places with significant views, or even well-designed indoor spaces can set the right tone.
Facilities: Ensure that the space is comfortable and equipped with necessary amenities. Comfort is key to maintaining focus and engagement.
Lighting and Layout: Use natural light whenever possible and arrange the space to encourage open communication. Circles or semi-circles can foster equality and inclusion.
Sensory Engagement: Incorporate elements that stimulate all the senses—pleasant scents, background music, tactile materials, and visually stimulating decor.
By thoughtfully creating an environment that considers these elements, organizations can significantly enhance the quality of thinking, feeling, and being among their members. This approach aligns with the broader goal of moving from a culture of “shoulds” and “oughts” to one of genuine “wants,” fostering a motivated, engaged, and dynamic workforce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the environment plays a pivotal role in shaping the way we think, feel, and interact. By adopting Nancy Klein’s ten components of a Thinking Environment and paying careful attention to the physical and sensory aspects of our surroundings, we can create spaces that inspire and nurture creativity, engagement, and meaningful change. This holistic approach not only supports individual well-being but also drives collective success and innovation.
References
– Cooperrider, D.L., & Srivastva, S. (1987). “Appreciative Inquiry in Organizational Life.” Research in Organizational Change and Development.
– Kotter, J.P. (1996). “Leading Change.” Harvard Business Review Press.
– Anderson, D., & Ackerman Anderson, L. (2001). “Beyond Change Management: Advanced Strategies for Today’s Transformational Leaders.”
– Weisbord, M.R. (1976). “Organizational Diagnosis: Six Places to Look for Trouble with or Without a Theory.”
– Klein, N. (2007). “Time to Think: Listening to Ignite the Human Mind.” Cassell Illustrated.
