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In with open, Out with closed

I found Seth Godin’s post called the scientific method interesting because it encourages questions and openness - not defensivness and close-mindedness.

He correctly makes the point that in many interactions, people tend to take a defensive posture - to defend the brand, turf or our job. The problem with defense is that it’s static. The best way to get smarter, to embrace and to cause change and to triumph in times of market turmoil is to adopt what he calls “the scientific method.”

Instead of playing defense, play offense. Ask “what do I believe that’s wrong? How can I change the way I do things? What works? What doesn’t?”

I’d add to those questions “What’s wanted?” “What’s needed?” “How am I showing up?” When talking to people, let go of thinking that you have to know everything and instead, ask questions and be open to what you hear.

Seth makes a really good point that if you enter a conversation looking for something to test, measure and ultimately change, it’s likely you’ll find it. That change makes you more competitive, and you continue to cycle past your competitors. On the other hand, if you enter a conversation concerned about maintaining the status quo, there’s a good chance that’s exactly what you’re going to do.