Besides the quantitative side of the business world, such as accounting, algorithms, processes, quarterly figures, market shares, stock options, currency exchange rates etc., there is another side, equally important, that has no numbers available. We are talking about corporate image, stress, creativity, team spirit, assertiveness, "black swans", aesthetics etc.
To a big extent, the success of a business depends on its capacity to make a difference regarding competition. And today's differences in the eyes of a customer are probably built more on perception than on reality.
In relation to this, great philosophers have something to say! With this free online course you can rediscover the art of thinking. As a manager, you should understand the role of mental models, realise the importance of cognitive bias, agree on clear definitions and efficient criteria etc.
A great example is when someone says "We should think creatively about the future of the company". Our minds immediately tend to focus on the word "company", which is part of daily life.
However, it is important to pay attention to three other key words namely "think", "creatively" and "future". They all must be considered as separate topics. Creativity demands the ability to unshackle ourselves from conventional ways of thinking, to "think outside the box". But we need to go a step further. Once outside the box, we need to construct a new box or boxes (i.e. - new intellectual frameworks or models) to help us structure our thinking. Only once we have done so can we generate truly game-changing ideas.
About this course
Syllabus:
Lecture 1 : The forgotten half of change
Lecture 2 : How do we think?
Lecture 3 : On the shoulders of giants
Lecture 4 : Mental Models and perception
Lecture 5 : Eureka or Caramba?
Lecture 6 : Thinking in new boxes
Start date: Self-paced
Length: 6 weeks
Language: English
Institution: École Centrale Paris
Platform: Class Central
