How to Create Aha Moments
How to Create Aha Moments
Helping others make fresh connections reduces anxiety, releases creativity and restores confidence. Just what your people need today!
We talk a lot about “changing” things as leaders
We change strategies, change markets, replace technology, revamp compensation plans, shift marketing and much more. But the hardest thing leaders are called upon to change is something bigger —
Our perspective!
So how do you do it? Read on….
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Is it possible to change minds?
We probably say, “Of Course! I change my mind all the time!” But what about helping someone else change their mind? Now things get a little tricky. We can inform, encourage, argue, debate, but can we ever really get people to change their minds?
The answer is, yes, again!
Let’s keep it simple: We’re not rewiring their whole worldview. But it’s still a big deal to help someone change their thinking about important things: their goals, abilities, business opportunities and personal development. And, if we can make a difference there, we often will have a positive impact on their sense of life, too. As long as we remember to start small.
The Reason Aha Moments Work
For starters, people are seeking them all the time. They often ask to bounce some ideas off us and get input on what they’re thinking about a problem they’re having. Sometimes, they have a “bright idea” in the shower that morning and then want to “think it out” with us. We do this too, with our peers, because leaders are always looking around for new information and developing trends.
As long as someone asks for our help, are is open to input, you’re in the right place to help them expand their thinking. Aha moments work because the seeker desires them. They want to find a connection, solution, or perspective that helps them resolve a friction in their behavior or results.
Most importantly, they want to work it out, but with your help. They don’t want an instant answer or even the usual answer. They want the experience of working it out on their own - applying their personal context, values and abilities - to spark a connection —
To have an aha! that changes their thinking forever!
And that’s one of the greatest gifts you offer as a leader!
Spark Ahas with a Collaborative Journey
The best way to create aha moments with someone is to go on a collaborating journey. To “go thinking” with someone, along the same lines, but the leader stops short of the conclusion and lets the participant figure it out.
We’ve experienced this kind of learning our whole lives, figuring out puzzles, knock-knock jokes and new paths to school when we rode our bicycle the first time. One example from my childhood was the game of the Chinese handcuffs toy - a little, stretchy tube that you’d stick both index fingers into the ends, then try to “break free.” Most of us pulled our fingers apart with increasing force, or a sudden jerk of speed, but the tube gets stronger the more it is stretched. We squirmed and twisted, but remained stuck until suddenly our brain said….
… don’t try harder, try differently.
Suddenly we solved it: Push your fingers together, further into the stretchy tube, the complete opposite direction of getting free, and the material loosens up. A quick twist of your fingers and — aha — you’re free!
That’s the same model for helping others have an aha with their thinking, on almost any topic: A collaborative “let’s work it out” moment where the conclusion is arrived at in their minds, not your statements.
Which means it will have the maximum potential to stick!
Helping Lightning Strike
Here are some practical ways you can construct moments in which lighting strikes in someone’s mind. Remember, let the lightning do the work: That’s the only way to leave a lasting (and positive) market - and a shift in their thinking.