Business + Leadership
Open to Think
Slow Down, Think Creatively and Make Better Decisions
Dan Pontefract
Winner of getAbstract International Book Award 2019
Awarded Silver in the Leadership Category 2019 Axiom Business Book Awards
Buy Book
Winner of getAbstract International Book Award 2019
Awarded Silver in the Leadership Category 2019 Axiom Business Book Awards
Buy Book
“Open to Think gets down to the basics—providing a model for how to optimize your thinking to become more creative, more efficient, and more effective. ”
—Daniel H. Pink, author of When and Drive
While it may not occur to us on a daily basis, there is a widespread cultural tendency toward quick decisions and quick action. This pattern has resulted in many of our society’s greatest successes, but even more of its failures. Though the root cause is by no means malicious, we have begun to reward speed over quality, and the negative effects suffered in both our personal and professional lives are potentially catastrophic.
Best-selling author and Chief Envisioner Dan Pontefract offers the solution to this predicament with what he coins “Open Thinking,” a cyclical process in which creativity is encouraged, critiquing leads to better decisions, and thoughtful action delivers positive, sustainable results. He proposes a return to balance between the three components of productive thought: dreaming, deciding, and doing.
Based on organizational and societal data, academic research, historical studies, and a wide range of interviews, Open to Think is an appeal for a world of better thinking. Pontefract introduces tangible, actionable strategies to improve the way we think as organizations and individuals.
“The true power of the model lies in its iterative nature because it allows for the possibility of failure, treating it as a learning experience and opportunity for improvement.”
“With this book you can reshape your thinking to eliminate bad habits and strengthen your mind for the challenges of today’s business world.”
—Daniel H. Pink, author of When and Drive
“We think we know how to think. And you do, kinda. But, as you’ll see, you’re mostly a high-performing amateur. Why not up your game and ‘go pro’? Combining solid research and practical tools, Open to Think will get you thinking better. And that means acting smarter.”
—Michael Bungay Stanier, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Coaching Habit