Light Bulb Moments

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"Insights are unexpected discoveries about how things work and how to make them work better." - Dr. Gary Klein

Have you ever been trying to solve a problem (or not) when all of the sudden, an unexpected discovery "pops" into your mind. Whether  But where do insights come from? Gary Klein, cognitive psychologist, has conducted a lot of research on the subject of decision making. In his book Seeing What Others Don't, Klein goes into depth about insight and where insights come from.

Klien believes the following pathways can lead to insight:

• Creative desperation - you're stuck and you're trying to figure out some creative way to reach an insight
• Connections - seeing that pieces work together
• Contradictions - where you see the pieces don't fit together

Klein suggests decision makers adopt an active, curious mindset. Here are some ways:

• Make insights a habit
• Use your curiosity
• Encourage others to generate insights
• Take advantage of confusion and conflicts

Wildland Fire Leadership Challenges - Digging a Little Deeper

• Watch Gary Klein's "Lightbulb Moment" TEDx talk.
• Read Gary Klein's book Seeing What Others Don't: The Remarkable Ways We Gain Insights.

• Review Gary Klein's Department of Management public lecture slideshow for nuggets.