There’s a fine line between brainstorming and verbalizing every thought. Those who think out loud can often derail a planning session.
The difference lies in the impact. When you voice your thoughts constantly, it’s like driving with no destination—you might end up anywhere, and rarely where you planned to be.
On the other hand, structured brainstorming helps guide a team towards a specific goal.
But why do people who think out loud often hijack planning? And why does it lead to unproductivity? Let’s delve into that.
1) External processing
In the world of thinking styles, there are two main types: internal and external processors.
External processors are those who think out loud. They need to vocalize their thoughts to make sense of them, and often, this can lead to veering off track in a planning session.
Internal processors, on the other hand, mull over their thoughts silently and usually present more refined ideas.
The problem arises when external processors dominate a planning session. As they articulate every thought, it can be challenging for others to keep up or steer the conversation back to the original topic.
This isn’t necessarily a fault of the external processor but rather a difference in processing styles that can lead to miscommunication and unproductivity if not properly managed.
2) My personal encounter
I once worked with a colleague, let’s call him John, who was an external processor. John was full of ideas, and he loved to share them – all of them.
During our planning meetings, John would voice every thought that came to his mind. At first, it seemed like a great way to get ideas flowing. But soon, we realized our meetings were becoming longer, and ironically, less productive.
As John kept jumping from one idea to another, it became difficult for the team to focus on one plan or find a consensus. Instead of progressing, we found ourselves caught in a whirlpool of random thoughts.
In the end, it wasn’t that John’s ideas were bad. The problem was the lack of structure and focus in our discussions. This experience taught me how crucial it is to balance different thinking styles within a team to maintain productivity.
3) The paradox of choice
In the 2000s, psychologist Barry Schwartz introduced the concept of the “paradox of choice”. His research found that while we believe more choices would make us happier, it often leads to anxiety and paralysis.
This rings true in planning sessions where someone continuously voices new ideas. With each new suggestion, the team is presented with another choice, leading to decision fatigue. Instead of moving forward, the group can become stuck in an endless loop of evaluation and re-evaluation.
This paradox can turn planning sessions into unproductive marathons, leaving teams feeling overwhelmed and stressed instead of inspired and motivated.
4) The echo chamber effect
In the realm of social media, there’s a phenomenon known as the “echo chamber effect”. This is where ideas are amplified and reinforced by repetition inside a closed system and insulated from rebuttal.
In planning sessions, something similar can happen when someone consistently thinks out loud. As they voice their thoughts, others may begin to chime in with similar ideas or simply agree to avoid conflict. This creates a sort of echo chamber where diverse thoughts and challenging viewpoints are lost.
The result? A planning session that’s more about agreement than innovation, ultimately leading to less productive outcomes.
5) The silenced voices
We all know what it’s like to sit in a meeting, an idea burning at the tip of your tongue, only to be overshadowed by the constant stream of thoughts from an external processor.
It’s not that their ideas are more valuable or significant. It’s simply that their thoughts are voiced, while ours remain unspoken.
This phenomenon can create an environment where only the loudest voices are heard. And sadly, this often means valuable insights and innovative ideas get lost in the noise.
For a planning session to be truly productive, it’s essential that every voice is heard and every idea is given a chance to shine. After all, diversity of thought is the true driver of innovation and progress.
6) The quiet thinker’s predicament
I remember a time when I found myself in a brainstorming session, surrounded by a group of brilliant external processors. As ideas bounced around the room like a high-speed ping-pong match, I felt my own thoughts retreat further into the back of my mind.
Each time I gathered the courage to share an idea, another thought voiced by an enthusiastic colleague would interrupt the flow. It felt as if my ideas were constantly being drowned in a sea of louder thoughts.
In these moments, it’s easy to question the value of your own ideas, to feel like they’re not as good or as exciting. But the truth is, each of us brings a unique perspective to the table. The challenge lies in creating a space where every thought is given equal weight and consideration.
7) The value of pause
In the world of music, it’s often the pauses between the notes that create the rhythm and melody. Similarly, in planning and brainstorming sessions, it’s the spaces between ideas that allow for reflection and refinement.
When someone continuously thinks out loud, these valuable pauses are lost. The constant stream of thoughts leaves little room for others to process information, reflect on ideas, or build upon them.
Recognizing the importance of these “pauses” in group discussions can make a significant difference in productivity and creativity. It allows for a more balanced exchange of ideas where everyone has a chance to contribute meaningfully.
8) Embracing balance
In the end, the most productive planning sessions are those that embrace balance. A balance between external and internal processors, between voicing new ideas and reflecting on existing ones, between speaking and listening.
When one person dominates the conversation by thinking out loud continuously, it disrupts this balance. It can lead to unproductive sessions where ideas are scattered, decisions are delayed, and team members feel unheard.
So, as we navigate our way through group discussions and planning sessions, let’s remember to foster an environment that encourages balanced participation. It’s in this space that the magic of true collaboration and innovation happens.
Final thoughts: It’s about harmony
The uniqueness of human behavior is as fascinating as it is complex. We all have our ways of processing information, and these differences are what add richness to our interactions and collaborations.
For those who think out loud, it’s not a flaw or a failing. It’s simply a different way of processing thoughts. The challenge lies not in suppressing this habit but in finding a way to create harmony in group settings.
As we navigate our planning sessions and brainstorming meetings, let’s remember the importance of balance and inclusivity. Let’s create spaces where every voice is heard, every idea is acknowledged, and every person feels valued.
Because at the end of the day, it’s in this harmonious environment that the most productive and innovative ideas take root.
So next time you find yourself in a meeting with someone who thinks out loud, remember: it’s not about who speaks the most or the loudest. It’s about fostering an atmosphere of respect, understanding, and collaboration. That’s where true productivity lies.
