Inner Monologue & Organizational Prosperity

“Listen to yourself! What were you thinking?! Picture this...”

We’ve all heard variations of that over the years, but my favorite question has become: 

How are you thinking, feeling, or sensing the information I shared?

In business we often hear about the importance of listening to others, but it is also important to have an awareness of how you and those you work closely with process and organize thoughts. 

For someone with a strong inner monologue, they may assume their message is clear, when in fact they have already processed the dialogue or scenario in their mind. The catch is that this can leave out key details that may help alleviate concerns of others. It’s having an awareness of anticipated pitfalls, and not just thinking it through, but explaining that thinking to others. 

In leadership roles it is important to recognize that that internal voice is the manifestation of your subconscious programming and beliefs. People often talk about things like self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or a fixed mindset. 

The power to overcome those mental barriers comes with an understanding how your mind processes stimuli that may ultimately impact the way you or your team approaches a situation, or who may be valuable to bring in to certain conversations. 

Inner monologue was best explained by  Russell Hurlbert, PhD. He identified 5 Ways of Thinking including Inner Monologue, Inner Seeing, Feelings, Unsymbolized Thinking, and Sensory Awareness.

Next time you talk to your counterparts or even your family and friends, ask about their inner monologue. It can lead to some fun conversations. 

And for those that may be curious: I am part of the group that that has an inner monologue that sounds like me combined with inner seeing, and sensory awareness. 

Once I learned how unique this was I realized that as exhausting as it can be, it’s actually my superpower. It’s what makes this dreamer able to take action with clarity of anticipated risks. And it’s what makes business and allies in business call me when they need someone to challenge their thinking or help them see possibilities that internally, they are too often too close to the issue to understand. 

This multi-tiered monologue is what guides me to the big picture. It’s what makes me a successful visionary that can see the possibilities before most have realized the need. And it’s what gives me the clarity to know the value of intentional systems and processes to effectively get you there. 

What is your way of thinking? What is your superpower?