Comment by Gil Kempenich on January 11, 2011 at 10:28am

Another adage: "we are all unique". Now that's right on target. We have innate preferences, skills that come naturally, early influences that shape us, passions that manifest. We are like snowflakes - no two alike, albeit sometimes similar. I am not sure what is meant by "great" minds. Most of us have the potential for "greatness" - in how we think, create, innovate, solve, relate, engage, embrace, share, etc. And, of course, in different ways. I agree - thought diversity, collaboration and solution stimulation are valuable in achieving order of magnitude results. These are ways that "passion" can be expressed.

Comment by Kirk Baumann on January 11, 2011 at 10:56am

Great points, Gil. Thanks for your insight. You're right - we all have the potential for greatness. Thanks for your comment!

Comment by Boris Stefanovic on January 11, 2011 at 10:59am

The whole adage is "Great minds think alike, but fools seldom differ".

 

I think a more accurate (but less lyrical) way of phrasing this would be "Fools minds think alike, great minds think along the same tracks". Great minds apply themselves to common problems and goals but differ in the solutions they might conjure up, making your above points (Thought Diversity, Solution Simulation, Collaboration) a meaningful part of the process. As long as they're in control or in the majority progress is possible.

When the ratio of fools to thinkers tips in the fools' favor you get Groupthink, Decision Inertia, and Mob Mentality. 

Comment by Kirk Baumann on January 11, 2011 at 11:05am

Boris - thanks for the comment. Looking at yours and Gil's above, I'm really glad that I'm part of the RecruitingBlogs family. You guys are smart fellas!  I like the way you've both made your own points while tying back to the article. In my book, that's what thought leaders do, so thank you! Groupthink, Decision Inertia and Mob Mentality are all possible when the ratio shifts. It's up to us to keep that from happening! 

 

Thanks for your comment. I appreciate it very much. Have a great week.

 

Comment by Kirk Baumann on January 11, 2011 at 3:39pm

Jeff - those are two very good points! Sounds like a smart person. Thanks for the comment!

Comment by Sandra McCartt on January 11, 2011 at 7:14pm

Great Minds delight in thinking with each other.  Mental ping pong if you will, between evenly matched players who enjoy the game almost as much as winning.

Comment by Chad Sowash on January 15, 2011 at 8:48am

"If everyone is thinking alike, then someone isn't thinking" General George Patton

 

Don't get caught up in GroupThink - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groupthink

Comment by Kirk Baumann on January 16, 2011 at 11:33am

Chad - great quote! I have lots of quotes on my walls at work and almost included that one in my post. Thanks for reading and for the comment!

Comment by Dave N. on January 17, 2011 at 2:07pm

Great Minds Think ... Differently!

Kirk, when I saw this title I initially questioned whether I agreed with you.  Then I decided that would be make us less than great minds if I did, so I have to respectfully disagree for reasons of which contain absolutely no substance.

 

Good article though :)

 

Comment by Kirk Baumann on January 17, 2011 at 2:12pm

Nice one, Dave. Touche'. Guess you have a great mind!  :)  Thanks for the comment.

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