Common Sense Isn’t That Common Anymore

The following is adapted from Lead or Get Out of the Way! by Gary J. Vien.

Common sense is the ability to make sound, practical judgments. Being book smart and having common sense are two very different sides of a coin. Some can ace a test and are very bright and academic, and yet they may not know the necessary life skills and activities. The inverse is true as well. Some have incredible instincts and street smarts but have difficulty passing an English or math test.

At times, everyone has lapses of common sense. There is so much information to be found at our fingertips, and it is hard to believe someone can’t find an answer to a question. One key with common sense is to think in simple terms and do not overcomplicate the issue. Instead of overcomplicating, try to apply life experiences and general knowledge of the situation. When you think about the question in its simplest terms, the answer usually reveals itself to you. Think Occam’s Razor earlier in this chapter, and the simplest explanation is often the correct answer.

One could almost say that common sense is like deodorant. The people who need it most never use it.

By thinking before you act, you avoid falling into autopilot mode and doing the same thing over and over. Situations can change, so you must adapt and look at all the facts. While doing the same thing may be the choice you ultimately go with, thinking opens your eyes to new possibilities and other choices. Continue to search for the truth.

As a leader, you have gained substantial knowledge and skills in dealing with individuals and business situations. You have seen people fail and rise above the others. You have also made some decisions where you would like to have a “do-over.” The one thing you have continued to hone is your gut reaction to situations. Learn to trust those intuitions and have a gut check with them. Most times, you have a reason to be concerned, and you must listen to yourself. Sometimes the best questions aren’t the ones we ask others, but the ones we ask ourselves.

Your experiences, lessons, and education have taught your brain and conditioned you how to think. Continue to expand your thinking by reading more, practicing more, and reflecting on the outcomes and ways to better the process.

The final point is that all leaders are a product of their own decisions. You are the one who gets to call balls and strikes. The more opportunities you take to make choices are yet another opportunity to hone these skills. The quality of these decisions will continue to grow with a heightened sense of curiosity and the willingness to gather data contrary to the norm. Seek variety. Don’t underestimate the power of counsel with other leaders in the organization or trusted advisors and mentors. Bouncing ideas off others will provide a more balanced and thoughtful approach and better results.

By applying the principles of simplicity in your range of skills, along with a heaping dose of common sense and trusting your instincts, the leader will continue to provide more value to the organization, their workforce, and themselves.

You can learn more about becoming an effective leader in Lead or Get Out of the Way! on Amazon.

GARY J. VIEN is the eternal optimist, finding lessons in leadership everywhere he looks. He has been fortunate to work throughout the United States in the entertainment industry as a senior leader for almost forty years, and has recruited internationally. He found additional purpose and opportunities within the Credit Union movement. Vien serves on many community and national volunteer boards in various leadership positions. These experiences have deepened his passion and drive to focus on developing leadership skills to help young professionals and emerging leaders reach their potential and to use their expertise to make their communities better. To learn more, visit GaryVien.com.