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➡️ How to incorporate Second Order Thinking at work and in life

💡learnshiv newsletter - October 18th, 2024

Author

Shivani Persad
October 16, 2024

Hi! Welcome to the 32nd edition of 💡learnshiv.

Here, we focus on climbing our own mountains of achievement, not corporate ladders. Thriving personally often requires succeeding at work, so I aim to help you move beyond survival mode and explore ways to flourish in your career and, by extension, your life.

Here’s what we’re talking about in this week’s newsletter:

  • Second-Order Thinking: The Key to Smarter Decisions at Work and in Life

    • I recently came across this quote from N.T. Wright:

      "Second-order thinking separates the proactive from the reactive, the empowered from the victim, the winners from the losers."

    • It made me think about how crucial second-order thinking is for making better decisions, both in our careers and personal lives. Let's explore how we can use this powerful mental model to navigate our complex world more effectively.

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1) Understand what second-order thinking really means
Second-order thinking involves considering the long-term and indirect consequences of our actions.

Explanation: While first-order thinking focuses on immediate outcomes, second-order thinking pushes us to ask, "And then what?" It's about anticipating the ripple effects of our decisions, not just the obvious results.

What you can do: 
Next time you face a decision, take 10 minutes to write down not just the immediate consequences, but also potential second and third-order effects. Ask yourself: "What might happen as a result of this initial outcome?"

By practicing second-order thinking, you'll start to see connections and potential outcomes that others miss. This can give you a significant advantage in problem-solving and strategic planning.

2) Apply second-order thinking to your career
Use second-order thinking to make smarter career moves and avoid common pitfalls.

Explanation: In our careers, it's easy to focus on short-term gains like a higher salary or a prestigious title. However, second-order thinking encourages us to consider the long-term implications of our choices on our skills, network, and overall career trajectory.

What you can do:
Before making your next career move, create a decision matrix. List potential options and their first-order consequences (e.g., higher pay, new title). Then, push yourself to identify at least three second-order consequences for each option. Consider factors like skill development, industry trends, and work-life balance.

By thinking beyond the immediate benefits, you might discover that a seemingly less attractive option actually offers better long-term growth or aligns more closely with your values and life goals.

NOTE: You should also apply this type of thinking at work (in your current job) and present well-thought-out plans to your supervisors. Every time you communicate with them, giving them a full picture of the outcomes of certain decisions is helpful. This will show them that you’re a holistic thinker, aware of potential risks and a future-oriented thinker.

3) Leverage second-order thinking in personal decisions
Use second-order thinking to make more fulfilling personal choices and avoid unintended negative consequences.

Explanation:  In our personal lives, many decisions that seem positive in the short term can have unforeseen negative consequences. Second-order thinking helps us anticipate these potential issues and make more holistic choices.

What you can do:
Choose a significant personal decision you're currently facing (e.g., moving to a new city, starting a side business). Write down the immediate benefits and drawbacks. Then, project forward 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years. What potential second-order effects might emerge in each timeframe? How might this decision affect your relationships, personal growth, and overall life satisfaction in the long run?

This exercise can reveal hidden opportunities or potential pitfalls that aren't immediately obvious. It can help you make decisions that align better with your long-term happiness and personal values.

NOTE: I would focus this type of exercise more on what pitfalls you should be aware of, and not every little thing that can go wrong. This shouldn’t be the type of exercise that has you overanalyze things, it’s more about having contingency plans in place for potential issues, so you’re prepared.

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Remember, the goal of second-order thinking isn't to paralyze you with endless analysis. It's about developing a habit of looking beyond the obvious and considering the broader implications of our choices. By doing so, we can make more intentional decisions that lead to better outcomes in both our professional and personal lives.

Thanks for reading our 31st newsletter. Find me on Instagram or LinkedIn where I post even more little tidbits about learning and my life.

Have a great week, and stay curious,

Shiv 💁🏽‍♀️