The Third Opinion Meets the Killer App
June 2nd, 2004 by HalThe book The Third Opinion came highly recommended by someone who I've learned to think with for his third opinion. Previously, I used the term thinking partner. I frequently call on others for help in sorting out and exploring a range of perspectives on an issue and for speculating. I've haphazardly developed a loose network of thinking partners. The possibility of being more purposeful about that drew me to the book. Unfortunately, I was disappointed.
The idea is more powerful than the author's development of it. Dr. Saj-nicole A. Joni subtitled the book "How Successful Leaders Use Outside Insight to Create Superior Results." That did come through for me. She tells one mini case after another to illuminate elements of her various models of networked leadership. The author does a good job of developing those models in a step-by-step way. However, I was left thinking "Is that all there is?"
The author claims throughout the book that her own claims and insights are based on years of research. Unfortunately, she doesn't reveal what that research is, how it was conducted, or how she validated her conclusions.
What is the project leader or project executive to do with this? I'll tie The Third Opinion to a book that is having a big impact on many aspects of business and life, Tim Sanders' Love Is the Killer App. Tim claims that business works on three principles:
- Develop expertise that you freely share with others. This is the opportunity for you to be the second or third opinion for others.
- Develop your network. Make it a big network. One that you call on and are ready to be called. Be a connector for people in your network.
- Bring compassion to your relationships. Another way of saying that is to be generous with your interpretations of others' intentions and actions.
The connection between the two books is obvious. By developing a network of support at the edge of our relationships we make ourselves and the network stronger. We can get more done. We can take on bigger challenges. We become more powerful along the way.
Tim Sanders is a key note speaker this week at the Coachville Annual Conference. I'll be attending, presenting, and blogging from the conference. Drop by at CoachBlog™.
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