We should be more superficial

Some of the most interesting and compelling insights can be found on the surface. Unfortunately, we have lost the ability to see these insights because we assume all answers are found in the depths, at bedrock.

It is wrong to assume that all good analyses begin and end with deconstructing, categorizing, and analyzing the parts. This approach, though important, has led to an overdeveloped and underdeveloped set of muscles that were meant to work in tandem.

Profound insights are often stretched across large amounts of structured and unstructured data. Many of these insights are only found through superficial analysis and often overlooked when our noses are too close to the data or when our aperture is set too narrow.

Superficial analysis requires a different approach. Here are some tips:

• Don’t assume all answers are found in the depths

• Broaden your aperture and back away from the data or problem set

• Look for surface patterns and anomalies

• Relax your gaze and let your eyes blur (stop looking so hard)

• Resist the urge to decompose

• Hypothesize connections between disparate notions seen on the surface

Of the two approaches, superficiality is the least natural but the most needed (and rewarding).

Down deep, we all know that we need to be more superficial. 😀