Do you find yourself in situations where you jump to conclusions and start giving advice? 

Do you feel bad when someone ignores you and seems to be lost in their thoughts?

While in a conversation, what if you could stop thinking about a problem and focus on the person instead? 

The concept of thinking partnership comes from Marcia Reynolds. 

In her book, Coach the Person, Not the Problem, Marcia tells us to build a thinking partnership practice where we work with the person we want to help and support. 

Marcia says that every person has the potential to find solutions to all their problems. Still, we get stuck on a particular issue due to overthinking and confusion around the various choices. 

When we genuinely believe in other people’s capabilities, we trust their judgment and decisions.

Thinking partners are people to help people solve problems by brainstorming.

When we practice thinking partnerships, we help people explore their ideas in a safe environment. 

When we practice thinking partnerships, we build confidence in other people. 

When we practice thinking partnerships, we empower and enable others to find their solutions. 

To begin this practice, all you need is patience, restraint and a belief that people have all the resources to succeed.  Listening to and asking questions instead of answering people’s problems is the best way to master this skill. 

Giving people the benefit of the doubt and trusting them to make the right decisions is crucial as it helps build rapport and empowers them to create success. 

How do you start:

• Practice daily gratitude and be thankful for the people in your life. 
• Practice daily meditation and be open to accepting your emotions.
• Practice thinking your thoughts and finding their purpose.
• Practice becoming a thinking partner instead of an advisor. 

Post Credits: Marcia Reynolds