Small vs. Big OppThink: Levels, Zones and OppKnocks

One of the main ideas I hope to get across in this book is that there are always multiple levels and zones in our thinking, or the thinking within an organization. We need to know when to operate on one level or in one zone, and when to jump to another that is more relevant or useful.

Example: X and Y may be opposite beliefs or actions on Level L or in Zone Z.
There may be value in deciding which is best to adopt.
But it could be that deciding between X and Y is itself a wrong or wasteful/useless action.
A better action may be to forego or discard this decision altogether and jump to a different area of thinking, a more relevant level or zone.
(I use level for up/down movement -- higher and lower areas;
and zone for lateral movement -- different areas on the same level.)

Specific examples: why spend time deciding on leather versus cloth seats on a new Ford car before deciding whether you want to buy a new car at all? Why shop for homes in LA if you have not finalized a decision about whether to stay in LA or move? Solve the "higher choices" first before moving to "lower issues". OppThink can be applied to both the higher-issue questions and the detailed questions.

Similarly, learn to be adept at identifying OppKnocks -- moments when opportunity knocks and you can leap to another (better) level or zone. Knowing when to take opportunities to leap to better levels/zones when they present themselves also entails knowing when to abandon OppThinking that is no longer relevant based on the new data. If new data (an opportunity) says "I can move to NY for a great new job starting next Monday," then you can stop bickering with your roommate about chores for next Tuesday. The point is now moot. Move your reasoning and OppThinking attention to the new level or zone ASAP, and leave old levels/zones behind.

Summary:
Use OppThink methods to decide what is the right "zone of debate" or "area of OppThink operations" -- then go down to OppThinking specific beliefs when the time is right.

# # #

Another example: It occured to me that manipulation of OppThink beliefs applies to politics. A skilled (some might say devious or evil) politician P might try to get the press arguing about beliefs X and Y when in fact P could care less about these opposing beliefs. P may be hoping to distract the press and public from P's real agenda, which lives in a different level or zone of thinking, and which should be debated.

Knowing about and learning to identify Small OppThink versus Big OppThink can hopefully help us identify with politicians like P -- or any folks wanting our vote, our money, our attention -- are trying to distract us from what is truly important.