by John Gross
Most businesses create plans assuming everything will go smoothly—the market will respond, the team will execute perfectly, and success will follow. But reality is rarely that simple. Unexpected challenges, overlooked risks, and flawed assumptions can derail even the best-laid plans. To improve your chances of success, especially with complex projects or ambitious goals, apply Inversion Thinking.
What Is Inversion Thinking?
Instead of focusing solely on what to do, inversion forces you to ask: “What would guarantee failure?” By identifying potential mistakes, risks, and blind spots upfront, you can take proactive steps to avoid them—dramatically increasing your odds of success.
How to Apply Inversion Thinking
- Instead of asking, “How do I solve this problem?” ask, “What would make this problem worse?”
- Instead of asking, “How can I achieve this goal?” ask, “What obstacles are stopping me?”
This shift in thinking exposes weak points before they become costly mistakes. It’s like stress-testing your strategy, allowing you to refine your approach and improve execution before problems arise.
Why It’s Critical for Small Businesses
Many projects fail due to overconfidence and untested assumptions. Inversion thinking forces you to confront challenges early, uncover simpler solutions, and prevent missteps that could cost time, money, and momentum.
Success isn’t just about making the right moves—it’s about avoiding the wrong ones. The next time you’re planning a major initiative, launching a new product, or setting a bold goal, apply inversion thinking. The best path forward might be found in identifying what not to do.
John Gross is an EOS Implementer who helps businesses achieve Vision, Traction, and Healthy. You can contact John at John@ DrivingChangeInc.com or call 636.667.0579.