How to Challenge Conventional Practices

I present modern lamps to companies, yet some still prefer their old candlesticks. Recently, I've demonstrated to a client the potential their teams can unlock through the enhanced combination of experiential, demographic, and cognitive diversity. When combined with a well-structured team process and a supportive culture, these factors create significant new opportunities in their industry. However, some managers ask, "Why invest more effort if everything is already okay?" The truth is, that settling for "okay" may pose greater risks and costs compared to exploring new approaches. This tendency is a classic example of status quo bias. We can't achieve greater success with a mindset that isn't in search of better alternatives. That's why I've introduced the Diversity-Sum Mindset—a framework that fosters clear thinking that values and embraces diversity and complexity in all aspects. Here are 3 principles that shape this mindset: 🧠 Expanding Your Horizon: Embrace the richness of diverse perspectives beyond visible differences. Integrate varied backgrounds, lived experiences, intersectional identities, and ways of thinking to broaden understanding and enrich decision-making. Diversity fuels better predictions and thus innovation. 🧠 Embracing Antifragility: Different perspectives challenge norms and assumptions, creating an environment where new ideas and solutions emerge. Embracing antifragility allows organizations to thrive and benefit from uncertainty and change. 🧠 Challenging Assumptions: Question what is considered "normal" or "standard" within your organization. Diversity challenges conventional thinking and offers alternative viewpoints that lead to better outcomes. By embracing the Diversity-Sum Mindset, you empower your organization to navigate complexity with agility and foresight. Don't settle for candlesticks; seek out the brilliance of modern lamps that illuminate new pathways to your success. ________________________________________ Looking for more insights on better thinking? 📨 Join my free newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dsyQSRxV

Whiteboard Wednesday is back after a month of highlighting a customer story every day. Today I want to talk about goal setting and a counterintuitive technique that's helped us achieve outcomes here at FERMÀT that we once thought was impossible. Traditional goal setting fails because it relies on historical trends. Most teams look at their improvement rate from last quarter, then aim to do slightly better—essentially saying "if I was here before and I'm here now, I'll try to get a bit further next quarter." Instead, I challenge my team with this powerful alternative approach: 1. Define the maximum possible Ban historical data from goal-setting discussions. Instead, ask: "What's the theoretical ceiling for this metric given the physics and truths of our business?" 2. Quantify the reality gap Once you've established your theoretical ceiling, examine your current position. This gap reveals exactly what must change to achieve breakthrough results. 3. Challenge core assumptions This forces a crucial conversation: "What's the difference between our business fundamentals and historical outcomes that makes this goal seem unattainable?" When you work backward from theoretical maximums rather than forward from historical trends, you discover entirely new actions required to achieve extraordinary results. This approach works across any business type—whether you're increasing product development velocity or scaling creative testing. The principle remains: determine what's maximally possible given your business fundamentals, then work backward to identify the necessary transformations. What assumptions about your business trajectory could you challenge using this method?

Are you tired of the same old narrative in architecture? The one that says you have to accept endless revisions, razor-thin margins, and a constant battle against outdated practices? I know I am. For too long, we’ve collectively sighed about the state of our industy, the slow pace of innovation (that crushes under economic constraints), the disconnect between design and execution, and the reluctance to embrace truly transformative working practices. We’ve treated these as inevitable, not as problems to solve. But what if we stopped just complaining… and started building solutions? I’m talking about a fundamental shift in how we approach architectural practice. It’s about moving beyond simply identifying the problems and actively architecting a better future. Here’s how I’m tackling it, not as a guru, but as someone committed to practical change: — by designing rigorous frameworks that integrate communal thinking from concept to construction, making innovation a default, not an exception — by fostering honest, precise conversations across disciplines, bridging the gap between designers, engineers, and fabricators to ensure ideas survive across scales and materials — by rejecting the buzzwords and focusing on tangible workflows that empower architects to reclaim their agency, turning frustration into proactive development This isn't about chasing the next shiny tool. It’s about understanding the core challenges, the ones that limit our creativity and stifle our impact, and then designing systems that inherently overcome them. If you’re an architect, designer, or technologist who feels the same frustration, and who’s ready to stop treating these issues as insurmountable… and start treating them as opportunities for genuine innovation, this conversation is for you. Let’s talk about what it truly means to fix architecture, not just lament it. #architecture #computationaldesign #designthinking #architecturalpractice #innovation #futureofarchitecture

Is evidence-based medicine holding us back? I came to healthcare to drive progress and to make a difference. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: sticking too rigidly to traditional evidence-based medicine (EBM) may actually limit innovation in patient care. Let me explain. EBM is the gold standard—it’s grounded in data, trials, and proven methods. But what about the holistic, culturally-rooted practices that have healed people for centuries? Practices like herbal remedies, acupuncture, or other traditional approaches often lack rigorous scientific validation. Does that mean they hold no value? Here’s what I’ve learned: → Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Patients are more than their symptoms. Traditional practices can provide holistic care, addressing emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs. → Patient trust matters. When we dismiss traditional medicine, we risk alienating patients who value these practices. Respecting cultural beliefs fosters trust and, ultimately, better outcomes. → Integration is the future. Some traditional practices, like acupuncture, already complement modern treatments like chemotherapy, improving quality of life and reducing stress. I’m not suggesting we abandon evidence-based medicine. I’m saying it’s time to rethink its scope—to make room for innovation, cultural competence, and a more holistic approach to care. What would happen if we blended the rigor of EBM with the wisdom of traditional practices? Could we unlock new possibilities for healing? I believe the answer is yes. Let’s talk about it. 👇

The Springboks' 7-1 bench split was called reckless. Critics said it would never work. Today, it's studied in business schools worldwide. Rassie Erasmus understood something most leaders don't: The hidden cost of playing it safe is far greater than the risk of innovation. When the Springboks announced their unconventional strategy — seven forwards, one back on the bench — rugby purists were horrified. It defied decades of conventional wisdom. It broke every "best practice" in the book. But here's what the critics missed: Playing it safe had become the riskiest strategy of all. The Innovation Paradox Having coached leaders across five continents to scale their businesses, I've witnessed this pattern repeatedly. Companies cling to industry standards not because they work, but because they're comfortable. They mistake familiarity for safety. The Springboks' "Bomb Squad" wasn't just a tactical shift. It was a mindset revolution. They asked a simple question: What if conventional wisdom is holding us back? In business, we face the same choice daily: • Follow the playbook everyone else uses • Challenge assumptions that no longer serve us • Risk looking foolish to achieve the extraordinary The Real Cost of Conformity When everyone plays by the same rules, you're not competing on innovation — you're competing on execution alone. That's a race to mediocrity. The Springboks realized their traditional approach made them predictable. In a world where every team studies your every move, predictability is death by a thousand cuts. Your business faces the same threat. When you follow industry "best practices" blindly, you just become another version of your competitors. Creating Your Own 7-1 Strategy The magic wasn't in the specific numbers. It was in the courage to question what everyone accepted as truth. Ask yourself: • What industry norm does everyone follow but no one questions? • Where are we playing it safe because "that's how it's always been done"? • What would we try if we knew criticism was inevitable but success was possible? The Blueprint for Bold Innovation The Springboks didn't abandon their strategy when criticized. They refined it. They believed in their analysis. They trusted their preparation. Most importantly, they understood that in a rapidly changing world, the biggest risk isn't trying something new — it's refusing to evolve. Today, teams worldwide study their approach. What was once dismissed as reckless is now hailed as revolutionary. Your unconventional idea might face the same journey. From ridicule to resistance to recognition. The real question isn't whether you'll face criticism for challenging the status quo, but whether you'll have the courage to persist when everyone says you're wrong. Because that's where the magic happens. That's where industries are transformed. That's where South African innovation shows the world a better way. What "impossible" strategy is your industry ready to embrace?

🔬 Rethinking Nutrition: A Clinician’s Journey to Evidence-Based, Empathetic Care Reflecting on my 18-year career as a dietitian, my perspective on what defines a proper human diet has shifted dramatically. Like many of us trained in traditional nutrition, I once recommended eating every 2–3 hours, prioritizing a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat/fat-free dairy, and minimizing salt and saturated fats in favor of vegetable oils. Today, my approach is radically different—grounded in both science and clinical outcomes. I follow a predominantly animal-based diet, practice intermittent fasting without snacking, and train in a fasted state through CrossFit and resistance training. I generously include butter and salt in my meals. The vegetables I consume are primarily high-fiber and chosen for enjoyment, not necessity. This evolution in my practice was driven by a willingness to challenge long-held beliefs and stay open to emerging science. Studies have increasingly questioned conventional dietary advice: • A 2018 review in Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology questioned LDL-C as a causal factor in cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of lipid health. • Research on intermittent fasting (e.g., Cell Metabolism, 2019) demonstrates improvements in insulin sensitivity and metabolic health, independent of calorie restriction. • The PURE study (The Lancet, 2017) found that high carbohydrate intake was associated with increased mortality, while higher fat intake—especially saturated fat—was linked to lower stroke risk. Yet, one of the most concerning trends I’ve observed over the last 2.5 years in my virtual metabolic health practice is how dogmatism can hinder progress. Clinicians and health professionals can become entrenched in “their way” being the only way. This rigidity stifles meaningful collaboration and, more importantly, patient outcomes. The reality is stark: 93% of Americans show signs of insulin resistance. This metabolic epidemic demands that we, as healthcare professionals, lead with both science and empathy. Evidence must guide our practice, but compassion must guide our conversations—with patients and with each other. If we are to shift the health paradigm, we need to treat one another with dignity, curiosity, and respect. Our patients deserve care that is both scientifically rigorous and human-centered. Let’s challenge our biases, stay rooted in evolving science, and work together to reverse chronic disease. I’d love to hear from other clinicians—how has your practice evolved, and how do you balance evidence with empathy? #MetabolicHealth #FunctionalMedicine #NutritionScience #InsulinResistance

I'm rewriting my most popular blog—and throwing out a lot of what I originally taught. Four decades in investigative interviewing taught me a hard truth: Some techniques I championed for years were actually counterproductive. The science is undeniable, and I refuse to keep teaching what research has debunked. My original "Baker's Dozen of Common Interview Mistakes" blog has been viewed thousands of times. But when I measured it against current research, I had to face reality—several of those "best practices" are now scientifically discredited. What I'm removing from my teaching: -Aggressive confrontational techniques (increase false confessions) -Behavioral lie detection methods (scientifically unreliable) -Coercive denial suppression tactics (damage crucial rapport) What the science supports instead: -Trauma-informed interviewing approaches -Cognitive interview principles -Ethical information gathering without coercion This isn't just one blog rewrite—it's the first of several I'm updating to align with science-based practices. Because here's the thing: If research proves we're wrong, we have a professional obligation to change. The uncomfortable truth? Traditional interviewing methods we've relied on can increase false confession rates while reducing information quality. The behavioral "tells" we were trained to spot? Unreliable. Those techniques that felt effective? Often problematic. Your move: Read the rewritten blog. Then honestly assess which outdated practices you're still using. This field demands we evolve with the science, not cling to tradition. Are you ready to make that commitment? #InvestigativeInterviewing #ScienceBasedPractices #LawEnforcement #ProfessionalDevelopment #InterviewTraining #EthicalInvestigation #ContinuousLearning #InterviewResearch #InvestigatorTraining #TruthSeeking

I recently spoke with a sales leader who shared a perspective that surprised me. While everyone's mining B2B databases, he builds lead lists from Google Maps. "Everyone's in the databases," he said. "I want to find the businesses others miss." This conversation got me thinking: ❓In an age where AI can generate "best practices" on demand, what truly sets us apart? It's not our ability to follow conventional wisdom. It's our capacity to challenge it. It's the insights from failed projects, the unexpected solutions, and the intuition that comes from years of hands-on experience. It's the knowledge AI can't replicate. But having these unique insights isn't enough. We need to leverage them effectively. Here's a method I use to integrate our unique perspectives into our work ⤵️ 1. 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗰𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀: List 5-10 beliefs you hold that differ from common industry practices.     2. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: For each "best practice," consider scenarios where an alternative approach might be more effective.     3. 𝗔𝗜 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆: Document how you're using AI to amplify your unique approach, not replace it.     4. 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀: Identify 10-15 experts who challenge your thinking. Actively participate in discussions, not just passive following.     5. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 '𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶-𝗣𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀': What common practices in your field do you consciously avoid? Why? ▶️𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗟𝗠 (i.e., create a CustomGPT or a Project in Claude). THEN, ask it do tasks. Your AI will now show some character. This isn't just about staying relevant. It's about becoming the go-to expert for nuanced, experience-driven insights that both humans and AI can learn from. What's an unconventional approach you've found effective in your field?

Redefining traditions can be a powerful catalyst for change. Take Raksha Bandhan, an Indian Hindu festival for example. Traditionally a sister ties a sacred thread on her brother’s wrist as he commits to protect his sister. I have redefined this tradition and celebrate it with my girls over traditional gendered roles. They tie the sacred thread to each other and we emphasize empathy, respect,and allyship with one another and our comminity, especially the most marginalized among us. Leadership is about driving transformation and enduring meaning change. I use a simple mnemonic “ACTION” as my framework - Assess, Communicate, Take Ownership, Inspire, Optimize, Navigate. Here’s how it could be applied: 1. A - Assess: Start by assessing the current situation. Understand the challenges, opportunities, and readiness for change within the organization or team. Understand human behavior and design the change centering human experience. 2. C - Communicate: Clearly articulate the vision and purpose of the change. Transparent and consistent communication helps to align everyone’s understanding and expectations. 3. T - Take Ownership: Leaders must take ownership of the change process. This involves being accountable, making decisions, and driving the initiative forward with confidence and commitment. 4. I - Inspire: Inspire your team by connecting the change to a larger purpose or mission. Engage and motivate them by showing how their contributions are vital to the success of the change. 5. O - Optimize: Continuously optimize the change process by being flexible and adaptive. Identify your change champions and invite them to be part of leading the change and sharing feedback. Gather feedback, measure progress, and make necessary adjustments to ensure the change is effective and sustainable. 6. N - Navigate: Navigate through resistance and challenges with resilience and determination. Provide guidance, support, and resources to help the team overcome obstacles and stay focused on the end goal. Using "ACTION" as a guide, leaders can effectively manage and implement change while keeping their team engaged and aligned with the overall vision. How do you challenge certain traditions or societal norms? How do you approach change in your organization?

Hack Your Team's Mindset: 5 Unconventional Warmups for Innovation Workshops 🧠⚡ Ever run an innovation workshop that felt like trying to start a car with a dead battery? That first 30 minutes determines whether you'll get breakthrough ideas or recycled thinking. Something that I call getting into the “psychology of innovation”. After facilitating several sessions, I've discovered something surprising: the traditional "let's go around and introduce ourselves" kills creative energy before it starts. Your team's brains are still in operational mode—not possibility mode. Here are five unconventional warmups I've tested that rewire neural pathways for innovation in under 20 minutes: 1. The Impossible Question Challenge 🔥 Start by asking questions that have no "correct" answers: "How would you design a restaurant on Mars?" or "What if sleep became optional?" This immediately signals we're breaking free from conventional thinking. 2. The Reality Bending Exercise ✨ Have everyone write down three "unchangeable facts" about your industry. Then challenge teams to imagine a world where each "fact" is no longer true. As Steve Jobs said, "Reality can be distorted"—this exercise trains that muscle. 3. The Reverse Assumptions Game 🔄 List 5-10 core assumptions about your business. Then systematically reverse each one: "What if we charged more for less?" or "What if our customers became our employees?" This shatters mental models almost instantly. 4. The "Yes, And..." Chain Reaction ⛓️ One person proposes a wild idea. Instead of evaluating it, the next person must say "Yes, and..." adding something to evolve it further. Continue for 3-5 minutes. This dismantles our innate criticism reflex. 5. Two-Minute Futures ⏱️ Give everyone two minutes to draw what your industry will look like in 2040. The time constraint bypasses the analytical brain and accesses the intuitive one. The crude drawings often reveal surprising insights about shared hopes and fears. Remember: Innovation doesn't need fancy frameworks—it needs minds free from invisible constraints. These warmups aren't just games; they're pattern-disruptors that help your team escape their mental programming. What's your go-to innovation warmup? Have you tried activities that break conventional thinking patterns? #InnovationWorkshops #CreativeThinking #DesignThinking #TeamFacilitation #Creativity #TransformativeMindset