The phrase "canary in the coal mine" is a common metaphor used to describe an early warning or indicator of potential danger or trouble.
The story goes like this: canaries are small birds whose sensitivity to adverse conditions made them a useful early indicator of carbon monoxide and other toxic gasses gathering in underground mines. They were an early warning system of upcoming danger by showing deterioration in their health. It was rather gruesome for the canaries. Yet, there are reports of them still being used by rescue teams to enter mines in the aftermath of an explosion. Poor canaries…
What happened when the canaries ended up dead?
Were they blamed for not being tough enough? Was it decided that the canaries needed some extra deep mine training? Or that different birds were needed? Or did the miners decide that they needed more canaries?
Because it wasn't the canaries themselves that needed "fixing", the way forward was not tougher, different, or more canaries. The way forward was a different atmosphere.
In a human organisational context, we can relate atmosphere with organisational culture. So, when the canaries in your metaphorical coal mine seem to be in trouble look at the context they operate in and work out what needs to shift.
In our journey through life, we often overlook a critical aspect of our existence: our own thinking. Metacognition, or the art of thinking about thinking, is a profound tool that offers a deeper understanding of our mental processes and the potential to transform them.
Metacognition Hack: Using a Mirror to Self-Reflect
In our journey through life, we often overlook a critical aspect of our existence: our own thinking. Metacognition, or the art of thinking about thinking, is a profound tool that offers a deeper understanding of our mental processes and the potential to transform them.
One hack to getting to the core of your thinking about thinking can be exercised by looking at yourself in the mirror. Do you think, “I look terrible” during a stressful day? Conversely, on days filled with calm and contentment, have you noticed a shift in your reflection, thinking, “I look good today”? This phenomenon is not merely about physical appearance; it’s a reflection of the intricate relationship between our emotions and perceptions. If you are conscious of your thoughts, you can think about how you are thinking.
Research
A significant development in the metacognition field is in exploring the capacity for meta-metacognition and relating it to confidence. For example, Stephen M. Fleming provides a comprehensive review and synthesis of metacognition and confidence. His study and others represent just a few examples of the rich and evolving landscape of metacognition research. They highlight the complexity of our cognitive processes and the various layers at which we can understand and regulate them, from basic learning tasks to more intricate evaluations of our own thinking processes.
AI-Assisted Quotes
1. Metacognition is thinking about thinking, knowing about knowing, becoming aware of one's awareness and higher-order thinking skills. – John Flavell
2. The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled. – Plutarch
3. Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think. – Albert Einstein
4. Metacognition is a critical component of successful learning; it enables us to be more self-aware and in control of our thinking strategies. – Anonymous
5. The goal of metacognition is to enable one to transfer learned skills and knowledge to new situations. – Anonymous
Next Steps
Metacognition is not just an academic concept; it's a practical tool that can profoundly impact our daily lives. By becoming more aware of how stress affects our thinking, and by employing strategies to manage these effects, we can improve not only our self-perception but our overall well-being. As we continue to navigate the complexities and challenges of life, let us remember the power of thinking about thinking, and use it to foster a more positive, realistic view of ourselves and the world around us.
When the canaries in your metaphorical coal mine seem to be in trouble, look at their context and work out what needs to shift. Click on the link below for a 30-minute complimentary exploratory conversation.
Schedule a free 30-minute exploratory discussion with Desley Lodwick here.
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