Want to make better decisions? Understand the two types of intelligence.
Most people rely on just one, logic. But the second type, causal reasoning, is the secret to better decision-making.
Logic intelligence is useful for analysing data, identifying patterns and solving existing problems
Causal reasoning, on the other hand, is your brain’s ability to imagine possibilities, hypothesize about causes, and create solutions for future challenges.
We often praise logic, but causal reasoning is what drives innovation. It’s the ability to speculate on the causes and effects, to imagine different narratives and to invent new things. It helps you navigate uncertainty, think beyond the obvious and create new paths forward.
Unfortunately, most education systems focus on logic-based skills. But here’s the good news: it’s possible to train our brains to develop causal reasoning, to think in stories.
Skilled problem solvers and decision-makers have learned to use patterns, analogies and narratives to uncover important causal factors in their businesses.
Here’s how you can strengthen your causal reasoning today:
Visualise outcomes: Imagine “what could be” before making decisions.
Think in stories: Build narratives to make your ideas more concrete.
Find connections: Practice linking unrelated ideas to uncover creative solutions.