Customer Reviews

Time to Think: Listening to Ignite the Human Mind

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

To read this book is to have the experience of realising the obvious truth that you have ignored for so long. It is precise and powerful with a beautiful simplicity.

Nancy Kline has spent fifteen years developing the Thinking Environment™, a model of human behaviour that dramatically improves the way people think, work and live.

The book starts with the simple assumption that everything we do depends for its quality on the thinking we do first and that our thinking depends on the quality of our attention for each other.

The opening section builds on this assertion by setting out ten components of the Thinking Environment™. If you do not read beyond these, you will have had a stimulating exposition of how we can be more effective listeners. But this isn't just another book about how to listen. It is a book about how to give people attention and help them to think, really think, creatively, powerfully and beautifully.

The second section shows how the ten components of the Thinking Environment™ can be applied in a variety of work and personal settings to enable others to think effectively for themselves. The simple assertion is made that, 'The brain that contains the problem probably also contains the solution,' and we are shown how we can help that person seek out the solution.

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of the book is the approach to breaking down negative assumptions that people hold. These assumptions act as barriers to being able to think, and Nancy shows us the power of asking Incisive Questions to shatter those assumptions and free us up to think again.

Nancy also proposes some radical changes to traditional work and societal ethics. The removal of competition from the workplace is one such change. To quote the author directly, 'To compete does not ensure certain excellence. It just ensures comparative success.' Furthermore, she urges us to 'Focus on finding a good idea, not on winning' when we engage is conversation and discussion with others.

Simple, challenging and powerful, I can't wait to put the principles of the Thinking Environment™ into practice. I can't wait to see the difference it makes in others and in my relationships with them.

A colleague introduced me to Nancy Kline'book and I have used it many times as a reference for planning meetings; presentations and marketing.

The way the sections and chapters of the book is laid out is easy on the eyes and mind. Sensible relevant titles to each chapter with personal anecdotes; thoughts etc that help you retain the information for future use.

As you recall your own frustrations about people who managed/supervised your work - you find encouragement in the form of well fomatted - bullet point text. It presented me with guidance that has radically altered the relationship I have with people at home and at work.

I use her book as a reference when I am planning meetings; Presentations; projects etc

Unusually I have re-read the introduction on several occasions - it is so interesting and informative.

A colleague introduced me to this book and I have not looked back.

I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who thinks they listen to others and can't understand why every day they face problems in the workplace and at home.

This book is a must read for anyone who is interested in personal development, relationships or group dynamics. After I read it I went out and found myself a thinking partner who I now meet with once a week on the phone. This has proved to be an incredibly productive commitment for both of us. If you try the methods Nancy Kline recommends you will be amazed both at your own thinking and other people's!

After having read Time To Think I couldn't wait to experiment it.
I tried to have a Thinking Session with my husband following the book's instructions. We didn't get the results we expected so I emailed to Time To Think Inc. asking for a consultant to do a Thinking Session. We did it and it was a deep experience for me.

I felt deeply heard first time in my life; time didn't existed while I was talking/thinking about my problem. Anne - the consultant- asked me the Incisive Question and in that moment my thinking was so deep I could heard my answer coming out from my body and I knew with no doubt it was the right answer/solution for me in this moment of my life.

Even it may sound silly I have to say that, because I found my own answer to my dificult problem, I feel more confidence.

Before this experience I thought the sessións where expensive.I was not sure if would work for me but after have seen the results I feel grateful to Nancy and her team. The Thinking Sessions really work.

The author preaches the simplicity of the ideas in this book. I agree. The ideas are sensible, valuable and simple. My criticism is that the essence of the book could be summarised in about 25 pages - NOT 250. The book seems to me to very 'thin' on substance. Other coaching books cover this subject matter in one chapter which, I believe, is what it merits. I really don't understand the hype around this book - there are much better texts with far more substance and, dare I say, less ego - a hint of 'Emperor's new clothes"?

Time to think enables leaders and managers to create an environment within which people can feel valued. I have worked with the material in this book for two years now and particularly I have used it to change meetings cultures, and for the power of the Thinking Partnership. The partnership work has brought out the most amazing transformations in peoples lives as a result of them being able to move past blocks to thinking and take control of their destiny. I had the great pleasure of working with Nancy Kline for a couple of days. If you knew the author you would understand immediately why the book contains the wisdom that can transform your workplace, or indeed your home. I have very much appreciated the things that the book has been able to help me to progress. In passing on the methodologies within it, it is possible to change work place profiles. Do not be fooled by its simplicity the outcomes can be amazing.

It is a fairly pleasant read but there really isn't much to it.
Active listening is important but this book doesn't really offer much else. It rambles on but doesn't really offer much in the way of real practical techniques or analysis. It all sounds quite nice as you read it but it can come across as a bit manipulative.

Some books are best read in front of a bottle of scotch. As with many conversations liquid refreshment adds the delusion of poignancy and clarity. I must be getting cynical in my old age or maybe I have been in the consultancy business a little too long, but I am getting fed up with books that dress themselves up in pseudo spiritual jargon in order to sell extended power-point presentations. This is not so much a book but a day course for front-line staff in housing or youth services who need soft protection against difficult clients. In short a typical money spinner and an advert for Nancy Kline's company in book form. Pleasantly written but pretentious and unoriginal.

I have enjoyed reading the book, but keep thinking that it's the kind of common sense that is not so common any more! We live our lives at such a frenetic pace, taking time to think, or listen, or give someone else your entire focus are forgotten and rarely practiced skills. Nancy Kline reminds us of the simple power of really listening to someone and giving them your focussed attention.
The book is easy to read, but actually over complicates what we should know how to do naturally. A valuable message extended over 200 pages!

Am STILL reading Time to Think (a loan copy) but just had to buy it before I finished it! A refreshing read for everyone interested in better thinking and effective use of time (shouldn't that be all of us?). I like the way Nancy has adopted many of the Appreciative Inquiry concepts into her writing, and has loads of good 'one-liners' and questions one can use to promote her work and ideas.
Other reviews have covered the content well, so I just wanted to say that I've made loads of connections with other interests of mine - coaching, mentoring, running meetings, creativity, NLP, leadership, time management, diversity, etc. etc. Enjoy.
Peter