A Different Perspective

Asset-based is a term that is being thrown around a lot lately. You've heard it, but what does it mean? When I received an invitation to a workshop on asset-based community development I thought I might get more out of the experience if I did a little background work before hand.

While doing my homework I discovered Change the Way You See Everything? by Kathyryn D. Cramer and Hank Wasiak a 45 minute read which introduced me to the concept of asset-based thinking.

Asset-based thinking is a more sophisticated version of positive thinking and counting your blessings. The central idea is that most of us focus on our weaknesses and problems and that focusing on your assets or opportunities instead can help build energy, relationships, and productivity.

Sure, new self-improvement and business fads are a dime-a-dozen and I will be the first to admit that most of them are pretty lame but asset-based thinking really makes a lot of sense to me.

It's a simple concept that is easy to understand and, I hope, easy to practice.

Put most of your time and energy in what you do well rather than focusing on changing what you don't do well. "Magnify what's best and focus on what's next." Asset-based thinking uses the 80-20 rule in reverse. Instead of devoting 80% of your time and attention to solving problems, turn it around and focus 80% on opportunities.

"To most of us, facing a problem usually provokes us to cast blame and assign guilt. But what if you could reach into the depth of that problem and extract a treasure--a wealth of information that could propel the situation forward in a way that benefits everyone involved, exponentially! this moves you into the affirmative zone in which Asset-Based Thinkers thrive."

There is an introduction at www.assetbasedthinking.com.