This week in Idea Surplus Disorder: a deceptively simple icebreaker for deeper connection, why “preparing” isn’t progress, when AI is actually worth delegating to, and how writing creates real leverage. Plus, habits to let go of in 2026 and a question that unlocks team optimism.
This week’s Idea Surplus Disorder marks a reset. A cleaner design, new sections, a weekly question, and some of my own writing. I hope you like it!
This edition reflects on slowing time, practicing radical candor, choosing virtue over values, and showing up more human in work, leadership, and life.
A deceptively simple icebreaker that creates real connection: one person plays Fortune Teller, the other a curious Four-Year-Old asking about their future. The twist? The "predictions" are stories from their own life. In 30 minutes, strangers become colleagues who actually know each other.
Speaking in Austin, TX on February 12 Facilitation in Chicago, IL on March 9
The Problem of Mechanistic Thinking
Walter Keichel III
This week in Idea Surplus Disorder: facilitation as an act of radical care, what firefighters teach us about collaboration, and why boredom fuels creativity. Plus: when AI helps (or hurts) thinking, using the Minto Pyramid to communicate clearly, and why mastery still requires going deep.
This week: how invisible AI shapes our thinking, why screen-free learning still wins, and how “interesting work” fuels happiness. Plus: leadership tells, strategy you’re already executing, the rise of proof-of-work, and why so many workers feel numb to change.