Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world's most successful entrepreneurs, had a secret weapon for making breakthrough decisions: Think Week. Twice a year, Gates would retreat to a secluded cabin in the Pacific Northwest, away from all distractions, to read, think, and make the strategic decisions that would shape Microsoft's future. This practice, which Gates maintained for over 20 years, was instrumental in some of Microsoft's most important innovations and strategic pivots.
Gates started Think Week in the early 1990s, when Microsoft was growing rapidly and the demands of running a global company were overwhelming. He realized that he needed dedicated time away from meetings, emails, and daily operations to think strategically about technology trends and Microsoft's direction. The cabin retreat became his sanctuary for deep thinking, where he would spend 7 days reading hundreds of technical papers, research reports, and business proposals that his team had prepared for him.
During these intensive weeks, Gates would read up to 100 papers and documents, taking detailed notes and making decisions on everything from new product development to strategic acquisitions. He would work 18-hour days, reading and thinking from early morning until late at night. The isolation was intentional - no phone calls, no meetings, no interruptions. Just pure focus on understanding the future of technology and making decisions that would position Microsoft for long-term success.
Some of Microsoft's most important strategic decisions came out of these Think Weeks. The decision to embrace the internet and pivot Microsoft's strategy came from Gates' reading and thinking during a Think Week in 1995. The development of Microsoft Office, the Xbox gaming console, and the company's cloud computing strategy all had their origins in these periods of deep reflection. Gates understood that breakthrough innovation requires stepping back from the daily grind to see the bigger picture and make bold strategic decisions.
Gates was known for his voracious reading during Think Week. He would read technical papers on emerging technologies, business proposals from Microsoft's various divisions, competitive analysis reports, and research on future trends. This reading wasn't passive - Gates would take detailed notes, ask probing questions, and make decisions that would shape Microsoft's strategy for years to come. The ability to synthesize information from diverse sources and make strategic connections was one of Gates' greatest strengths.
Gates' Think Week practice influenced how many other tech leaders approach strategic thinking. The concept of taking dedicated time away from daily operations to focus on long-term strategy has become a cornerstone of effective leadership. Even after stepping down as Microsoft's CEO, Gates continued the practice, using Think Week to focus on his philanthropic work and global health initiatives.
The Lesson for Modern Makers
In today's hyper-connected world, the idea of taking a full week to think might seem impossible. But Gates' Think Week practice offers valuable lessons for anyone trying to build something meaningful. The ability to step back and think strategically is what separates leaders from followers, innovators from imitators, and builders from maintainers. This is why tools like Maker's Schedule are so valuable - they help you create the structure and boundaries needed to carve out time for deep thinking and strategic planning.
Creating Your Own Think Week
You don't need a cabin in the Pacific Northwest to benefit from the Think Week approach. Even dedicating a few hours each week to strategic thinking can have a profound impact on your work and life. The key is to create the space for deep reflection, free from the constant pull of notifications and interruptions. Whether you're building a company, working on a creative project, or trying to solve a complex problem, the ability to think deeply and strategically is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. Bill Gates understood this, and his Think Week practice was a testament to the power of dedicated thinking time.