What is Second-Order Thinking?
The practice of thinking beyond the immediate, obvious consequence of a decision to ask: "And then what?" Second-order effects are often where the real risks and opportunities , and where shallow analysis consistently fails.
My perspective
In practice
Before committing to a course of action, spend five minutes asking what the likely second and third effects are. Most people stop at first-order thinking. The advantage goes to those who think one move ahead.