Are you looking for new ideas?
Has your path
reached a dead-end?
Are your options limited, or just invisible?
Often the way we
experience the world is built on and bordered by our
experiences! When we find ourselves
in a situation, we form solutions with “shortcuts”
based upon patterns we
have “learned” in our lives.
Most of the time, these
shortcuts serve us well by providing answers
based upon how we have
solved problems in our past.
They provide efficient
rules that guide us in decision making and problem solving. This is also called a
heuristic approach to learning, discovery, and problem
solving.
However, these rules
also can lock us into stereotypes, pre-conceived ideas, and
uncritical analysis. When they are not
helpful, one strategy or approach can be radical thinking,
an approach to
creatively engage with options!
Perhaps radical thinking
may help you generate new ideas?
Let's try this radical
three-screen process.
- First, briefly summarize
your situation or challenge.
- Now list three radical
"O's" or options
Think quickly and
creatively. Think in terms of opposites, even
contradictions.
Brainstorm your way out-of-the-box!
- For each radical O, 1 -
3, enter up to three middle "O's" or options.
- Prioritize the M-O's
after printing to consider the best solutions.
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Situation example 1:
My elderly grandmother can’t get to the phone in
emergencies.
Opposite mode:
Move her out of her house to assistive living.
One option mode:
get a wireless device for her to wear that
calls.
Situation example 2:
I talk too much
Opposite mode:
I will be silent.
One option mode: I will practice
active
listening.
Situation example 3:
I am disorganized.
Opposite mode:
I will do nothing.
One option mode:
I will create and prioritize a “to-do
list” for a few items and ignore the rest.
Flash exercise contributed by
Joe Landsberger
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