Along socialization, education and experience, our brains are trained to think in a certain way. We create our own mental schemes, which help us deal with information, external stimulus and routine problems. This schemes allow us to respond really fast in daily situations (social and professional). Almost automatically we access our knowledge and past experience to deal with present challenges. And that’s genius! Our responses are fast and easily we move forward.
However, there’s also a downside to it. In order to respond fast and efficiently our ideas are constantly filtered by those mental schemes. Only realistic, practical and riskless ideas reach our acceptance and have a chance to be implemented. Therefore, even when a new innovative solution is needed, we struggle with our minds to see beyond the obvious ideas and already tested solutions.
But, what would happen if we got out of our “mental scheme box”?
See this example from a small electric utility company located in a mountainous region of the Pacific Northwest [1]:
This electric utility company struggled every year with ice storms that covered the power lines. The ice that stood in the power lines frequently cut off the power turning the situation into a nightmare for costumers and the company. Solution was for linemen to go up the poles and shake the wires. However, and as you probably imagine, this was a really dangerous job for these men. New solution was needed!
To try and find a new solution, a consultant came to the company and brought together a diverse group of employees for a brainstorming meeting. However, after several hours of brainstorming, nothing useful had pop up. But then something happened! Following a comment about the existence of bears in that area, a participant wondered if they could train the bears to climb the poles cause with their weight they would shake the wires. Well… probably you are thinking (as almost everyone in that room thought): “What a stupid idea”! Maybe, maybe, but what if I told you this was THE idea that somehow turned into an awesome solution? Let’s continue! Once the group stopped laughing, another participant took the previous idea and added that maybe they could attract the bears by putting honey pots on the top of each pole as a reward. The group continued to develop this idea, some more enthusiastic than others. During the discussion some tension arose between the participants who wanted to pursue this bear-and-honey-pot idea and those who wanted to move on to more practical ideas. At some point a lineman recommended they could use the company’s helicopter to put honey pots on the top of the poles.
Another participant who was a former nurse’s aide in Vietnam remembered how when helicopters brought wounded soldiers they had a tremendous down wash. So she asked the group: “Would helicopter down wash be strong enough to knock off the ice?” That’s exactly it! The awesome solution the company needed!
From training bears... to using helicopters. How far was the way? Not far really. You just need two secret ingredients for this transformation to occur: divergent thinking and convergent thinking!
1st Step - Divergent Thinking:
When looking for new and creative solutions, you shouldn't filter your ideas. Let them all come out. Verbalize all ideas or write them in a paper, even if you know for sure they won't work. They may not be the right solution (yet), however they could be an inspiration for other ideas. Accept your ideas (and others' ideas). Do not restrain your mind with reality (reality check will happen later). Be spontaneous!
The aim is to find a great number of ideas. To do so, you should: avoid judgement, elaborate from others’ ideas and value original and surprising ideas.
2nd Step - Convergent Thinking:
When a certain number of ideas are already found, it’s time to evaluate them and turn them into solutions. In this step you will have the opportunity to judge all ideas and choose those who are most promising. Attention! Judge positively and be open to novelty. Select ideas using clear criterias. Also, you have the opportunity to enhance ideas you think could be improved. Keep an open mind!
The combination of these two types of thinking allow us to get out of our mental schemes and reach new and creative solutions. Remember:
- Take time to create ideas. First ideas that come into mind are always filtered. You have to force your brain to get out his comfort zone and start thinking in new creative ideas. Even the crazy stupid ideas will help your brain make new connections and go beyond old recipes. No idea is bad idea;
- When you have a great number of ideas, then start evaluating them. Judge positively and seek for novelty and creativity. Draw a plan to make the idea work (define actions to be done, people who can help you, resources you will need).
[1] Source: adapted from Osland, J. S., Rubin, I.M., Kolb, D. A., & Turner, M. E. (2007). Organizational behavior: An experimental approach (pp. 312-336). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson
- When you have a great number of ideas, then start evaluating them. Judge positively and seek for novelty and creativity. Draw a plan to make the idea work (define actions to be done, people who can help you, resources you will need).
[1] Source: adapted from Osland, J. S., Rubin, I.M., Kolb, D. A., & Turner, M. E. (2007). Organizational behavior: An experimental approach (pp. 312-336). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson
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