The Six Thinking Hats was developed by Edward deBono and is the cornerstone of his Parallel Thinking theory. It requires teams to think on one aspect of a topic individually, ensuring everyone participates. The benefits are reduced confrontation, improved synergies, and extreme efficiency. This tool is a much more effective alternative to traditional brainstorming.
Supercharged Design Thinking
There are two glaring weaknesses within design thinking, and especially IDEO’s Human Centered Design (HCD) – brainstorming and lack of a systematic methodology to evaluate and select ideas. Two ways to supercharge design thinking are with systematic ideation and systematic analysis and decision-making. Simple-to-learn and easy-to-use tools can transform design thinking output from the “so so” to the implementation of powerful solutions to the most difficult problems.
Science Fiction Prototyping
Systematic Inventive Thinking
Solving Problems - The 4i System of Creative Problem Solving
Creating Positive Environments
A large part of the Positive Revolution is setting an example for others, and helping others become Positive Revolutionists through self-improvement and support. In Kim Cameron’s excellent book, Positive Leadership: Strategies for Extraordinary Performance, the author outlines what is required to develop and implement Positive Leadership, create a Positive Climate, and most importantly build and nurture Positive Relationships.
Problem Solving Environment
When solving problems individually, you do not have to think about others and different perspectives. You can focus on the problem and how you will proceed along the root-cause analysis process. However, many of us solve problems with others or in a team. When solving problems in a group, it is important to create a positive and safe environment.
Start the Revolution, Now!
At the end of last year I decided instead of announcing another New Year’s resolution, I would focus on a long-term plan to help others. The idea was to become a catalyst for a Positive Revolution, based on Dr. Edward de Bono’s book, Handbook for the Positive Revolution. The idea was to share my skills and experience to help people make positive changes within themselves, their families, communities, and organizations. It is about making change and solving problems to change the world for the better. Even if it is only a tiny corner of the globe.
The Unprofessional Profession
How many business leaders spend hours every week improving their skills and finding new ways to create value? How many would rather spend their time at the bar or on the golf course rather than studying foundational principles to bring their business to the next level? How many decisions are based on guesses, rather than data and talking to customers? How much of day-to-day operations have not changed in the past five years? How many managers just wing it?
These are just some of the foundational issues within organizations. And the modern MBA courses do not help. MBA courses emphasize on finances and archaic tools and techniques that most people never use. You rarely learn about Deming, Imai, Drucker, Ries and Trout, as well as creative and critical thinking in the halls of academia. The skills for the real world, are missing.
