Technique 2: Reverse Thinking

Click here to view a video that explains how to do reverse brainstorming to generate ideas.

The format of reverse thinking is to ask “What If” questions. Asking “What If” questions require you to break the cardinal rule of “Never assume anything.” Suspend reality for a specified time period and assume freely. Making assumptions allows you to realign relationships and consider new options. The wilder questions and assumptions are, the better. Why? Because when you allow yourself to concoct wild possibilities, you give your imagination the freedom it needs to develop kernels of substance that you may be able to adapt into viable and effective solutions.

Here’s an example: Several years ago, a trade association was grappling with the problem of gaining the attention of legislators. Using reverse thinking, the group considered ideas by asking itself "what if” questions: What if they sneaked into the legislature, hidden inside a Trojan horse? What if they kidnapped members of the legislature and spirited them away to an isolated locale, so they could have their undivided attention?

These crazy ideas obviously couldn’t be implemented, but these were kernels of possibility within them: to do something that would be attention getting, in short, to create a media “splash”. The group worked further on this idea and came up with such a creative and effective media program, that they found themselves “splashed” on the front page of the Wall Street Journal soon afterward. Had they not considered the crazy “What If” possibilities, such a media campaign might never have occurred?

Using Reverse Thinking to Map Your Vision: You might be surprised by some of the innovative solutions that come from “What If” questioning. And when you’re mapping out a vision for your organisation or yourself this technique can be extremely powerful. You might start by drawing a picture of how you see your business I the future – three, five or ten years for now. Be as detailed as possible. Include all facets of your life, organisation, people, products, customers. Your picture can be symbolic or realistic, colorful or monotone. When it’s complete, hold it up and look at it intently. What elements within the picture surprise you? What new relationships are suggested? New products or services? Take these new thoughts and create “What If” questions out of them. What if your organisation was to become the largest market shareholder in Central Africa three years from now? What if your current cash cow was to be overtaken by you other products and services? What if your current customer base were to shrink by 20% over the next five years?

These powerful questions can lead you to a whole new realm of possibilities and provide solid goals for you to work toward. Combine these goals with the power of technology and your business can be a major player!