More Divergent Thinking from the creators of the world's best small business inventory system!
In our last post we began discussing divergent thinking and the ways that it can help your business. Today, we are going to continue that discussion. As we mentioned previously, thinking divergently can be a real challenge. We’ve spent years of our lives being taught to be convergent thinkers, to find the best-fit solution and move on to the next problem. Breaking a habit that has been so studiously learned is not an easy task. Charles Seybold, Chief Product Officer for project management company LiquidPlanner, suggests that we approach it like dessert to the conversation. It’s okay to start the discussion with the tried and true approaches to solving the problem, but after you have those conventional ideas down on paper take a few moments to continue brainstorming and really allow yourself to move beyond your comfort zone in terms of thinking. If you need a kickstart, then try doing things differently that have little risk but considerable reward if you succeed. Our small business inventory system is free (little risk) and will save you time and money (much reward). Try it free - now and always!
The first thing you need for this approach to work is time. You need the luxury of being able to postpone making a decision until you’ve not only brainstormed multiple solutions but had the time to review and consider the feasibility of each. If you’re in crisis mode that’s just not going to happen. If you’ve taken our advice on process mapping you may be looking at non-critical trouble spots and have the advantage of being able to address them in a more leisurely manner.
The next crucial element required for this plan to work is the ability to think creatively. We are so conditioned to reach the convergent solution that it oftens stands as a roadblock to our other ideas. They may be right there waiting on the other side but they just can’t get through the blockade of our conviction that time-tested solution x will get the job done. We need to make a conscious effort to open our minds and expand our thinking. Surround yourself with creative, freethinkers whenever possible. Seek out writings and videos from trailblazers, not just within your industry but outside as well. Branching out may just lead to the most divergent “right path” you could ever hope to find. Stepping outside your comfort zone and allowing your creativity to flow are key here.
Remember to listen without judgement. We have been trained to sort out the impossible solutions quickly and move on to the most likely winners. To truly think divergently we need to not eliminate possibilities too quickly. Only when an idea has been thoroughly considered should we cross it off the list and move on. No idea should be considered too crazy when it is first floated. Everything should be a possibility until proven unworkable.
Your next great idea is out there. You just need to put in the time and the effort to bring it to light. If you need some help freeing up your time so that you can focus on divergent thinking, try Stockpile for your inventory management needs. With that chore off your plate you will have more time to let your creativity flow. Try Stockpile, the world's best small business inventory system, today and see what a difference we can make in your company!
