Reverse brainstorming helps you solve problems by combining brainstorming and reversal techniques. By combining these, you can extend your use of brainstorming to draw out even more creative ideas.
To use this technique, you start with one of two "reverse" questions:
Instead of asking, "How do I solve or prevent this problem?" ask, "How could I possibly cause the problem?"
Instead of asking "How do I achieve these results?" ask, "How could I possibly achieve the opposite effect?"
Reverse brain-storming is a good technique to try when it is difficult to identify solutions to the problem directly.
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A mother of a 13 year old gifted him an iPhone on Christmas, however she laid out the code of conduct too for the use of the iPhone. The mother, Janell Burley Hofmann, wrote the 18-point code of conduct, which has gone viral on the net and is resonating the thoughts of many like minded parents, includes some very sensible points like the ones below -
- It does not go to school with you. Have a conversation with the people you text in person. It's a life skill.
- Do not text, email, or say anything through this device you would not say in person.
- Keep your eyes up. See the world happening around you. Stare out a window. Listen to the birds. Take a walk. Talk to a stranger. Wonder without googling.
Hats off to the mother for putting very thoughtful clauses and with utmost respect to her son's feelings and also giving some valuable advice along the way.
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Chuan and Jing joined a wholesale company together just after graduation. Both worked very hard.
After several years, the boss promoted Jing to sales executive but Chuan remained a sales rep.
One day Chuan could not take it anymore, tender resignation to the boss and complained the boss did not value hard working staff, but only promoted those who flattered him.
The boss knew that Chuan worked very hard for the years, but in order to help Chuan realize the difference between him and Jing, the boss asked Chuan to do the following. Go and find out anyone selling water melon in the market? Chuan returned and said yes. The boss asked how much per kg? Chuan went back to the market to ask and returned to inform boss the $12 per kg.
Boss told Chuan, I will ask Jing the same question? Jing went, returned and said, boss, only one person selling water melon. $12 per kg, $100 for 10 kg, he has inventory of 340 melons. On the table 58 melons, every melon weighs about 15 kg, bought from the South two days ago, they are fresh and red, good quality.
Chuan was very impressed and realized the difference between himself and Jing. He decided not to resign but to learn from Jing.
Moral: A more successful person is more observant, think more and understand in depth. For the same matter, a more successful person sees several years ahead, while you see only tomorrow. The difference between a year and a day is 365 times so that makes it difficult to win. As far as we see ahead in life, as thoughtful in depth we are.
