We often get used to doing things a certain way, because it’s fast or convenient or “it’s always been like this.” Even when we hit a problem, we still apply old assumptions or structures.
However, the old way isn’t always the best way—and through divergent thinking, you can generate fresh ideas and solutions, and achieve innovation.
What is divergent thinking?
Divergent thinking believes that there many ways of approaching a problem. You take different perspectives, and let go of biases and assumptions. You explore all possibilities, even those which seem counter-intuitive.
Since divergent thinking is open-minded, the process of problem-solving is more spontaneous and expansive. You don’t shoot down ideas, or try to control the flow of the discussion. Instead, you believe that there are many equally valid solutions and try to be as holistic as possible.
The opposite of divergent thinking is convergent thinking. It uses logic and efficiency to arrive at the fastest solution. Discussions go straight to the point, and will even rule out questions or ideas that are considered off-strategy or off-tangent.
What is brainstorming?
Brainstorming is a tool for divergent thinking. It gathers several people to think about a single problem or question, and then freely share their ideas. This can happen through a formal session such as a meeting, or in casual settings when co-workers bounce off ideas with each other.
Brainstorming is very effective way to get people to break out of their “mental box” and take a divergent approach.
- It brings together people with different backgrounds. These people may give you new information, insights or perspectives. The more heterogenous the group is—different cultures, work experiences, personalities, etc—the richer the brainstorming session will be.
- It gives a creative energy. Talking to others can help you become more excited, curious, and engaged.
- It helps you articulate and analyze your ideas. The process of explaining your ideas to others can actually develop your idea and make it more concrete.
- It can stimulate ideas. When someone shares an idea, other people may build on it or offer a different perspective. It may also trigger a question, memory, or insight. So, each new idea can generate even more ideas, or add a deeper dimension to the discussion.
- It can raise helpful questions. Divergent thinking is driven by curiosity and a broad, open-minded perspective. A brainstorming session may generate more questions than answers, but those questions may be the “breakthrough” that people need in order to see a problem in a different light.
How can I make brainstorming sessions more divergent?
Brainstorming sessions should encourage people to share ideas, but there are many situations where someone monopolizes the discussion or dismisses other people’s ideas. Some people may also feel too shy or intimidated to speak up, or simply stop listening because they are bored or not intellectually or emotionally engaged.
So, in order to encourage divergent thinking in brainstorming—and not simply hold a meeting for meeting’s sake—you need to create an environment where people feel free to share ideas.
- Accept all ideas. Make it clear at the beginning of the session that all ideas are welcome, and no one is allowed to interrupt someone, or criticize or object to an idea.
- Acknowledge and record ideas. Write down ideas on a whiteboard as the discussion flows, so people feel that their ideas have been recognized.
- Develop and build on what others say. When someone shares an idea, respond by thanking them or pointing out 1 or 2 great things about it that you or other people can build on. This creates a collaborative atmosphere, and prevents the brainstorming session from becoming a competition.
- Make sure everyone has a chance to speak. Pay attention to the group dynamics. If someone has not spoken up, or looks like he or she feels left out, ask them what they think. If they don’t know where to start, you can ask a specific question, like “Did you encounter this problem in your department?” or “How did you solve this problem before?”
- Try breakout sessions. It may be difficult to engage or give equal speaking opportunities to a large group. So, consider dividing them into smaller groups. It’s better to assign them so you can make sure that the group is heterogenous. If they pick their members, they will naturally go to people they already know and may have similar biases or perspectives.
What are other tools of divergent thinking?
Brainstorming is just one way to encourage a broader, more dynamic way of thinking. You can use other tools and techniques to train your mind to think out of the box and see things from different points of view.
- Idea journal. Keep a notebook (for writing down ideas, inspiration, or even interesting moments or conversations. Don’t worry if the ideas are unclear and you’re not sure where it’s going—let it percolate in your mind. Later on, things may just “click.”
- Mind mapping. Mind mapping is a visual tool that shows the relationship of one idea to another. Here, you write down one concept and then develop clusters of related ideas around it. It is useful for getting the brain to look at different aspects of an idea, and breaking down an idea into smaller components.
- Freewriting. For freewriting, you set a timer and then commit to writing down everything that comes to your mind. You don’t edit yourself or try to put structure or logic into your words. Instead, you are recording the “rambling in your mind” for a specific period of time. This is a useful tool when you have many ideas but need to sort them out or think them through.
Idea journal, mind mapping and free writing can be done in conjunction with brainstorming. You can use mind mapping to organize the ideas from the brain storming session. Or, you ask participants to do an idea journal or freewriting to generate ideas before going to the session, so they’ve already had time to think about the problem or issue.
Become a divergent thinker
Divergent thinking can help develop your creativity and intuition, and give you fresh approaches to a problem. You can use it in the workplace or other formal structures, or apply it in your own life to help you achieve self-awareness or a personal breakthrough in an area where you want to grow.
References
https://faculty.washington.edu/ezent/imdt.htm
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/brainstorming_is_divergent_thinking
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/thinking-divergently
