Random . . . External Stimulus Technique

(Random Entry Points)

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Random starting points – A strategy of introducing something random as a starting point to elicit new and original thinking.

 

As I write this, I’m sitting on the back deck of a friend’s boat sailing north on Australia’s eastern coastline. I’m going to imagine one of my valid fears being realized …

Sink or swim

The boat hits a reef. The Captain is knocked out cold. There’s a hole in the hull about eight inches across letting in water at an incredible rate that is too much for the bilge pump to handle. We’re sinking. What do I do?

Dominant thinking leads us down the path of ‘use the lifeboat’. That is the proper course of action, but, as my fellow crew members lower the lifeboat into the water, I decide to employ a Random Starting Point to see if there is something ‘more’ I can do. I reach into my pocket, remove a coin, and toss the coin into the boat’s cabin. (Ha, ha, I really did this).

The coin landed on a discarded bedsheet left on the floor. How could a bedsheet generate original thinking that’s beneficial to our imagined circumstances?

  • The bedsheet could be used as a sail. Should we be rigging some sort of sail to help get us to shore? Have we packed oars or a working outboard motor to get us to shore?
  • Could the bedsheet be used for bandages? I should check that we’ve remembered to pack a first-aid kit.
  • Maybe I could use the bedsheet to cover the hole? That wouldn’t work, but maybe I block the hole using the sheet in combination with something else?

I imagined the boat sinking, felt the urgency, and worked through the RSP process calmly.

I went below to retrieve my coin and I saw pillows. Taking two pillows, I wrapped and twisted them very tightly in the bedsheet which resulted in a spiraled length of the sheet culminating in a bulbous head. I ‘imagined’ that I jumped into the water, fed the loose sheet through the hole, pushed the tightly wrapped pillows into the hole as best I could, then climbed aboard and pulled the spiraled sheet from inside until the water flow had abated sufficiently for the bilge pumps to handle the load. ‘IMAGINED!’

Is it the best solution? Possibly not. Probably not. (I actually have no idea).

You’ll note that much of the thinking generated has little to do with bedsheets. The RSP ‘bedsheet’ was simply a way to break free of dominant thinking to stimulate new and/or original combinations. RSPs can be as simple as a random word or number, the first thing you see, a random suggestion from someone … I’m sure you get the idea.

Lateral thinking doesn’t guarantee solutions or productive outcomes, but it does promise new and original combinations regularly and reliably. More than often, it will provide viable alternatives, and sometimes it delivers truly remarkable results.

‘Random Starting Points’ is a very small part of a much bigger picture. 

There are many ways to disrupt and many ways to generate creative thinking. The accomplished lateral thinker is a bit like a quality tradesman with a well-equipped toolbelt with the right tools for the job ready to use, and the knowledge to skillfully apply the right tool (or combination of tools) to any situation or need.

The most powerful lateral thinking teaching tool available anywhere is now available on AMAZON …

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Take a SNEAK PEEK inside

OK, YOU TRY THIS:

Generate a RANDOM STARTING POINT using a different (more urgent) method. For example, look around and use the first object or printed word you see.

Apply it to the problem of the sinking yacht and see what you come up with.

TAKEAWAY:

The lateral thinking tool, RSPs, breaks the shackles inhibiting your ability to see new and original combinations.

 – – –

Lateral thinking is a simple and fun lifestyle choice that reengages our imaginations to allow innovation and creativity to thrive. Everything you need to facilitate your journey can be found on this website. Some of the key pages I hope you will visit are:

And, for the ultimate understanding of the lateral thinking disruptive processes, consider purchasing my brand new book now available on AMAZON.

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Take a ‘sneak peek’ of what’s inside.

 

Proudly brought to you by MICHAEL MUXWORTHY

LATERAL THINKING AUTHOR

‘Turning the groupthink tide’