Divergent vs. Convergent Thinking
We are going to take a look at many different techniques scientists and innovative thinkers have found to help them develop their creative thinking ability.
Some techniques work much better for some than for others.
We are going to start with Divergent versus Convergent Thinking. This is the yin / yang of looking at solving a problem. Divergent Thinking or question asking is open ended and asks the question “What don’t we know?” Where Convergent Thinking makes the statement “This is what we know so far.”
Some examples of Divergent questioning would be; ”What might success look like?” or “What criteria can we use to measure that success?”
Examples of Convergent are; ”Here’s the best idea we have so far.” and “These are the best criteria to accurately evaluate success.”
It is important to look at your starting point (and steps along the way, in these two different perspectives. You never know which one will yield the best insights. It’s fast and easy, so start here.
“The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket.”
-Will Rogers
Lon Safko
Serial Innovator, Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Innovative Thinking
Tags: innovative thinking, creative, creative thinking, Innovation, critical thinking definition, innovation definition, critical thinking skills, creative process