Ideation Techniques for Generating New Ideas (Part 3 of 3)

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In the book, THINKERTOYS, Michael Michalko, presents sets of techniques for generating ideas.

In this post, I’ll cover ideation techniques that help you change perspective so that you can gain new insights or breakthroughs.

Technique #1: Brutethink (Random stimulation)

Force a connection between two dissimilar concepts to create a new idea.

Produce ideas and insights by creating a relationship between your challenge and the words and thoughts of the world’s great thinkers.

Use a fantasy board of powerhouse business leaders and innovators who will assist you in overcoming your business challenges.

Generate ideas by forcing a connective link between common attributes and your challenge.

Use abstract symbols instead of words to generate ideas.

Increase the number and kind of people you talk to about your challenges to get ideas.

Here are my key take aways:

My favorite techniques from this set are Hall of Fame and Board of Directors. I really like the ideas of using reference examples such as your personal heroes in business and life. While they are a bit of work up front, I can see how they get easier over time. Imagine the personal cabinet of advisors you build over time to draw upon whenever you choose.
I think some of the concepts in Smart Questions: Learn to Ask the Right Questions for Powerful Results parallel the Clever Trevor technique.