Jacob Ahmadzai – Page 19 – STL

In our excellent Problem Solving and Decision-Making course, we help you learn to be more effective and productive in dealing with the problems you and your organisation may face. When you are looking for a solution to a problem, especially when you are trying to find innovative solutions, the chances are you’ll try one of two cognitive approaches. You can solve problems with convergent or divergent thinking. These two methods, when used appropriately, can be used to solve just about any problem that you face, but what are they?

The terms convergent and divergent thinking were created by psychologist J.P. Guilford in 1956. Here are the main differences between convergent and divergent thinking:

Convergent thinking produces a single effective solution while
Divergent thinking produces multiple creative solutions.

The two methods often go hand in hand. Here is some more information about both and how you can use them.

Convergent thinking

Convergent thinking is linear and systematic; it narrows down multiple ideas into a single solution and tends to be more focused and analytical. It considers “what is best” and “why?”

Divergent thinking

When you think about the phrase “brainstorming”, that is an example of divergent thinking. It is about generating multiple ideas, seeing obstacles as opportunities, and thinking a bit like a hacker. For example, using materials in original ways. This type of thinking is far more flexible and iterative so as to generate more ideas. It is more open-ended and those using it are encouraged to take more creative risks – even if some may not work! Divergent thinking asks, “Why the heck not?”

An example of convergent and divergent thinking

If you wanted to plan a great team event to celebrate your organisation’s latest success, you could ask staff to put on their “Divergent thinking caps”. They then suggest as many ideas as possible, however crazy! Ed Sheeran to provide the entertainment? Have the event on one of Elon Musk’s yachts? Why not!? …well, we then need to be realistic, so staff could then slip on their “Convergent thinking caps”. After all, those ideas are great, but how much would all of that cost? Could you really persuade Mr. Sheeran to play at your office party? Probably not…but what ideas remain? They could still be fantastic.

How to use convergent and divergent thinking effectively

Mind maps are the best way to use divergent thinking on paper, where ideas branch off each other into different directions. There doesn’t have to be too much logic when thinking in this way, as you are trying to see whatever is possible – not limiting your thoughts and ideas.
Convergent thinking requires looking at issues, potential problems, and ideas in a more considered, realistic and logical way. By narrowing down ideas from those that would never work, you can find the ideas that absolutely will.

Conclusion

The two methods may sound opposite, yet they often go hand in hand. Often, teams will use divergent thinking to think of lots of ideas, then use convergent thinking to analyse and narrow down those ideas. Later, they will use divergent thinking again to come up with fresh perspectives in an ongoing cycle. So, both are necessary, and a great way to assist when you solve problems with Convergent and Divergent Thinking.

If you want to be an effective team player, leader, or manager, you need to be able to influence people. Your role title certainly won’t be enough to expect people to do as you’d like them to. You need to take other measures to get your colleagues to support your ideas. This article highlights the Six Principles of Influence.

It can be difficult to increase your influence in the workplace. This is because our colleagues are often preoccupied by their own work and the sheer overload of information in today’s world. Yet the increasing pressure on businesses to be efficient, productive, and profitable makes it more important that you have the ability to influence and get things done.

We are influencing others consciously and subconsciously all the time. When we are influencing, we are trying to make changes in behaviour, opinions, attitudes, goals, needs, or even values. There is no right way, nor is there only one way to influence others. It is important we understand a range of techniques and strategies. We should adapt our approach to the other person or group appropriately. This takes a combination of interpersonal communication, presentation, and assertiveness techniques. These are covered on our great Influencing Skills course. Let’s look at one theory you can employ:

The science of persuasion

Robert Cialdini’s book “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” explores factors that affect the decisions that people make. They are the following and here is how you can use them to influence others:

Reciprocity – You feel obliged to give when you receive. So, help others out. Once you’ve helped someone, they’ll be more likely to return the favour when you need it.
Scarcity – People want more of the things there are less of. If customers believe a product will soon disappear or has a limited offer, they will want it more. For example, saying offers are available for a “limited time only” encourages sales. To use scarcity to your advantage, run a promotion for your product that is limited by time, or numbers.
Authority – People follow the lead of credible, knowledgeable experts. Reference industry leaders or your largest customers to influence your authority. If who you want to influence, see that established, successful individuals or businesses use your product or service. They may be reassured that it’s a good investment.
Consistency – People like to be consistent with things they previously said or did. This means that if you can convince another to act in a minor way in relation to something, then they’ll think of themselves as that type of person and be more likely to act in that way again in the future. Introductory offers or product give-aways are an example. If you receive a free product, then you may start to identify yourself as someone who uses that product. Therefore, you will be more likely to act consistently with that identity in the future.
Liking – People prefer to say yes to those they like. So, be likeable, professional, courteous, trustworthy, willing to go the extra mile and follow up on your promises.
Social proof – People will look to others to determine their own actions. This is why adverts or social media “likes” from people we know will frequently influence us. You can use social proof in your sales process by referencing customer case studies. Why not share feedback from your customers?

Conclusion

Applying the Six Principles of Influence can help you get the results you or your organisation wants, and when you do, you’ll be more respected, appreciated and acknowledged in the workplace.

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