The Explainer: Solving Problems by Opening with the Worst Idea Imaginable

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0:58Think of a challenge you're facing at work. Now what is the worst possible solution you can dream up? Really, what is a truly terrible way to address this? What could get you laughed at or even fired? Got a bad idea? Good. This might just be the best idea you've ever had. According to designer and author Ayesha Bissell, her concept of wrong thinking on purpose may seem counterintuitive, but it's a useful tool in the challenge to solve problems in new ways. Here's a central example how Bissell pivots a dreadful idea into a brilliant one. Switch jobs with, say, a junior staffer or intern. It may sound silly, but this humbling as-if scenario can put you into an inquisitive beginner's mindset and give you newfound permission to ask, listen, and learn things that an expert would assume they already knew.

1:52Likewise, while you're playing the role of novice, your junior employees are trying your job on for size. They are now empowered with fresh agency to search, experiment, and possibly discover new directions altogether without the expected hierarchy blocking the way. How about this horrible notion? Spread rumors about your colleagues. If you flip the idea on its head to spreading good rumors instead of negative gossip, it could be an inspiring way to collectively celebrate their strengths. Maybe try failing, intentionally, and repeatedly. Sounds like a nightmare until you pivot it to a deliberate mistake lab dedicated to celebrating and learning from failure.

2:38Not only could this be a great tool to get over your fear of failure, but it can reinforce that we learn constantly by turning bad ideas into great ones. Banning technology at work sounds counterproductive and pretty impossible, but having a no technology day once in a while could remind everyone of the importance of face-to-face conversations, walking meetings, even meditation without interruptions from email and social media. Go ahead. Give yourself permission to have an awful idea. The very best one might just emerge along the way.

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