The first is called PMI: Plus, Minus, Interesting.

He recommends first listing all the positive aspects of the topic; usually for a set time period. Then listing all the minuses. Then, all the interesting points, without a judgment as to positive or negative.

I think the difference is in the method. Our tendency would be to think about a topic, and when an idea pops into our heads, to “categorize” it as either positive or negative. De Bono suggests the discipline of focusing on one aspect at a time, such as “positive”, then scanning everything in that direction.

The other tool is called Six Thinking Hats. Where each hat type (color) represents a different thinking style. So for example, you might “put on” the white hat to think of the objective facts of a topic. Then the black hat to do some critical (logical negative) thinking. Then the yellow hat to think in terms of the logical positive, or optimistic aspects.

I have a couple of mind maps of these, if I knew how to upload them.

Jim

I think this map format would also work well by breaking down the negative side into a critical and creative sub form as well, thus giving you the visual of what negatives are critical and what negatives may be a creativity issue, because sometimes negative aspects are not critical rather, creative negatives perhaps not enough brainstorming has been initiated or you need outside support to make the negative that you’ve listed that it’s not critical rather creative, thus there’s always room to decipher that information.

In the end, if you lay it out on the table and get a visual view, you can break out of those negative habits.
Great post.

A brainstorming technique called Synectics uses “I wish…” and “How to…” statements to circumvent opposition to new ideas. So if a proposed idea is rejected as too expensive to implement, then rephrase the concern as “I wish this could be done cheaply” or “How to make this affordable to everyone.” These restatements help lead to true innovations. As John Prince (son of Synectics founder) once told me: “It’s easier to make a dangerous idea practical than to make a practical idea different.”

Here’s a good overview of the Synectics brainstorming technique:
http://creatingminds.org/articles/synectics.htm

I also wrote about this very topic — overcoming negative bias toward new ideas — as it relates to presenting new candidate brand names to clients (which is what I do — I name things).

The three techniques I suggest:
- Repetition: Repeat a name out loud at least 3 times so it begins to feel familiar;
- Analogy: Show how analogous existing brand names (in meaning or style) have already been used successfully by other companies;
- Context: Present names in a credible, real-world context (like a package or business card) so it feels less speculative and abstract.

If you’re interested in reading more about this — including the vexing “Zajonc Effect” — here’s the link to my article “Instinct As Enemy: How to Sell-in the New and Unfamiliar.”
http://operativewords.blogspot.com/2009/06/instinct-as-enemy-how-to-sell-in-new.html

Thanks for your post.

- Anth