Introduction to Simplex Concepts

1. Introduction to Simplex Concepts

2. …as solving one problem also leads to new challenges and opportunities

3. Process Roles Content Roles

4. Yes Judgment • Yes Logic • Clarify meanings • Use relevant criteria • Focus on a few • Consider risky options • Modify and refine • Move toward action • No Judgment • No Logic • Relax • Quantity • Stream of options • Radical options • Think in pictures • Build onto fragments Deferral of Judgment Separate divergent and convergent thinking

5. Divergent and Convergent Skills are used in each Step This speeds up “Good Thinking”

6. Killer Phrases Good idea, but… Not in the budget Be practical Leadership wont support it We’ve already tried it Let’s form a committee It’s too hard to track Has anyone else tried it? It’s too hard to administer We don’t have time It needs more study Against policy We’ve always done it this way

7. Divergent Thinking Guidelines • No evaluation or logic • Relax your brain • Don’t worry about being right, have fun • Quantity is King • Don’t interrupt yourself - stream your thoughts • Reach for radical, wild ideas • Think in pictures - use your five senses • Build, Build, Build

8. Converging Skills View differences in perception as constructive Explain exactly what the words mean to you Listen carefully to what others say about an option Build on points of agreement Give unusual options a good hearing Work towards full group participation Don’t let higher status/more vocal people swing the group

9. Questions?