Many people approach “getting-it-done thinking” with excitement. We are going to make things happen. Action is close. Optimism is prevalent. Speculation abounds. Suggestions flow freely. Obstacles melt away. Value and benefits emerge. The challenge here is two-fold. Identify the actions to be taken, the value and benefits of those actions. Then, evaluate each action against what you are really trying to achieve.
STARTING POINT — Again, be certain you have selected your thinking-focus. It could be the same focus you used with informational, emotional, and cautionary thinking. However, because you are learning how to think and how to CHANGE your thinking, you are free to choose another focus.
To help you get things done, I am going to share the bi-directional process I use. I refer to it as G<=>B<=>A. G = generating ideas. B = building-out the ideas. A = assessment of proposed ideas.
GENERATING IDEAS — With my thinking-focus clearly in my brain, I begin with G. I start by envisioning an umbrella with my idea sitting squarely on the top where the spokes all come together. I know each spoke can take me in a different direction. Therefore, I am free to add as many spokes as I want. Each idea focuses on the HOW of my thinking. HOW will I accomplish what I desire in the future? What are the possibilities? What will happen in the future? What long-shot possibilities can I accomplish? What proposals need to be in place?
To track each idea, I work with a simple graphics software (Inspiration). I put my thinking-focus in the center of a screen. Generally, I use a circle to identify this center. From this center, I draw a series of spokes that surround the circle. At the end of each spoke, I put a second symbol. For me, rectangles work best at this level. In each rectangle I write a different idea for how I believe I can get the project done.
At this point, I am concerned only with getting the ideas down — getting as many rectangles as I possibly can. I do not eliminate any idea. I do not question any idea’s worth. I do not explain any idea.
BUILDING-OUT IDEAS — As I work with idea generation, what starts to happen is that I begin to see relationships between and among the rectangles. I start to see sequences of what should occur when in the entire scheme. I now cluster related ideas. The Inspiration software allows me to re-arrange information quickly and precisely. If ideas are part of another idea, I change the shape of the sub-ordinate idea to something other than a rectangle. If the subordinate is a sequence I switch to series of numbered boxes. I continue to work on this build-out until I feel that I have a cohesive picture. In the end, my main ideas are truly the spokes.
I know that the building-out does not stop at the end of the spoke. The subordinate ideas are much like the fringe on an umbrella. If my thinking exceeds the fringe, I then think of the idea moving like a drop of water falling from the fringe. As a drop leaves the umbrella spoke, it takes a new shape. The drop becomes an extension of the spoke even as the drop hurdles toward the ground. If you could see the drop in stop-motion, you could see how its shape changes until it hits the ground. Here it joins other drops to form puddles. Each position of the drop of water represents a new shape of some part of the “getting it done” thinking.
ASSESSMENT — When a map of getting-things-done emerges, I shift to exploring each idea for its value and benefit regardless of its position in my spoke-diagram. What contribution does each piece make toward accomplishing what I want to get done? How can I express that value so that others understand the benefit of the idea? How can I explain the changes that either will be required or will emerge as I move forward? How can I improve any part of the build-out? How can I strengthen any of the original ideas?
INVOKING THE BI-DIRECTIONAL THINKING — At any point in the process of “getting things done,” I can move backwards. As I build-out ideas, new ideas may occur to me. I add them to the diagram. As I assess built-out ideas, I may go back to the generation phase. I want to stay with this thinking until I feel that my brain is empty of possibilities. When I have completed my thinking, I join with others who have been asked to do similar “getting it done” thinking with the same thinking-focus. As we compare our thinking and merge our diagrams, we strengthen the umbrella. We will get it done.
IN THE END — De Bono refers to “getting it done” thinking as sunshine thinking. It is positive. It is constructive. It allows hopes and dreams to surface. It encourages speculation. It looks to effectiveness. To this kind of thinking, de Bono assigns Yellow Hat status. As the Yellow Hat sits more and more comfortably on your head, share your learning and understanding with others. Also, allow yourself to merge your Black Hat thinking with your Yellow Hat thinking. This merging reveals any omissions in your thinking. Then, watch to see how much you really achieve. You will get it done. You will make things happen.
Virginia L. McBride, The Haven Maven Founder, EPROW Images Creator, “IT’S ALL ABOUT THE THINKING” Virginia builds personalized “thinking environments” to strengthen innovative thought. Working with EPROW Images, clients create detailed getting-it-done maps. These maps guide the achieving. Things happen. To qualify for a free 30-minute consultation, submit a “pitch” through EPROW’s PAPPY program => http://www.eprowimages.com
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