New Point of View

2.  Using the list of random, unrelated occupations at the bottom of this article, ask how any specific occupation might solve your problem from a new point-of-view?

• A politician uses public polls to turn to in an issue or crisis
• A chef uses a clock timer
• A lifeguard uses flags
• An orchestra conductor uses a baton
• A policeman uses a speed camera.

3.  Bend or adapt any of the occupation’s items to your problem.

• Public polls could become reviewing ongoing customer service calls or feedback to see if there’s any problems arising
• The clock timer could be translated to monthly reviews among sales staff to check if any new problems are arising among existing or potential customers
• And so on …

Another variation is to focus on one specific occupation. Here’s the same Point-of-View exercise using a farmer.

1.  What early warning or preventative devices would a farmer use?

• A veterinarian to prevent potential disease in the animals
• A cattle dog to signal of wild animals
• A weather vane to show sudden changes in the weather
• A scarecrow in the fields to scare off crows
• A broad-brimmed hat to protect the head from a strong sun.

2.  Next, transfer the metaphor to the original problem or opportunity.

• Using Vet/Doctor:  Can we appoint an expert outside the organization to help, or assign people inside the organization to become our experts?
• Using Animals:  Can we create a mascot for the “early-warning campaign,” such as a St. Bernard?
• Playing with the idea of weather vanes, our client loved the idea of using the vane icon – especially the direction initials which spell out ‘NEWS’ – to create a special email newsletter to educate its customers about examples and suggestions on how to engage the head office for support during issues or crises management.

A few final suggestions.

Don’t get stuck on a specific occupation. If it doesn’t stimulate idea, or is no longer useful, quickly move on to another, and another.

Adapt and add to the occupations list with others which may be more relevant – or irrelevant – than the list below.

Re-create the list of occupations into a list of famous people, whether they are historical, fictional, current, or even celebrities.

If you have access to toys, you can combine New Point of View into a bigger excursion. Using my 2,000-piece LEGO Serious Play set, I had brainstormers choose a mini LEGO person and build out any occupation they like, or if they feel particularly creative, to create a mini-landscape for their people/occupations. After 10-15 minutes, we put all of the completed “toys” in the centre, and brainstormed ideas to fit the business problem or situation.