Solve Problems with Convergent and Divergent Thinking

In our excellent Problem Solving and Decision-Making course, we help you learn to be more effective and productive in dealing with the problems you and your organisation may face. When you are looking for a solution to a problem, especially when you are trying to find innovative solutions, the chances are you’ll try one of two cognitive approaches. You can solve problems with convergent or divergent thinking. These two methods, when used appropriately, can be used to solve just about any problem that you face, but what are they?

The terms convergent and divergent thinking were created by psychologist J.P. Guilford in 1956. Here are the main differences between convergent and divergent thinking:

  • Convergent thinking produces a single effective solution while
  • Divergent thinking produces multiple creative solutions.

The two methods often go hand in hand. Here is some more information about both and how you can use them.

Convergent thinking

Convergent thinking is linear and systematic; it narrows down multiple ideas into a single solution and tends to be more focused and analytical. It considers “what is best” and “why?”

Divergent thinking

When you think about the phrase “brainstorming”, that is an example of divergent thinking. It is about generating multiple ideas, seeing obstacles as opportunities, and thinking a bit like a hacker. For example, using materials in original ways. This type of thinking is far more flexible and iterative so as to generate more ideas. It is more open-ended and those using it are encouraged to take more creative risks – even if some may not work! Divergent thinking asks, “Why the heck not?”

An example of convergent and divergent thinking

If you wanted to plan a great team event to celebrate your organisation’s latest success, you could ask staff to put on their “Divergent thinking caps”. They then suggest as many ideas as possible, however crazy! Ed Sheeran to provide the entertainment? Have the event on one of Elon Musk’s yachts? Why not!? …well, we then need to be realistic, so staff could then slip on their “Convergent thinking caps”. After all, those ideas are great, but how much would all of that cost? Could you really persuade Mr. Sheeran to play at your office party? Probably not…but what ideas remain? They could still be fantastic.

How to use convergent and divergent thinking effectively
  • Mind maps are the best way to use divergent thinking on paper, where ideas branch off each other into different directions. There doesn’t have to be too much logic when thinking in this way, as you are trying to see whatever is possible – not limiting your thoughts and ideas.
  • Convergent thinking requires looking at issues, potential problems, and ideas in a more considered, realistic and logical way. By narrowing down ideas from those that would never work, you can find the ideas that absolutely will.
 Conclusion

The two methods may sound opposite, yet they often go hand in hand. Often, teams will use divergent thinking to think of lots of ideas, then use convergent thinking to analyse and narrow down those ideas. Later, they will use divergent thinking again to come up with fresh perspectives in an ongoing cycle. So, both are necessary, and a great way to assist when you solve problems with Convergent and Divergent Thinking.

The Benefits of being Organised

The Benefits of being Organised

“Organising is a journey, not a destination.”Anonymous

Ask ten different people what Organisational Skills they would like help with, and you will get ten different answers. Also, factor in the range of different Companies, Roles, Tasks, and work patterns of those we work with, and the fact that nothing ever seems to stay the same. That’s why we sometimes get caught out despite our best intentions to do better and our increased efforts by working harder. In this article, we look at the benefits of being organised.

Who needs Organisational Skills ?

At times, we all need to learn to work smarter, whether it is on one particular aspect, such as Prioritising tasks, dealing with Procrastination or dealing with others so that you don’t get Interrupted. People who are inexperienced or newly promoted to a role with different needs and expectations definitely need sharp organisational skills.

“A good worker is only as good as their Tools”

It is comforting to know that there are a wide range of Tools & Techniques to suit different workplaces. One trick to achieving success is to make sure that you have the right Tools in your Toolbox and know when (and how) to use them. Being more efficient means that you have the skills to pro-actively manage your Workload. This helps you to adapt to the Task or deal with issues assertively.

It’s amazing how many tasks we do the same old way regardless of the necessity to do so. Often, outdated processes get compounded by newer ones, without the out-of-date redundant parts ever removed. This leads to Task Bloating.

What are the benefits of being organised?

With Organisational Skills comes the confidence to deal with new Tasks and environments. This means that you are more productive and the work you do is of a higher quality. Also, you no longer find that you are avoiding or procrastinating over certain Tasks!

Organisation is not just about tidying away at the end of the day. it is also about communicating effectively in order to work effectively with others.

Quite often, the thing that holds people back is lack of confidence or clarity in what to do.

In this case, the way forward is to attend a course in the safe hands of an experienced Trainer where you can share experiences with others. The other benefit is that people often find that they gain confidence in knowing which areas of their Organising they are good at. Often, they also discover that others share the same issues!

At home, it’s okay to be disorganised at times, and not have everything in its place.  The workplace is different, however, because of its collaborative nature and the shared expectations. Learning Organisational Skills helps you define, set, and achieve goals both at Home and in the workplace.

Conclusion

In order to take Control of your life, you owe it to yourself to keep your Organisational Skills up to date. This profits everyone – yourself, family, friends, work colleagues and the Company employing you. How soon will you be ready to make those overdue changes? We hope that are now more convinced of the benefits of being organised.

At STL Training, we run both Organisational Skills and Time Management, plus a host of others, feel free to look up full details on our website.

Organisational Skills:  https://www.stl-training.co.uk/ps-organisation-skills.php

Time Management:  https://www.stl-training.co.uk/time-management-course-london.php

To check the quality of our courses, feel free to look at Trustpilot, an independent reviews site:  https://uk.trustpilot.com/