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Divergent & Convergent Thinking
Two modes of thinking: widening the options, then narrowing them with clear reasons.
What is Divergent & Convergent Thinking?
Two modes of thinking: widening the options, then narrowing them with clear reasons.
What you learn
Widen your options first, then narrow them. Don’t do both at once.
When it helps
a group adds and rejects ideas at the same time, or chooses before exploring.
Use it at work
- Say which mode you’re in: widening or narrowing.
- When widening, collect ideas without judging them.
- When narrowing, choose using criteria agreed in advance.
- Switch modes on purpose, and say so.
Your output
In your next session, say which mode you’re in: “Now we widen” or “Now we narrow”. Keep them separate.
Watch for
Judging ideas while generating them.
Related practices
Sources
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