Principle #1: Use Divergent Thinking To Stand Out

The famous quote “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them” and the ‘Think different” advertisement campaign launched by Apple in 1997 both dare us to take a different approach.

Before the wide adaptation of the internet, we just had to believe or rely on what our parents or more experienced colleagues knew to determine if something was “right” or “wrong”.

With all the information now widely available, there’s no excuse not to challenge or question if something is right or wrong.

By nature, we are curious and as children this is how we learn. We do and try things differently, we dare to think we can change the world…. This curiosity seems to somehow fade away the more we mature. Is it because reality kicks in? Or is it because we are told some things aren’t possible and we eventually start to doubt ourselves?

We’re not going to answer those questions today, but we owe it to ourselves to stimulate an environment where out-of-the-box thinking is supported and encouraged.

If we want to build products that change people’s lives for the better, and are not only innovative but also qualitative, then divergent thinking needs to be fostered. Not only in a professional environment, but also in our personal lives. It will make a difference when moving towards a life-goal.

At ARQS, we constantly encourage ourselves and the teams/organisations we coach, to create an environment where everyone can speak freely and people actively listen to new ideas and different ways to approach a given problem.

We create this environment, where the status quo gets thorn apart on a daily basis, not because it’s fun or because we want to be rebels. No, simply because it’s necessary to deliver qualitative and innovative products.

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