Welcome to generating creative options! Previously we learned to find root causes. Now we need creative solutions for those problems.
Most people stop at the first "obvious" solution and miss better alternatives hidden just beneath the surface.
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Think of a recent problem—what's one alternative you didn't try?
The human brain loves shortcuts. When facing problems, we quickly grab the first reasonable solution and run with it.
But the first idea is rarely the best idea. It's usually just the most familiar one.
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What's a "quick fix" you've used that didn't work long-term?
Today we'll learn two powerful techniques: SCAMPER and reverse brainstorming. Both force your brain out of its comfort zone.
Think of them as mental crowbars - they pry open new possibilities you'd never consider otherwise.
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SCAMPER or reverse brainstorming— which one intrigues you more?
SCAMPER is an acronym: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to other uses, Eliminate, Reverse.
For any solution, ask: "What if I substituted this part?" "What if I combined it with something else?" "What if I reversed the approach?"
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Pick one problem you're facing - what could you substitute?
Here's SCAMPER in action: "How to reduce meeting time?"
Substitute: Replace meetings with emails. Combine: Merge similar meetings. Eliminate: Cancel unnecessary updates. Reverse: Let attendees run the meeting instead of the manager.
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Which of these feels most promising to you?
Reverse brainstorming flips the problem upside down. Instead of asking "How do we solve this?" you ask "How could we make this problem worse?"
Then flip those "worse" ideas into solutions. It's surprisingly effective at revealing blind spots.
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What problem could you intentionally make worse to find insights?
Example: "How to improve customer service?" becomes "How to make customers really angry?"
Bad ideas: Long hold times, rude staff, no follow-up. Flipped solutions: Instant response, train empathy, automated follow-ups.
Engagement Message
See how the "bad" ideas reveal exactly what to fix?
Type
Swipe Left or Right
Practice Question
Let's practice categorizing creative techniques! Swipe each approach left for SCAMPER or right for Reverse Brainstorming.
Labels
- Left Label: SCAMPER Technique
- Right Label: Reverse Brainstorming
Left Label Items
- What if we eliminated this step entirely?
- How could we combine two existing processes?
- What if we adapted this solution from another industry?
- What other purposes could this serve?
Right Label Items
- How could we make this problem much worse?
- What would guarantee complete failure here?
- How could we ensure customers never return?
- What would make this process take forever?
