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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by shadows721 on July 25, 2004, at 13:41:03
When using reverse psychology, you ask for or do the opposite of what you want and through the magic of human nature, you end up with what you really wanted. There is a team tool called a contingency diagram that works on this principle.
The tool is very similar to brainstorming; however, you change the brainstorming topic to be the opposite of what you really want. For example, if your team is supposed to brainstorm ideas for increasing customer loyalty, the team brainstorms ways to decrease customer loyalty. Trying to improve employee morale? Brainstorm ideas for destroying morale.
The tool's power is in its ability to harness negative energy (cynicism, sarcasm, hostility, etc.) and use it to spark creativity. If your team is in this type of mood, it's very difficult to build excitement for brainstorming. By giving them a chance to vent their negativity, you will witness amazing creativity.
After the team has filled the wall with ideas for lowering morale or chasing away customers, you are ready to get down to identifying potential solutions to your problem.
Ask the team to analyze the list and develop ideas for solving the problem. Many solutions can be found simply by reversing some of the ideas on the list. Others can be discovered through patterns and interesting combinations of negative ideas. In either case, the list of "bad" ideas is a tremendous stimulus for generating "good" ideas.
Next time you face the same old problems and a team tired of trying to solve them, cut the team loose on ways to make the problem worse. It will be fun, energizing, and most of all…effective.
Posted by shadows721 on July 25, 2004, at 14:58:45
In reply to Reverse Psychology, posted by shadows721 on July 25, 2004, at 13:41:03
Posted by Dr. Bob on July 29, 2004, at 0:32:22
In reply to Reverse Psychology, posted by shadows721 on July 25, 2004, at 13:41:03
> By giving them a chance to vent their negativity, you will witness amazing creativity.
I like the concept, but would the venting of negativity be civil?
Bob
Posted by Shadowplayers721 on July 29, 2004, at 7:41:46
In reply to Re: Reverse Psychology, posted by Dr. Bob on July 29, 2004, at 0:32:22
Negativity can be done with civility and/or tact.
Posted by Dr. Bob on July 29, 2004, at 17:36:21
In reply to Re: Reverse Psychology, posted by Shadowplayers721 on July 29, 2004, at 7:41:46
> Negativity can be done with civility and/or tact.
Sure, it can be, but would it be?
Bob
Posted by Shadowplayers721 on July 29, 2004, at 23:05:43
In reply to Re: Reverse Psychology, posted by Dr. Bob on July 29, 2004, at 17:36:21
Yes, it would be the opposing view point of the positive view point. Allowing the negative view and not just the positive view point to be expressed, one may channel out the incivility (cynicism, sarcasm, hostility, etc.)in the brainstorming process.
How do you see it?
Posted by gardenergirl on July 29, 2004, at 23:23:03
In reply to Re: Reverse Psychology, posted by Shadowplayers721 on July 29, 2004, at 23:05:43
This reminds me of a list I saw once of "how not to get your client to comply with homework". It was a bit tongue in cheek, but I bet it was developed the same way. And it was a good list of things to check yourself on, in order to make sure you were really connecting and communicating well with your client.
gg
Posted by Dr. Bob on July 31, 2004, at 11:51:15
In reply to Re: Reverse Psychology, posted by Shadowplayers721 on July 29, 2004, at 23:05:43
> Yes, it would be the opposing view point of the positive view point. Allowing the negative view and not just the positive view point to be expressed, one may channel out the incivility (cynicism, sarcasm, hostility, etc.)in the brainstorming process.
I think there's a difference between positive and negative views and ways of expressing views. Both types of views are already welcome, and I'm wary of inviting negative (uncivil) ways of expressing views...
Bob
Posted by Shadowplayers721 on July 31, 2004, at 15:32:01
In reply to Re: Reverse Psychology, posted by Dr. Bob on July 31, 2004, at 11:51:15
Oh, I agree. I don't think allowing uncivil negative view points would be productive. It would be destructive.
This is the end of the thread.
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