A520.3.1.RB_DiazBrian

Some of the words I would use to describe my decision making style are: cautious, logical, self-motivated, rational, active, and quite.  The opposite corresponding words I chose are: careless, irrational, unenthusiastic, unreasonable, stagnant, and boisterous.  By thinking about the opposite of the word I am working with this can give me the opportunity to brainstorm and possibly see something I was missing from the onset.

My classmate Mark Mackay wrote in this week's A520.3.4.DQ assignment that "Reverse definition is a technique that expands a definition by redefining a topic from an opposite viewpoint. The ability to think in terms of what contradicts a subject increases the ability to see creative options about what may exist.  This flexibility is a quick way to start thinking creatively when stuck on what to do about a difficult problem.  When I think of a contradiction, I have to think what is logically correct first so my thinking is clear before I can introduce an opposite view. For example, I will use a logical syllogism to illustrate.  All states exist in United States, I live in Washington State, and therefore I live in United States. Based on the syllogism assumptions a logical contradiction would exist to say I live outside of the United States. What this helps me understand is how my assumptions control my thinking and opens my awareness of different ways of thinking about my assumptions."  Not only is Mark's analysis insightful, it serves as great example of what we can accomplish with a little bit of creativity when we free our minds.

My personal method of decision making is so second nature to me that I have found this exercise to be quite challenging.  I have made no secret that for me, being creative presents a certain level of unease.  Not because I cannot be creative, quite the opposite.  By  abandoning my comfort zone and allowing myself to become free from my mental restrictions, I believe I can accomplish some great things.  It's funny.  As I write this, memories come flooding back to me of my childhood growing up with my friend Frank.  We lived near each other while in elementary school.  We must have played together at each others house's almost every day.  I would go to his house and eat the best Italian food ever and he would loved to come to my house for the authentic Puerto Rican dishes my mother would make.  Frank and I played and created some wonderful memories.  As children we are so free to imagine and at a certain point in our lives it just seems like that type of creativity gets lost.  Frank and I imagined and built some of the most wonderful worlds for our toys.  We came up with exotic lands from far away and would lose ourselves in creativity.  What I wouldn't give to go back to that time.  As children we are so open to things.  As adults we become so indoctrinated into thinking that things must either be black or white.  Frank is so creative and imaginative that he held on to something we loved as children and that was the wacky make believe world of wrestling.  Frank loved it so much that for the last 20 years he has traveled the world as a professional wrestler.  He is living a dream he had from when we were children.  I admire the hell out of him for it and I'm privileged to watch him realize his dream.

Whetton and Cameron (2011) wrote "achieving creativity through imagination refers to the creation of new ideas, breakthroughs, and radical approaches to problem solving." (p179).  My goal is to harness the imagination I used so frequently as a child, and apply that to the issues I face on a regular basis in my organization.  I think it would be a good idea to mention some of the exercises we have learned to my group and see where our imagination can take us.  Incubation would be beneficial to our team processes.  Whetton and Cameron (2011) wrote that incubation "refers to an approach to creativity through teamwork, involvement, and coordination among individuals.  Creativity occurs by unlocking the potential that exists in interactions among networks of people.  Individuals who approach creativity through incubation encourage people to work together, foster trust and cohesion, and empower others." (p. 181).

In my opinion I believe decisions can be made by using an approach based on the opposite of the issue.  Any exercise that can stimulate thought, creativity , and alternative methodology can only enhance the process of problem solving.  I look forward to utilizing this approach and to seek out creative solutions to problems moving forward.  I think its time for me to stop always playing it so safe and take some chances like my friend Frank.  After all, isn't that what leadership is all about?

Whetten, D. A., & Cameron, K. S. (2011). Developing Management Skills (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall/Pearson.