In previous issues, we discussed the definition of innovation and the characteristics of innovative people. In this issue, we will mention two strategies that increase the ability to innovate. The first strategy in question is the worst-case scenario, which can be summarized as follows: When a person is faced with a problem, he asks himself: What is the worst case scenario that could happen if I do this and present this idea? This is where the person must exert willpower, express his opinion, or continue with the solution that came to his mind. For example, Copernicus asked himself: What might happen if the Earth rotated around itself and at the same time revolved around the Sun? Or Einstein asked himself: What might happen if I said that the world is oval-shaped? Or what might happen if someone said that human thinking is the sum of the biological processes of the brain plus his social relations with the environment? What is the worst that can happen when a person loses their job?
Of course, going against traditional and stereotypical thoughts and behaviors is not easy. Usually, the type of education and upbringing, whether in the family or in school, is such that children continue predetermined paths and do not question them. Following traditions and flexibility is sometimes so intense that we do not allow ourselves to doubt the usefulness of strategies. However, we can broaden the framework and see the surroundings more accurately. For this, it is better to always consider the following two things.
1. If something has never been done in the past, it does not mean that it cannot be done now.
2. If someone tells us that we should not do such and such a thing, it does not mean that we cannot do it and if we do it, the sky will not fall to the earth and a disaster will not occur.
When we imagine the worst case scenario, we must analyze ourselves and all the elements related to it and take action with courage.
The second strategy is simulation. For this reason, sometimes it is necessary for a person to simulate in order to innovate, just like what children do in their daily games. The usefulness of the simulation strategy is that it prevents mental fixation and freezing. The reality is that in some cases, the most difficult task in front of a problem is not necessarily innovating or discovering new ways; it is rather to get out of old mental molds. In such situations, we must think that there is not only one solution and that it is certainly possible to discover other solutions. This is where solving a new problem becomes, to some extent, a simulation game. This strategy is used to build models that are different from previous models.
All the problems and all the exercises that teachers give to students are based on simulation with reality. Sometimes simulation is the best way to prepare for an exam. In this way, the student puts himself in the teacher's shoes and thinks about what questions to ask on the exam.