Martin Training Associates

Innovation:
Breakthrough Thinking Workshop

Workshop Description

Breakthrough thinking generates the leap from one pattern of thought into the “ah-ha” moment when a new pattern solidifies. It is a critical skill required in any innovation effort, particularly those involved in invention or reinvention when one needs to shift from one pattern of thinking to a whole new one.

Breakthrough thinking differs from what is normally thought of as creative thinking by accessing a different level of the brain. Creative brainstorming utilizes the synthesis function and can generates an infinite number of new combinations of ideas. Breakthrough thinking relies on “insight” or “intuition” and thus appears at the end of a process, as if from nowhere. Although one cannot manage the incubation process and the actual generation of the breakthrough, one can manage all the steps leading up to it and reduce the resistance to allowing the breakthrough appear.

In this one-day workshop, participants examine and practice the stages of the breakthrough thinking process. A case study is used to allow participants to practice the various skills that will make them an accomplished “Breakthrough Detective.” Since breakthroughs arise out of the unconscious and are therefore not predictable, the case takes the participant through all the steps up to the actual breakthrough. Participants then define a compelling question of their own and map out how they will approach their own, real life, breakthrough thinking dilemma.

Rationale for Training

The process of generating a breakthrough can be likened to the work that a detective does in solving a mystery. The fictional character Sherlock Holmes is an example of a “Breakthrough Detective.” He gathers clues, investigates leads, notices what others don’t, speculates, challenges his own understanding of the truth, and then mulls over what he has learned, until the moment the solution pops fully formed into his brain.

This workshop teaches the participant to be a “Breakthrough Detective.” By learning the steps in the breakthrough process and practicing skills in seeing what’s not obvious, and challenging assumptions, the participant develops his skills for creating breakthroughs in other arenas, those important to the organization’s ability to innovate its own processes and the products and services it offers its customers.

Target Audience

Anyone interested in improving their ability to generate breakthroughs.

Workshop Length

One day.

Goals

1. Become a better “Breakthrough Detective”

2. Recognize resistance to pattern breaking and know what to do about it 3. 

Objectives

  1. Understand the unique nature of breakthrough thinking
  2. Understand how the brain creates patterns and the resistance to breaking them
  3. Develop Breakthrough Detective skills including the ability to:
    • Define the compelling question
    • Gather background information
    • Investigate clues
    • Notices what others don’t see
    • Ask the 4 questions of truth
    • Create the “crime board”
    • Shuffle and reorganize the information into different patterns

Materials Provided

  • Breakthrough Detective guidelines
  • PowerPoint Presentation on Breakthrough Thinking with copies of slides for each participant included in Participant Manual
  • Case Study, exercise sheets and handouts