Integrative thinking involves finding a smarter solution by balancing opposing ideas.
Integrative thinking allows organizations to move beyond trade-offs and find better solutions that address multiple objectives.
Deep dives
Integrative thinking in problem solving
Integrative thinking is a problem-solving approach that involves finding a better solution by balancing opposing ideas. This is exemplified by the case of the Lego movie, where the company had to choose between creative control and creating a great film. By giving up some control and allowing talented filmmakers to have creative autonomy, Lego was able to produce an amazing movie that resonated with audiences while still maintaining brand integrity.
Leveraging audience feedback in decision-making
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) faced a challenge of balancing community inclusivity with buzz and profitability. Rather than making trade-offs between these factors, TIFF used integrative thinking to leverage its diverse audience as a market predictor. By introducing an audience prize and paying attention to the preferences and reactions of the filmgoers, TIFF was able to attract successful films and become a platform for potential Academy Award winners.
The four-stage process of integrative thinking
Integrative thinking involves a four-stage process: clarifying the problem, exploring opposing ideas, generating new possibilities, and testing and refining the prototypes. This process allows organizations to move beyond traditional trade-offs and find better solutions that address multiple objectives and considerations. Success in integrative thinking is marked by deep understanding and appreciation of opposing models, uncovering new insights, and ultimately producing a solution that surpasses the initial options.
Imagine you’re trying to solve a problem, but none of your options are all that great. You could walk away. Or you could try to take the best from two inadequate options to reach a smarter, strategic solution.
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