Entry Point
The initial point of focus when approaching a problem or situation significantly influences how the problem is structured and the conclusions reached. Developing skill in deliberately selecting and shifting entry points can lead to better outcomes.
THE IDEA
Summary
Because of the nature of the self-maximizing memory system of the mind the entry point for considering a situation or a problem can make a big difference to the way it is structured. Usually the obvious entry point is chosen. Such an entry point is itself determined by the established pattern and so leads back to this. There is no way of telling which entry point is going to be best so one is usually content with the most obvious one. It is assumed that the choice of entry point does not matter since one will always arrive at the same conclusions. This is not so since the whole train of thought may be determined by the choice of entry point. It is useful to develop some skill in picking out and following different entry points.
The attention area is limited and includes much less information than is available. If something is left out of consideration then there is nothing which will make it come back into consideration at a later point. What is there does not usually indicate what is missing. Attention usually settles over the most obvious areas. A slight shift in attention may by itself restructure a situation. One tries deliberately to rotate attention over all parts of the problem, especially those which do not seem to merit it.
When to use it
Strategic planning: Instead of starting with resources, begin with desired outcomes to discover alternative paths.
Conflict resolution: Approach the conflict from the perspective of each party's underlying interests rather than their stated positions.
Creative writing: Start a story from a minor character's viewpoint instead of the protagonist's to generate fresh plot ideas.
Scientific research: approach a question from a different assumption and compare which observations each approach suggests investigating.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Solving a complex equation
A student solving a complex algebraic equation might start by looking for common factors. If instead they start by examining the constants or substituting a value, they might notice a pattern that leads to a faster solution. The entry point changes the path of reasoning.
Brainstorming in a team
During a product brainstorming session, the team begins by listing all features. If they instead start by listing user problems, the entry point shifts from solution-focused to problem-focused, generating more novel ideas.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a recent decision you made. What was your initial entry point? How might the outcome have differed if you had started from a different angle?
Identify a problem you currently face. List three different entry points to approach it. What new insights does each perspective reveal?
When was the last time you changed your point of focus mid-problem and found a better solution? What prompted the shift?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Lateral Thinking A Textbook of Creativity (Edward de Bono)