Quota
Set a minimum number of alternative perspectives to generate before choosing one. The quota encourages continued searching even when an early idea looks promising.
THE IDEA
Quota
In order to change the search for alternatives from being a good intention to a practical routine one can set a quota. A quota is a fixed number of alternative ways of looking at a situation. The advantage of having a predetermined quota is that one goes on generating alternatives until one has filled the quota and this means that if a particularly promising alternative occurs early in the search one acknowledges it and moves on instead of being captured by it. A further advantage of the quota is that one has to make an effort to find or generate alternatives instead of simply awaiting the natural alternatives. One makes an effort to fill the quota even if the alternatives generated seem artificial or even ridiculous. Suitable quotas might be three, four or five alternatives.
Having a quota does not of course stop one generating even more alternatives but it does ensure that one generates at least the minimum.
When to use it
In group brainstorming sessions, set a quota of 10 ideas per person before discussing any.
When choosing a vacation destination, list at least 5 options before narrowing down.
In problem-solving, generate 3 alternative hypotheses before evaluating any of them.
In project planning, consider 4 different approaches before selecting one.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Marketing Strategy
Before selecting a marketing strategy for a new product, set a quota of 5 different approaches. Record a promising early idea, then continue until you have met the quota.
Job Candidate Evaluation
During hiring, generate 3 alternative ways to assess candidates before choosing an approach. The quota encourages consideration of methods beyond the first familiar one.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How can you apply the quota technique to a current decision you are facing?
What is a minimum quota that would force you to think beyond the obvious in your next problem-solving session?
When might setting a quota hinder rather than help the decision-making process?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Lateral Thinking A Textbook of Creativity (Edward de Bono)