Thinking Creativity
Imaginary Experts
When you are struggling with a problem or question, you can tap the genius of an Einstein, the savvy of an Eleanor Roosevelt, or the entrepreneurial spirit of a Steve Jobs.
The Imaginary Experts tool lets you take advantage of the expertise of smart, savvy people, even if you can't enjoy (or afford) their actual presence.
How? Identify the problem or question that's challenging you. Then assemble your team of imaginary experts (if seeing them in your imagination is difficult, use pictures to represent their presence) based on your situation. Start a dialogue with your experts (but make sure to close your office door first). Ask the experts how they would solve your problem, what ideas they have, or what perspective you might be missing. You might be surprised at the insight your imaginary advisors can provide.
You're already familiar with this tool if you remember the media brouhaha that ensued when Jean Houston suggested Hilary Rodham Clinton ask Eleanor Roosevelt her advice when Clinton was writing her book, It Takes a Village. As usual, the media went overboard, claiming that Clinton was holding seances, and trying to channel Roosevelt. According to Houston, it wasn't quite that dramatic, but it was effective in providing Clinton with some great ideas.
Here are a few examples of how to use Imaginary Experts. If your problem involves business strategy, why not invite Jack Welch, Michael Dell, Jeff Bezos or Dee Hock for their ideas? There's no reason your experts have to be alive. If you're looking for a creative solution and feeling stuck, you could invite Einstein or da Vinci to your imaginary roundtable. You can invite anyone you'd like to advise you, however, this tool works best if you know a little about your invited experts and their philosophies.
This tool also works great for a group meeting, if each member of the group attends as a different “imaginary expert” and represents that expert’s viewpoint and ideas.
Shannon Bradford is a writer and coach, helping people learn how to
master their brains to succeed in their careers and businesses. She
is the author of Brain Power (Wiley, 2002).
© 2001 Shannon Bradford
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