The analogy king

Solving problems by analogy. I have been doing it at superb performance levels for almost 16 years now. At least intentionally, but sadly, not consciously.

As a consultant you become pretty agile to look for info, synthesize it and then draw fast conclusions in order to be able to help your clients.

This approach does help. It has huge value of its own. But how about those times when the client has the need to disrupt itself and the industry he’s into? When it is a matter of life or death to the business, his wealth, his reputation and yours?

Then first principles must come into action. Decomposing the problem and it’s elements into their most fundamental constituents. Then you can start with the real innovation.

It is not a guarantee of success, however, it will enhance your odds at finding true innovation. The problem with first principles thinking is you have seldom the time to invest in the process (it is so much slower than working with analogies). Also the client must see the value in the resources invested (of course money, but also time and mental energy).

The solution will be much more valuable, impactful and meaningful but the whole team, as well as the sponsor must buy completely into the idea of a deeper understanding, by working so much more before a viable solution is on the table.