The Headstand method
ACTIVITY TYPE
- Consulting
- Deciding together
- Supporting the action
- Involving
DESCRIPTION
This method is reversing challenges or questions in order to examine with the group everything that should not be done. Later, the findings on what should not be done are turned around and therefore become solutions. The method also called “Reverse brainstorming”, functions as a nice ice-breaker.
The headstand method is about imagining the worst-case scenario. Instead of thinking about how to get farmers to participate the fastest, the headstand method does the opposite. The question here is therefore: How to get rid of farmers as quickly as possible?
The idea behind it: Many people find it easier to seek and find an explanation for problems or negative things than to develop new ideas. The Headstand method does exactly that and that is a clear advantage. It is fun and stimulates creativity without building up pressure to succeed. The participants do not necessarily have to arrive at positive solutions.
Therefore, this type of brainstorming works even without a lot of previous knowledge and can be applied immediately even by inexperienced groups of participants.
The Headstand method is about imagining the worst-case scenario. Instead of thinking about how to get farmers to participate as more efficient as possible, the Headstand method does the opposite. The question could be: How to get rid of farmers as quickly as possible?
HOW TO USE IT ONLINE
Use the Jamboard, Whiteboard or similar e-tool to collect the ideas. Use separate e-rooms for discussions for larger groups.
RESOURCES NEEDED
- Time to do: several hours
- Staff: at least one facilitator
- Equipment: whiteboard/wall or wall, post it stickers, pens
SUITABLE FOR
Medium and small groups
HOW TO DO IT
- Ask a drastic question.
- Agree instructions: There is no speaking during this session. One card should be written per idea. Allow about 10 minutes for the writing.
- Cluster and sort the negative ideas.
- Put the organized ideas of the headstand method for the next step on a whiteboard/wall or the wall – they should be visible all the time.
- The next step should be to turn the negative ideas into positive ones and use them as a direct source of inspiration for the “right” ideas.
ADVANTAGES
- With the Headstand technology you will receive new ideas and data about your current challenge very quickly. The ideas will be different from what they were before and your meetings will become absolutely more efficient, especially by increasing the quantity of ideas.
- The method can be performed quickly and without much preparation
- creativity is stimulated by the fact that we take new paths
- The absurd suggestions loosen up the otherwise sometimes tense brainstorming sessions. After the colleagues have had a good laugh together, the rest of the cooperation is also easier – at least for a certain period of time.
CHALLENGIES
- A facilitator is needed to keep discussions on track.