Candid Conversations: Vivien Mangalindan
Candid Conversations

Innovative Thinking: Think Smarter, Not Harder

Dec 6, 2024, 8:40 AM
Vivien Mangalindan

Vivien Mangalindan

Columnist

THE BACK STORY Innovative thinking is about new ideas and better ways to do things.

It’s looking at something - and asking: “How can we make this smarter, easier or more exciting?”

  • Ask questions
  • Think differently
  • Solve problems
  • Look ahead
  • Take action

ASK QUESTIONS

"What if we tried this?" 

Every idea starts with curiosity. Asking “What if?” uncovers unexpected solutions.

SCENARIO: Ted's coffee shop loses customers due to long wait times.

  • BEFORE: Orders are taken only at the counter - frustrating customers.
  • AFTER: He launches a mobile ordering app - cutting wait times and boosting sales.

THINK DIFFERENTLY

Break the Rules (the Safe Ones). 

Shaking things up sparks creativity. Safe rule-breaking leads to exciting ideas.

SCENARIO: Teacher Sam's math class feels dull.

  • BEFORE: He sticks to textbooks - and students lose interest.
  • AFTER: Sam uses video games and puzzles - making math fun and engaging.

SOLVE PROBLEMS

Fix Things or Make Them Better.

Innovation is about solving problems, big or small - to make life easier.

SCENARIO: Benny's bakery wastes leftover bread daily.

  • BEFORE: Extra bread is thrown away - wasting money.
  • AFTER: He sells discounted “Day-Old Bread Bags” - turning waste into profit.

LOOK AHEAD

Spot What People Might Need Next. 

Spot future trends - and create solutions before they’re needed.

SCENARIO: Sophia's boutique sees fewer weekday shoppers.

  • BEFORE: They rely on walk-in traffic.
  • AFTER: She hosts Instagram Live sales - making shopping easier, and boosting sales.

TAKE ACTION

Don’t Just Dream It: Do It.

Ideas without action go nowhere. Action makes things happen.

SCENARIO: Frank has an idea for a picture-hanging gadget.

  • BEFORE: He doubts himself and leaves the idea in his notebook.
  • AFTER: Frank creates a prototype - pitches it and sells it online. The gadget becomes a hit.

WHY INNOVATIVE THINKING MATTERS

It’s not about being fancy. It's about making things better - and WOW-ing people!

  • Small tweaks and fresh ideas lead to amazing results.

Innovation keeps life exciting - and progress unstoppable.

HOW YOU CAN START THINKING SMARTER

You don’t need to be a genius to think innovatively.

  • Stay curious, dare to be different and keep an open mind.

Start small:

  • Spot something to simplify
  • Imagine a better way
  • Try it out

With practice - innovative thinking becomes second nature.

Your only limit is imagination.

DARE TO INSPIRE


Innovation isn’t just for inventors: it’s for everyone. It’s about improving and creating awesome things.

  • Ask
  • Think
  • Solve
  • Look ahead
  • Act

The world is ready for your ideas. Let’s make things:

  • Smarter
  • Easier
  • More exciting

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
Innovative thinking isn’t just about making things easier or more fun. It helps you grow. It pushes you to:

  • Think differently
  • Learn new skills
  • Tackle challenges head-on

Remember: Make a bigger impact - in your life and the world around you.

vivienshowandtell@gmail.com

YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/@ShowAndTellWithMissV

#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonColumn #VivienMangalindan #ShowAndTellWithMissV


We take a stand
OpinYon News logo

Designed and developed by Simmer Studios.

© 2024 OpinYon News. All rights reserved.