This strategy uses a list of words to provoke original thinking, utilizing unlikely comparisons to stimulate idea production. Michalko provides several pages of words that work well for this purpose. You can see the list online here at the end of the chapter.

Michalko gives the example of someone trying to improve a relationship with a boss. They select the word "pencil" and begin a list of connections they might never have thought of otherwise.

Michalko stresses the importance of selecting words that are truly random so as to "spark a free association of ideas."

You will find Brutethink on pages 159-172 of Thinkertoys.

Please do not move to next module until instructed to do so by the facilitator.

© Jamie McKenzie, 2008, all rights reserved. No copies can be made or distributed in any format without the express written permission of the author.