I just heard about the Disney Pattern during a training course - I think it is valid for EA programs as a tool to be more innovative but also to keep the ivory tower thinking grounded. If you have done MBTI you will find that as a N you are more of a dreamer and S are more inclined to be a critic but in the realist area you come together. Disney had 3 rooms permanently set aside for this activity. Here is a summary:
Walt Disney was an American inspiration, not only for his film productions and animations, but also for his vision and entrepreneurialism. Disney had a great all-purpose strategy for creative thinking and I have found it amazingly effective when planning any activity. I like to dream of big things when it comes to my business, and sometimes this can result in me missing the small details that could throw my plans into turmoil. It has saved me from dreaming big and neglecting reality. Go through the following steps by yourself or your team before you move on to the next stage of planning.
Choose 3 different spaces on the floor for you to move to and give each space one of the following labels:
Space 1: The Dreamer
Space 2: The Realist
Space 3: The Critic
Start by standing in the Dreamer position.
This is where you create possibilities. Here you are a visionary, seeing the big picture. Be creative without restraint. The dreamer position mostly uses the visual representation system. Think greenfields - if we had no legacy and no constraints (ie time and $) what would we do? Ask yourself, 'What do I want?' 'What would it look like?' Write down your thoughts.
Then, move into the Realist position.
This is where you organise your plans, evaluate what is realistically possible, think constructively and devise a step-by-step action plan. The realist position mostly uses the kinesthetic (feelings) representation system. What is a realistic future state - work backwards from the dreamer future you have defined? Ask yourself 'What will I do to make these plans a reality?', 'How will it feel?'
Finally, move to the Critic position.
This is the position where you test your plan. You are looking for problems, difficulties and unintended consequences. Think of what could go wrong, what is missing and what the payoffs will be. The critic position mostly uses the auditory representation system or your own internal dialogue. How will you fund these plans, what timeframe is realistic and does it really address the business problem we started with? Ask yourself "What could go wrong?"
It is a great approach that I have thought about often but could never clearly articulate.
I just found a book http://www.amazon.com/Tools-Dreamers-Strategies-Robert-Dilts/dp/0916990265 on the topic as well!
