PO
The answer particle PO extends the logical
black-and-white world of yes and no with an answer for the grey area in
between. Thus, the deficiencies, limitations, and risks of the yes-no world can
be expanded. It enables a more effective structuring of mental models. New
ideas are protected from rejection, expanded by additional alternatives, and
avoid the polarization of the yes-no system. PO supports exploring
alternatives, enabling progress, freeing rigid mental models, and acting as an
antidote to dogmatism, arrogance, simplistic one-sidedness, and inflexibility.
No is a logical tool, yes is a persuasive one, and PO is a creative tool.
(based on Edward de Bono)
Without
polarizing the rigid Yes-No, it is easier to consider various perspectives.
In the yes-no world, the focus seems to be more on the poles - success or
failure, care or sloppiness, order or chaos. Yet the truth is usually found in
the gray area between.
- Although the intended adhesive did not hold together in the long term, a new product area could be established with non-adhesive glue.
- Because an experiment with bacteria was not completed before the vacations, a mold developed that we now know as penicillin.
- Without controlling prices, value is ordered by the “invisible hand” based on supply and demand.
The purpose of PO is to overcome black-and-white
thinking.