Applied properly, this approach can free you from unnecessary but unrecognized assumptions that you are making about the scenario of concern.
Procedure for Use:
Generally, the steps to follow in applying the technique are as follows:
1. State the question, goal, situation, or problem.
2. Assume anything is possible.
3. Using fantasy, make statements such as: ‘What I really want to do is…’ or If I could choose any answer to this question, it would be….’
4. Examine each fantasy and their statements and, using this as a stimulation, return to reality and make statements such as: ‘Although I really cannot do that, I can do…’ or ‘It seems impractical to do that, but I believe we can accomplish the same thing by….’
5. If necessary, repeat Steps 3 and 4.
Examples for Use:
1. How can I learn more about how customers use my product?
2. I can be any size or shape I want.
3. I will just step inside one of the products shipped today and peer out at my customer and observe how he or she uses the product.
4. Well, I don’t think I can accomplish that feat, but I can get a customer’s agreement to let me observe my product under use their facility and videotape employees at work using my product.