This is yet again another exercise with the potential to create unique perspectives by the combination of related problem elements. The visual of the diamond shape helps participants create word combinations easily that may spark unique ideas. It also consumes relatively little time, so it is a time-efficient technique because the number of word combinations is limited. On the other hand, the small number of words can be a limiting
factor by providing a smaller number of stimuli than other activities.
Consider having participants debrief using the following questions:
• What was most helpful about this exercise?
• What was most challenging?
• What can we apply?
• How would you rate the value of this exercise to helping us with this issue?
• Will this exercise be helpful in the future for other sessions?
• What did you learn?
• What will we be able to use from this exercise?
• What ideas were generated, and which ones were most interesting?
Word Diamond Handout
Suppose you are losing scientists to your competitors. In particular, you want to encourage more professional employees to remain in the research and development (R&D) department. First, select four words or phrases: encourage, employees, remain, and R&D. Next arrange them in the shape of a diamond, as shown in Figure 6.4.
Finally, use various combinations to suggest ideas:
• Give incentive rewards for employees who achieve special professional recognition (from “employees/encourage”).
• Match up younger employees who are more likely to leave with older employees and form a buddy program (from “employees/encourage”).
• Establish two career tracks—one managerial and one nonmanagerial—to take into account different professional growth needs (from “employees/remain”).
• Develop a “Pride in R&D” public relations campaign to promote team spirit (from “R&D/employees”).
Taken From : Pfeiffer 101 Activities for Teaching Creativity
