Be the Dolphin - Your Creative Mastery Toolbox Course

Authors Dudley Lynch and Paul Kordis in their book “The Strategy of the Dolphin” classify mindsets into three primary categories: sharks, carp, and dolphins. Each plays a particular set of "games" as they swim in the ocean of possibilities and probabilities. Sharks operate with a zero-sum, aggressive mindset, believing that winning requires others to lose. Carp, on the other hand, are passive, reactive, and stuck in survival mode, allowing themselves to be controlled by circumstances rather than shaping their destinies.

Dolphins, however, represent the optimal way of thinking—they are intelligent, adaptable, and strategic, capable of choosing cooperation or competition depending on what serves them best.

For business leaders, adopting a dolphin mindset means shifting from brute-force competition to strategic flexibility, making decisions based on insight rather than fear, and using intelligence to create mutually beneficial outcomes. In “Be the Dolphin” you have all the tools you need to thrive in in today’s turbulent business environment, allowing leaders to navigate challenges with agility, outmaneuver predatory competitors, and uplift teams stuck in outdated modes of thinking.

Duration: 8 weeks

Each week would include a mix of theoretical explanations, practical exercises, and discussions. Assignments could involve applying the tools learned to real-world scenarios or creative projects, with feedback provided by instructors and peers. The Sample Outline below includes the Fundamental Tools (others will be added weekly):

Week 1: Introduction to Creative Thinking

• Overview of the course

• Introduction to creative thinking

• Importance of creativity in various fields

• Understanding the creative process

• Ice-breaking activities to kick-start creative thinking

Week 2: Ideation Techniques

Generating Ideas

• Brainstorming

• Mind Mapping

• SCAMPER Technique

• Reverse Thinking

• Random Word Technique

Week 3: Divergent Thinking Strategies

Expanding Options

• Six Thinking Hats

• Walt Disney Method

• Metaphorical Thinking

• Analogical Thinking

• Forced Connections

Week 4: Convergent Thinking Strategies

Selecting and Refining Ideas

• PMI (Plus, Minus, Interesting)

• Criteria Matrix

• SWOT Analysis

• Decision Trees

• Multi-Voting Technique

Week 5: Problem-Solving Tools

Addressing Challenges

• Design Thinking

• TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving)

• Root Cause Analysis

• Fishbone Diagrams (Ishikawa)

• 5 Whys Technique

Week 6: Creativity in Communication

Expressing Ideas Effectively

• Storytelling

• Visualization Techniques

• Improvisation

• Metaphor Creation

• Analogous Inspiration

Week 7: Collaboration and Teamwork

Harnessing Group Creativity

• Nominal Group Technique

• Collaborative Brainstorming

• Rolestorming

• Serious Games for Creativity

• Think-Pair-Share

Week 8: Reflection and Practical Applications

• Review of key concepts and tools

• Case studies and real-world applications

• Personal creativity action plan

• The Glass is Full and a Half: living creatively

• Course evaluation and feedback

Additional Advantages of working with Creative Thinking Tools:

• Risk Mitigation: Innovative solutions often involve taking calculated risks and stepping outside of one's comfort zone. Creative thinking tools provide a structured framework for evaluating and mitigating risks, enabling individuals to make informed decisions and pursue innovative ideas with confidence.

• Competitive Advantage: In today's competitive marketplace, businesses that can innovate and adapt quickly are more likely to succeed. By leveraging creative thinking tools to explore new opportunities and develop innovative solutions, organizations can gain a competitive edge and position themselves for long-term success.

• Continuous Improvement: Creative thinking tools promote a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging individuals and organizations to challenge the status quo and strive for excellence. By regularly exploring and refining their approaches to problem-solving, individuals can drive ongoing innovation and growth.

• Personal Development: Creative thinking tools are not only valuable for business purposes but also for personal development. By applying these tools to personal challenges and goals, individuals can enhance their problem-solving skills, boost their creativity, and achieve greater fulfillment and success in all aspects of their lives.

• Future-Proofing: In an increasingly complex and uncertain world, the ability to think creatively and innovate is essential for future-proofing businesses and individuals. By embracing creative thinking tools and cultivating a mindset of innovation, organizations and individuals can adapt and thrive in the face of change, uncertainty, and disruption.