PARADOX METHOD

T-shooting Heuristics

Definition:

A paradox is a problem statement that seems inherently contradictory or impossible, but within this "impossibility" lies a powerful solution.

Two Methods of Constructing Paradoxes:

1. First Method (5 Steps):

• Define the ideal object and Ideal Final Result (IFR).
• List negatives (costs, failures, losses).
• Formulate contradictions and take them to the extreme.
• List positives.
• Amplify the positives to the extreme.

2. Second Method ("The Worse, the Better"):

• List the negatives.
• Formulate conflicting pairs.
• Link pairs using the formula "the worse, the better."

Examples of Paradoxical Formulations:

In Marketing:

• "The less advertising, the more customers."
• "Competitors advertise us themselves."
• "The client is dissatisfied but brings new customers."

In Management:

• "The less control, the better the order."
• "The lower the salary, the higher the motivation."
• "The more freedom, the stricter the discipline."

In Production:

• "The fewer the resources, the higher the efficiency."
• "Defects help improve quality."
• "Problems accelerate growth."

Rules for Working with Paradoxes:

1. Quantity:

• Collect 10-15 different formulations.
• Do not stop at the first idea.
• Look for different perspectives.

2. Quality:

• Push to the point of extreme intensification.
• Avoid compromise formulations.
• Do not fear the "impossible."

3. Application:

• Use as a tool for finding solutions.
• Combine different paradoxes.
• Look for a synergistic effect.

Practical Algorithm:

1. Preparation:

• Write down all problems and deficiencies.
• Identify key parameters.
• Find conflicting requirements.

2. Generating Paradoxes:

• Apply both construction methods.
• Record all options without criticism.
• Intensify the formulations.

3. Working with Paradoxes:

• Group similar ones together.
• Look for connections between different paradoxes.
• Strengthen the formulations.

4. Finding Solutions:

• Avoid rushing with initial ideas.
• Accumulate a critical mass.
• Wait for a systemic effect.

Characteristics of Good Paradoxes:

1. They create cognitive dissonance.

2. They contain an obvious contradiction.

3. They point to an ideal solution.

4. They provoke new thinking.

5. They unify opposites.

Common Mistakes:

1. Weak Formulations:

• Insufficient intensification.
• Hidden compromises.
• Obvious solutions.

2. Premature Solutions:

• Rushing to implementation.
• Satisfaction with the first idea.
• Fear of radical formulations.

3. Incorrect Application:

• Using the formula "the better, the worse."
• Artificial contradictions.
• Logical errors.

Example Solutions:

1. Advertising Campaign:

Paradox: "The less advertising, the more people know about us."

Solution: Place a QR code large enough to be visible from airplanes.

2. Election Campaign:

Paradox: "The more fake ratings competitors have, the better."

Solution: Combine all conflicting ratings into one infographic.

3. Quality Management:

Paradox: "The less control, the higher the quality."

Solution: A system where each subsequent operation checks the previous one.

Control Questions:

1. Are the formulations paradoxical enough?

2. Have all possible paradoxes been found?

3. Are there connections between different paradoxes?

4. Are we rushing to solutions?

5. Have we accumulated enough variations?

Application Recommendations:

1. Use the method for complex problems.

2. Do not fear absurd formulations.

3. Collect a large number of paradoxes.

4. Seek systemic solutions.

5. Test solutions for ideality.

T-shooting Heuristics