Diverge and Converge
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It is necessary to diverge and converge in problem solving communication. It is important to know when to do both and indeed, to encourage and guide others in these processes. Converging relates to the need to focus with increasing precision on a topic. It is a task that barristers specialize in when cross-examining witnesses in Court. Likewise, accountants and engineers converge to gather specific information in order to decide on a course of action.
In all jobs, there is a time to converge on the details and reach a conclusion. Diverging involves widening the topic of discussion via ideas, options and proposals. This is major aspect of the work in creative roles, as for example at the start of a new project or venture, or in an advertising agency when developing ideas for clients. Diverging can be encouraged by creative discussion techniques such as ‘brainstorming’ and the development of ‘story boards’, but once the options are put forward there is a need to converge on one or more.
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Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci is renowned for having many ideas which were in advance of their time. These range from how to fly through space, to creating great paintings. He is an exemplar of someone who could diverge and create many ideas, but also, he could converge to develop paintings and products. The secret of all successful business is to dream and develop. A great leader will encourage people in divergent thinking, but will also converge on outputs and solutions. In this avatar video, Leonardo da Vinci talks about how his visions carried him into the future.
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Applications
It is important to know how to diverge and converge. In particular, you can encourage others to diverge by asking them questions and for ideas on ways to tackle problems. To converge, it is important to establish guidelines and systems that enable people to take the ideas and information and come to a conclusion and action.
The five major skills can be used to diverge or converge. To understand a difficult problem it is usually necessary to diverge and to get ideas and information. The nearer you get to a solution, the more important it is to converge.
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