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The Edge of the Coin
(click for podcast) (5:16 min.)

When you flip a coin, it’s usually assumed that it’ll land on heads or tails. One way or the other, two choices, a digital answer. We’re kind of obsessed with this kind of duality. There is, however, a chance it will land on its edge, and that represents a way of thinking and approaching problem-solving that’s rather magical.

We’re often under the misconception that we have very limited choices. Indeed, many times it looks much like that coin toss with seemingly only two options. The truth is if we really dig deeper, and give it the time and thought due the challenge, we’re usually able to find a more innovative, creative choice. We can find the win/win/win where we previously only saw zero-sum solutions.



To use an example from Star Trek©, when Mr. Spock (representing logic) would offer the two alternatives: “either we destroy them or they'll destroy us,” Captain Kirk would reject this summary. “Unacceptable! I want that third alternative!” Invariably, after going back to really work on the problem, Mr. Spock would come up with something truly inspired, and all would be saved.


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I read an interview with Monty Python comedian John Cleese a while back, where he was talking about going for the solution-beyond-the-solution. He found that quite often one of his Python-mates would find a funny bit, and be ready to leave for the day. Cleese asserted that if he discarded his first solution, it forced him to come up with something else, which pushed him farther out of his comfort zone, and yielded a much more innovative solution. This solution was always more satisfying and enjoyable to him.

Indeed when you do face a seemingly black-or-white, limited choice challenge, let that feeling be a red flag for you, and plant one of your mental warning signs. Let it be a warning that you’re caught in a tunnel-vision or digital view, and that you need to step back for more perspective. Remember that you don’t really want to make a decision while you’re in this position. You can do better.

Here are a couple ideas to help you put this into action:

* First, reject the initial solution or choice, based on that flawed premise of “either/or.”

* Take yourself out of your own perspective or world-view for a moment. Of course this means first understanding what that is; which is another great adventure in itself.

* Pretend to be someone else involved in the solution or choice. Really become them as much as you’re able. Where are they coming from? What are they concerned about? What might they fear? What might they need from this decision, that you hadn’t thought about?

* Now look at the question or challenge from their “side of the room.” Their side of the room may look out a window not previously available to you.




I’m not advising you to waste time in dubious re-iterations, of course. Often the choices you face offer you plenty of space for creativity. However, when you do find yourself boxed into a digital, two-choice, us-or-them situation, don’t give in too easily. There’s at least a third alternative deeper in the mix. You can do better. Shoot for magic. Go for the edge of the coin.

Want to learn more about how to become the best you possible? How your communication can hold you back or catapult you forward? Come visit the web site, or better yet, contact me and see how we can design a program to fit your needs and desired outcomes.

     - Ian J. Blei

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