TERMIUM Plus®

The Government of Canada’s terminology and linguistic data bank.

PROBLEM REVERSAL TECHNIQUE [1 record]

Record 1 2012-02-03

English

Subject field(s)
  • Decision-Making Process
OBS

In his book "What a Great Idea", Charles Thompson suggested that the only way to truly understand this world is to learn from positives as well as from negatives. Ying-Yang, Summer-Winter, Day-Night are just some examples of that. Problem reversal method is based on stating the problem in reverse. Change a positive statement into a negative one. Next, try to define what something is not, change the direction or location of your perspective. This will give you the opportunity to look at your problem from radically different point of view, which might lead to completely new and unexpected practical solutions.

OBS

The method: 1-State your problem in reverse. Change a positive statement into a negative one. 2-Try to define what something is not. 3-Figure out what everybody else is not doing. 4-Use the "What If" Compass. 5-Change the direction or location of your perspective. 6-Flip-flop results. 7-Turn defeat into victory or victory into defeat.

French

Domaine(s)
  • Processus décisionnel

Spanish

Save record 1

Copyright notice for the TERMIUM Plus® data bank

© Public Services and Procurement Canada, 2024
TERMIUM Plus®, the Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank
A product of the Translation Bureau

Features

Language Portal of Canada

Access a collection of Canadian resources on all aspects of English and French, including quizzes.

Writing tools

The Language Portal’s writing tools have a new look! Easy to consult, they give you access to a wealth of information that will help you write better in English and French.

Glossaries and vocabularies

Access Translation Bureau glossaries and vocabularies.

Date Modified: