Here are some keywords that I always find useful when I am thinking business:
Challenge assumptions
Think Big
Thing Small
Set up new ways of doing things
Detect patterns – what do they tell you?
Sense a need to change something – what’s your gut feel?
Where does the overlap between departments actually sit – how can you use this?
Know what drives you mad about the current situation
Look under rocks – what exactly lurks beneath?
Assume the worst in people
Think like a Nation State
Find a place that suits you where you can be creative
Go for rigour
Good research is often disruptive to the status quo
Don’t be afraid to choose something controversial
Develop a sense for “open” problems
Develop a sense for important problems
Feed your mind
There are many, many potential paths to learning
Build up your set of skills
Write down your ideas
Choose the right problem to tackle
Chip away at the problem
Organise your data
The target may (and will) move – move with it
Collaborate
Start local
Write and rewrite
Play to your strengths
Fight Uninformed Law
Find inspiration in others you respect
Find inspiration in others you disrespect
DSbc 