How to Think Like Einstein

Seminars

I regularly conduct rule breaking seminars. However, you could easily lead your own seminar - if you've read the book, you know everything about rule breaking that I know. Here are some ideas for exercises that you can try.

Using objects to break out of ruts

Gather a collection of random objects: kitchen utensils, office supplies, sports equipment, tools, toys, first aid supplies, and most anything else you can think of.  Randomly distribute one item to each person or group. Instruct them to solve a problem using the random object. They will be forced to break out of their rule ruts to use the object as a solution. 

When someone insists that the problem can't be solved with the object, help him to identify the rules that prevent the object from being a solution. Then ask how he would solve the problem if he could break that one rule.

The exercise helps the participants learn to break their own rule ruts, and realize that outrageous thinking is not fatal.

Chain Solutions

Chain solutions is a good exercise if you have participants that are a little too shy, or too domineering. Assign each participant a problem. Everyone can have the same problem, or you can assign several different problems.  Give each participant a pad of paper. If you use multiple problems, have everyone write their particular problem on the first page of the pad.  Then instruct them to write the most outrageous solution to the problem that they can think of. The wilder, the more impossible, the more impractical, the better. Next have them pass their pads to another participant who will modify the outrageous solution to make it more practical. If desired, have a second person modify the solution to make it even more practical. The exercise teaches that even outrageous ideas can be the start of interesting solutions.