The "To Lo Po So Go" framework by Edward DeBono offers a Systematic and Structured approach to thinking and decision-making. Consider relevant information, explore various possibilities, make informed choices, and take effective action in business issues and/or solving problems.
To - Where do we want to get to?
This initial step is about setting a clear and specific goal or objective. It involves understanding what you ultimately want to achieve through your thinking process. This could be solving a problem, making a decision, reaching a milestone, or accomplishing a specific outcome. By defining the destination, you provide a sense of direction and purpose for your thinking efforts.
Questions to consider:
- What is the desired outcome?
- Why is this goal important?
- How will achieving this goal impact stakeholders?
Lo - What do we need to look at?
Once the goal is established, the next step is to gather relevant information and identify the key factors that will influence your decision-making process. This involves conducting research, collecting data, seeking out perspectives from stakeholders, and considering any constraints or limitations. By systematically examining what needs to be looked at, you ensure that your decisions are well-informed and based on a comprehensive understanding of the relevant context.
Questions to consider:
- What data or information is available?
- Are there any constraints or limitations to consider?
- Who are the key stakeholders and what are their perspectives?
Po - What are the possibilities?
With the necessary information in hand, the focus shifts to exploring various alternatives, options, and solutions. This step encourages creativity and divergent thinking, as you brainstorm different approaches to achieving your goal. It's about considering multiple perspectives, challenging assumptions, and generating new ideas. By exploring a range of possibilities, you increase the likelihood of identifying innovative solutions that can address your needs effectively.
Questions to consider:
- What are the different options or solutions?
- What are the potential risks and benefits of each option?
- Are there any innovative approaches or out-of-the-box ideas?
So - So what are we going to do?
After generating a list of possibilities, the next step is to evaluate and prioritize them in order to make a decision. This involves weighing the pros and cons of each option, assessing their feasibility and potential impact, and considering any trade-offs involved. It's about converging your thinking towards a preferred course of action. By critically evaluating the available options, you can identify the most promising solution that best aligns with your goals and resources.
Questions to consider:
- Which option aligns best with our goals and resources?
- What are the short-term and long-term implications of each option?
- How will we measure success and monitor progress?
Go - Go and do it.
The final step is to implement the chosen solution and take action towards achieving your goal. This involves developing a plan of action, allocating resources, and executing the necessary steps to bring your decision to fruition. It's about turning your thinking into tangible results and making progress towards your desired outcome. By taking decisive action, you move from planning and deliberation to execution and implementation, driving real-world impact and results.
Questions to consider:
- What steps are needed to implement the decision?
- Who will be responsible for each task?
- How will we adapt and adjust as we move forward?
The ToLoPoSoGo framework could be used to stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving by guiding you through a systematic process of goal-setting, analysis, ideation, evaluation, and action.
