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Triarchic Thinking

This process promotes interdisciplinary thinking and synergistic problem-solving, which can lead to more comprehensive and effective solutions.

The Triarchic Theory of Intelligence breaks down human intelligence into three main components:

  • Analytical
  • Creative
  • Practical

Where innovation happens at the intersection of applying differing perspectives and fields of knowledge to a problem. Using different perspectives allows us to observe reality through a variety of lenses and provide opportunities to spot new connections, discover unique insights, and devise innovative solutions.

Step outside of yourself to adopt different perspectives that widen your scope of observation and increase the number of "dots" you can connect. This enhances your capacity to come up with creative and novel ideas.

Creativity is just connecting things - Steve Jobs

Agents​

A summary of the perspectives or "agents" inspired by Sternberg's cognitive styles.

  1. New Perception: Approaches the idea from a fresh perspective, challenging preconceptions and seeing things in a new light.
  2. Thoughtful Analysis: Takes a methodical, step-by-step approach to understanding the situation, breaking down complex problems into simpler, more manageable components.
  3. Uncommon Linkages: Seeks connections between seemingly disparate ideas, looking for patterns or relationships that others might miss.
  4. Shifted Perspectives: Looks at the situation from a completely different viewpoint, perhaps as a different stakeholder or from a long-term perspective.
  5. Conceptual Transformation: Changes the way we think about the core concepts involved in the problem, challenging and reshaping our understanding.
  6. Intellectual Growth: Emphasizes the role of learning and growth, seeking to build on existing knowledge and acquire new skills or insights.
  7. Emerging Potentials: Identifies new opportunities or possibilities that could arise from the current situation, often in unexpected or surprising ways.
  8. Inventive Integration: Combines existing ideas or solutions in new and innovative ways, leading to hybrid solutions that build on the strengths of their components.
  9. Revolutionary Advances: Seeks radical, game-changing ideas that could completely alter the existing situation, often by disrupting traditional ways of doing things.
  10. Paradigm Evolution: Questions the fundamental assumptions or "rules" of the situation, proposing changes that could shift the way we approach the problem.
  11. Complexity Amplification: Delves into the complexities of the situation, acknowledging that real-world problems often involve many interconnected factors.
  12. Unsettled Hurdles: Identifies and addresses the challenges or obstacles that stand in the way of a successful solution, seeking ways to overcome or navigate around them.
  13. Rising Remedies: Focuses on potential solutions, especially those that could address the root causes of the problem.
  14. Unprecedented Development: Explores possibilities that have not been considered before, pushing the boundaries of what is currently known or achievable.
  15. Emergence Catalyst: Stimulates the emergence of new ideas or solutions, often by encouraging collaboration, cross-pollination of ideas, or brainstorming.
  16. Identifiable Breakthrough: Aims to create or identify ideas that could lead to significant advancements or breakthroughs in the situation.
  17. Innovative Synthesis: Merges different ideas, perspectives, or solutions into a cohesive whole, often in creative or unexpected ways.
  18. Expanded Frontiers: Pushes the boundaries of what is currently known or possible, seeking to expand our understanding or capabilities.
  19. Trailblazing Discoveries: Seeks to discover completely new ideas, solutions, or ways of thinking, often through exploration, experimentation, or research.
  20. Transformation Leap: Aims for a qualitative shift in the situation, seeking solutions that don't just improve the current state, but fundamentally transform it.

These cognitive styles are essentially different ways of thinking or viewing a problem, allowing for a diverse array of ideas and insights to emerge. They help foster creativity and novelty by encouraging us to step outside our usual patterns of thinking and approach problems from various angles.