26Dancing Between Divergence and Convergence: The Creative and Logical Thinking Cycle
I was working at Procter & Gamble when I was first introduced to the idea of creative and logical thinking as two distinct modes of thinking. In other words, creative thinking and logical thinking don't coexist well in the same moment. They complement each other, work best in a tango with each other, but they have distinct ways of being. Over the course of my career, I encountered this truth repeatedly, whether in strategy workshops, product development sessions, or executive retreats. And each time, I noticed how easy it is to sabotage one mode by prematurely invoking the other.
These same dynamics are mapped visually in frameworks like the Double Diamond Model. This model outlines two diamonds that represent divergent and convergent thinking phases, first to explore and define the problem, and then to ideate and refine the solution. Similarly, Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats also made the case for separating different types of thinking to avoid conflict and foster clarity (de Bono, 1985). What underlies these models is the same insight you cannot simultaneously fly and land a plane.
Divergent and Convergent Thinking: Two Engines of Strategy and Innovation
Creative thinking, also known as divergent thinking, is about expanding possibilities. It's the realm of brainstorming, ideation, ...
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