Now, what is the worst possible solution you can dream up?

Really.

What is a truly terrible way to address this?

What could get you laughed at or even fired?

Got a bad idea?

Good.

This might just be the best idea you've ever had,

according to designer and author Ayse Birsel.

Her concept of wrong thinking on purpose

may seem counterintuitive, but it's

a useful tool in the challenge to solve problems in new ways.

Here's a central example of how Birsel pivots a dreadful idea

into a brilliant one.

Switch jobs with, say, a junior staffer or intern.

It may sound silly, but this humbling "as if" scenario

can put you into an inquisitive beginner's mindset

and give you a newfound permission

to ask, listen, and learn things that an expert would

assume they already knew.

Likewise, while you're playing the role of novice,

your junior employees are trying your job on for size.

They are now empowered with fresh agency

to search, experiment, and possibly discover

new directions altogether without the expected hierarchy

blocking the way.

How about this horrible notion?

Spread rumors about your colleagues.

If you flip the idea on its head to spreading

good rumors instead of negative gossip,

it could be an inspiring way to collectively celebrate

their strengths.

Maybe try failing-- intentionally, and repeatedly.

Sounds like a nightmare until you pivot it

to a deliberate mistake lab dedicated to celebrating

and learning from failure.

Not only could this be a great tool

to get over your fear of failure,

but it can reinforce that we learn constantly

by turning bad ideas into great ones.

Banning technology at work sounds counterproductive

and pretty impossible.

But having a no technology day once in a while

could remind everyone of the importance

of face-to-face conversations, walking meetings, even

meditation without interruptions from email and social media.

Go ahead.

Give yourself permission to have an awful idea.

The very best one might just emerge along the way.