This is an analogy-based technique. By comparing your problem to something completely unrelated—the “Rose” (something you want to emulate) or the “Rattlesnake” (something you want to avoid)—you can transfer successful patterns and avoid hidden dangers that are invisible in your own industry.
The Power of Analogy
Your problem is likely not unique. A jazz band, a rainforest, and a car engine all solve problems related to flow, harmony, and power. By looking through their lens, you find solutions that your competitors have never considered.
Define the Problem
Clearly state your challenge.
Example: “How can we improve teamwork in a remote work environment?”
Choose Your Analogy
Pick a system from a completely different domain.
- The Rose (Positive): A Jazz Band, a Beehive, a Swiss Army Knife.
- The Rattlesnake (Negative): A Traffic Jam, a Leaky Pipe, a Virus.
Deconstruct the Analogy
List the key parts and rules of your analogy without thinking about your problem yet.
- Improvisation: They don’t follow a rigid script.
- Call and Response: One player leads, others react.
- The Rhythm Section: A core beat that keeps everyone on track.
- Solos: Every member gets a moment to shine.
Force the Connections
Apply those attributes back to your problem.
- Call and Response: Instead of long meetings, use a “slack-protocol” where one person posts a “call” (an idea) and others must “respond” (build on it) within 30 minutes.
- The Rhythm Section: Identify the 3 core tasks that must happen every day to keep the team in sync.
Practice
Problem: “A website that is hard to navigate.” Analogy: “A Supermarket.” List one attribute of a supermarket (e.g., ‘Aisles are labeled by category’) and apply it to the website.