Divergent and Creative Thinking

Divergent and Creative Thinking

October 28, 2010 Blog disabled comments

There are two modes of cognitive reasoning that are universally defined: convergent and divergent thinking.

Convergent thinking is the one that is more frequently employed at work, in schools, and often at home. It is a form of thinking employing deductive reasoning, which looks at bringing together information that is focussed on solving a problem. Often, convergent thinking is useful for situations where a single correct solution exists. Such modes of thinking are commonly employed in scientific, engineering, financial and other analytical fields (like much of Police work).


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Why You Shouldn’t Eat the Marshmallow…Yet

October 25, 2010 Blog 2 comments


Don’t eat the marshmallow and get two later! (source)

In an age of utmost convenience, instant replies, and quick fixes, one may be lulled into thinking that whatever’s fast to cook is good to eat. The inconvenient truth, however, is that many of the best things in life do not arrive merely at the snap of one’s fingers.

Rome (Disney or Microsoft) wasn’t built in a day. Similarly, major endeavours take months and years of blood, sweat and tears before arriving at the dizzying heights of success.


The Push of Psychological Sways

October 19, 2010 Book Reviews 1 comment

Written in a style reminiscent of Malcolm Gladwell, “Sway – The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behaviour” by Ori and Rom Brafman explores how seemingly irrelevant psychological influences impact human decisions. Peppered with anecdotes and experiments from social psychology, behavioural economics and organisational behaviour, Sway tells us why much of our decision making is more often subjective than objective.

Citing fascinating examples from the Israeli Army, US’s Supreme Court, Who Wants To Be a Millionaire, and the anthropological fraud known as the “Piltdown Man“, the Brafman brothers’ weave a compelling narrative in the slim volume. Backed by scientific research, the case studies help to illustrate various psychological phenomena throughout the book. They include:


Touring the National Art Gallery Open House

October 12, 2010 Blog disabled comments

National Art Gallery Open House

Over the past few weeks, my colleagues and I have been pretty busy with the National Art Gallery Open House. An open invitation to all Singaporeans and visitors to explore our future home – the regal and sprawling City Hall and Former Supreme Court buildings – the event drew tens of thousands of visitors over two days. I was heartened to note the warm and enthusiastic public responses, especially in exploring the two buildings (which is why we’re opening a second weekend for guided and self-guided tours on 16 and 17 October).

As is usual for large-scale events of this nature, temperatures did run high for some of us (both literally and metaphorically) but we’re happy to be able to resolve most of the teething issues over time. There were tonnes of people who swarmed the buildings, and its heartening to see such a wide spectrum of Singaporeans and visitors – grandpas and grandmas, families of all ages, kids, teens, young adults and tourists. It was also great to see how art and heritage could be celebrated in so many different forms.


Close Your Eyes and Don’t Peek!

October 2, 2010 Blog disabled comments

Surprise!
Magic shows always work because kids loved to be astonished

Have you wondered why kids like birthday or Christmas presents so much? Or why teens and youths enjoy watching the latest “Lady Gaga” music video?

I believe that it is captured in a single word: Surprise.


Guiding Principles in Reciprocity

September 28, 2010 Content Marketing disabled comments


Reciprocity with a twist (source)

One of the most important lessons in life is this: “Do unto others what you want others to do unto you.” This universal principle is especially important in the relationship oriented world of social media marketing.

Let me explain this attitude of altruism.