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FIND CAUSE: FLOWSCAPE

 

What does it do? 

A Flowscape diagram is a unique and elegant way of looking at your perceptions. By making your perception ‘go public’ you are able to think about your thinking. And it’s this that allows you to change how you are thinking.

 

  1. How do you make it? 
  2. Choose a subject or situation you want to investigate
  3. Simply write a list of around 10 to 12 words that come to mind when considering a particular person, issue or situation. Try not to take too long on this. Working quickly encourages you not to attempt the ‘right answer’ (espoused theory). When you have finished, give each word a letter (starting with A).
  4. Look over your list, starting with A. Choose one other word from the list that most strongly links to it. Edward de Bono talks about the ‘flow’ from one to the other. So, word ‘A’ flows to a chosen word. Do this for every word in your list. A word can be chosen twice, or more, if it is the most closely associated in each instance. You should then have two columns of letters side by side. Link them with an arrow depicting the flow.
  5. Draw out these links by using the letter given to each word. Use arrows to indicate the flow. Start with those letters that are most frequently paired up. The whole mapping process will very probably be quite messy to start. You may want to redraw the Flowscape, tidying up the lines and reconsidering the best positions.
  6. Analyse your Flowscape. Identify the different types of connections made.

    a. Chain is a series of connections that depict a continuous flow from letter to letter. Reflect on whether you considered such chain had this degree of logical significance in your thinking.

    b. Collector point is a letter that has received more than one flow of arrows. De Bono suggests that when Flowscapes are constructed to help solve problems, such collector points are important. They may prove to be areas where action can effectively be taken.

    c. Stable loop is a pair of letters which have reciprocating arrows. That’s to say, they reinforce one another. De Bono strongly suggests that there should be at least one in every Flowscape. It may be worth considering that a lack of a stable loop my represent an episodic and barely formed conception.

 

When do you use it? 

A Flowscape diagram is useful for:

  • Unravelling assumptions, prejudices and automatic thinking
  • Stimulating discussion at any point in a potentially controversial topic
  • Resolving disputes or differences of opinion
  • Identifying key areas for action in problem solving