What would Richard Branson do?

By changing the perspective on a situation or problem, you can set new ideas in motion. Although you are unable to reach either Richard Branson or Mr Einstein on the phone, you can imagine how they would look into a matter. Or what would Frank Underwood (House of Cards) do?

So, which perspective should you take? Well, I assume that the egocentric and power hungry Frank Underwood, is not the person you usually would ask for advice, but it can at least help get the wheels turning again. Feel free to use the people or characters you wish, but it is recommended to take someone completely different than yourself (or your team) to benefit the most from it.

A short example to illustrate the exercise:

Problem: How do you motivate people to use public transport?

A child: Free candy, fart sounds as a gong, toys, slides to exit …

A 90 year-old: Comfortable seating, a helping hand, clear information …

A chess player: Presenting facts about benefits. Give privacy …

A taxi driver: Tell all the secrets the local area has to offer …

Okay, so these ideas may not be either good or appropriate to use, but possibly in moderations …? Maybe they can even be combined? Some of the ideas can be linked to an intercom on a bus, for example, and the use of headphones or quiet zones, keeps the chess player satisfied as well. A bus with good seats, where children are entertained by a virtual clown while I get updates on city events, before I hear a giant fart and a clear message: Next stop: REALITY! Sure, I would give public transport a try…

Good luck!