Concepts
These two thinking patterns often play substantial roles in Scrum and Agile methodologies, therefore making them relevant to individuals preparing for the Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) exam.
Divergent Thinking
Divergent thinking is a creative process where many ideas are generated. As a brainstorming phase, the primary goal is to think widely and without restriction. Here are three indicators when a group is conducting divergent thinking:
- Idea Generation: Groups portray high energy, openness, and willingness to entertain seemingly unrelated or far-fetched ideas. A brainstorming session that generates multiple, varied ideas on how to resolve a complex problem highlights divergent thinking.
- Open-ended Discussion: Divergent thinking encourages open-ended questions that stimulate creative thinking. Discussions focus on “how,” “why,” and “what if” rather than constraining solutions.
- Acceptance of Ambiguity: Groups engaged in divergent thinking are comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity. They embrace the possibility that there may not be a single correct answer but rather a range of potential solutions.
Example: A Scrum Team tackling a complex problem may launch into a divergent thinking phase where they generate multiple possible solutions. The team members brainstorm freely, ask open-ended questions, and tolerate ambiguity.
Convergent Thinking
Convergent thinking is the process of narrowing down multiple ideas generated during the divergent thinking phase to find a single, best solution. Here are three indicators of groups engaged in this type of thinking:
- Decision-Making: Groups engaged in convergent thinking often demonstrate significant decision-making and evaluation skills. For example, staff prioritize ideas based on set criteria, showing their focus has moved from idea generation to decision-making.
- Consolidation of Ideas: The team accepts, rejects, or combines the diverse ideas produced in the divergent phase into one or few options. The process is systematic and logical.
- Acceptance of Correctness: Teams are comfortable with the concept of finding a single “best” solution or a limited set of “correct” answers.
Example: After conducting a brainstorming session (divergent thinking), a Scrum Team will then evaluate and prioritize the ideas, before converging on a single or a limited set of solutions (convergent thinking).
| Divergent Thinking | Convergent Thinking | |
|---|---|---|
| Indicator 1 | Idea Generation | Decision Making |
| Indicator 2 | Open-ended Discussion | Consolidation of Ideas |
| Indicator 3 | Acceptance of Ambiguity | Acceptance of Correctness |
Understanding the distinction between divergent and convergent thinking and identifying the presence of these processes can help Scrum Masters shepherd their teams towards more effective problem solving and decision making. It also gives structure and meaning to the creative process, helping to facilitate meaningful discussions and encourage innovative solutions.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: One indication that a group is engage in divergent thinking is if they are generating a wide range of possible solutions.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Correct Answer: True
When a team is focussed on testing hypotheses and assumptions, what type of thinking are they engaged in?
- 1) Divergent thinking
- 2) Convergent thinking
- 3) Neither
Correct Answer: Convergent thinking
Which of the following is a typical characteristic of a group engaged in divergent thinking? (Select all that apply)
- 1) They express multiple viewpoints.
- 2) They focus on one correct answer.
- 3) They initiate spontaneous, unstructured discussions.
- 4) They create a lot of detailed analysis of existing ideas.
Correct Answers: They express multiple viewpoints, They initiate spontaneous, unstructured discussions
In the context of group decision making, which of the following are indicators of convergent thinking? (Select all that apply)
- 1) The group is analyzing information critically.
- 2) The group is brainstorming new ideas.
- 3) The group is narrowing down potential solutions.
- 4) The group is embracing uncertainty and ambiguity.
Correct Answers: The group is analyzing information critically, The group is narrowing down potential solutions
One sign that a group is involved in convergent thinking is when they are seeking one correct answer to a problem. True or False?
- 1) True
- 2) False
Correct Answer: True
When a team is brainstorming and discovering new ideas in a brainstorming session, what type of thinking is this an indicator of?
- 1) Divergent thinking
- 2) Convergent thinking
- 3) Neither
Correct Answer: Divergent thinking
A inflexible discussion with strict rules and procedures is an indication of a team engaged in which type of thinking?
- 1) Divergent thinking
- 2) Convergent thinking
Correct Answer: Convergent thinking
True or False: When engaged in divergent thinking, groups are often embracing ambiguity and inviting non-traditional perspectives.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Correct Answer: True
Which of the following are characteristics of a group engaged in convergent thinking? (Select all that apply)
- 1) They discourage conflicting views and unique perspectives.
- 2) They encourage imagination and generating lots of ideas.
- 3) They focus on consensus and finding common ground.
- 4) They often conclude sessions with concrete actions and plans.
Correct Answers: They discourage conflicting views and unique perspectives, They focus on consensus and finding common ground, They often conclude sessions with concrete actions and plans
True or False: One of the key indicators that a group is involved in divergent thinking is a focus on analysis and narrowing down solutions from many options.
- 1) True
- 2) False
Correct Answer: False
When a team is engaged in convergent thinking, they are often pushing boundaries and exploring unfamiliar territories. True or False?
- 1) True
- 2) False
Correct Answer: False
Which of the following is an indicator that a group is engaged in divergent thinking?
- 1) Highly controlled and structured discussions.
- 2) Focus on testing hypotheses and assumptions.
- 3) Open-ended and spontaneous discussions.
- 4) Focus on finding one correct answer.
Correct Answer: Open-ended and spontaneous discussions.
Great post on identifying indicators of divergent and convergent thinking in Scrum teams!
One indicator of divergent thinking is when a team is brainstorming a large number of ideas without immediate evaluation.
Thanks for the detailed explanation!
Another indicator of divergent thinking is when the team approaches problems from multiple perspectives.
Appreciate the insights shared in this blog post.
Convergent thinking is when the team narrows down multiple options to find the best solution. Decision-making phases are key indicators.
A third indicator of divergent thinking is when the team is encouraged to take creative risks without fear of failure.
This blog has been very helpful for my A-CSM exam prep. Thanks!