The column "Leadership Whiteboard" provides a short visual leadership coaching moment. It introduces and explains a new sketch in each issue, provides leadership coaching for further development, and shares a leadership quote and recommended book.
Leadership Whiteboard | SCAMPER
A few issues ago, many of you responded favorably to the “Six Thinking Hats” column, which introduced a fresh way to approach ideas. I want to share another powerful tool for evaluating changes in services, products, or writing. SCAMPER was developed by Bob Eberle in the 1970s using ideas from Alex Osborn, the advertising executive who popularized brainstorming, the structured method to enhance creativity.
SCAMPER offers very specific ways to think differently about anything you are exploring:
S — Substitute. Think about replacing part of the product, process, or idea. Example: “What materials or components could be swapped out for something else?”
C — Combine. Look for ways to merge or combine elements for new results. Example: “How could different features work together?”
A — Adapt. Adjust or modify the product or process to serve a different purpose. Example: “How could this concept be used in a new or unexpected way?”
M — Modify. Change attributes — shape, color, size, etc. — to alter and affect outcomes. Example: “What happens if we make it bigger, smaller, or more colorful?”
P — Put to another use. Consider how to repurpose the product or idea. Example: “Is there another way this could solve a different problem?”
E — Eliminate. Remove elements to simplify or streamline. Example: “What would happen if we took something away?”
R — Reverse. Flip the order, direction, or roles for new perspectives. Example: “How would this work if we did the opposite?”
SCAMPER is flexible; you don’t need to use every question or letter. In fact, I’ve only used the full method once in years of practice. Instead, focus on one or two letters that address a specific challenge. For instance, substituting, modifying, or combining often sparks fresh ideas and leads to further enhancements. Have fun exploring with SCAMPER.
