Thinkertoys: A Handbook of Creative-Thinking Techniques (2nd Edition) Reviews

• In what ways might I write this review?

  
  By A32IOOODMJLIDZ on 2003-06-25
  Cracking Creativity was the first book I read, and reviewed from Michael Michalko, and what a book! Thinkertoys is Michael's first book and my second read. I also own Thinkpack, a creative card deck. All spectacular!

  In general, I would say that Thinkertoys is similar to Cracking Creativity, but Thinkertoys offers varied and many different creative techniques, "business creativity for the 90's." Michael explores artists, scientists, and numerous other creative thinkers to which seems the basis of his work. It's amazing the amount of material that was put into this book. Numerous quotes by Sun Tzu, there are also numerous diagrams and puzzles throughout this book. These mindbenders always seem to be related to the chapter, or the discussion at the time. These drawings, puzzles, and brainteasers really convey the message of what this whole book is about. That is what I like about this book is because it shows you, and you have to figure some things out.

  The book is set up into 4 different parts. Part One: Linear Thinkertoys, Part Two: Intuitive Thinkertoys, Part three: Group Thinkertoys, Part Four: Endtoys. And in these areas there are numerous techniques, storylines, brainteasers, and flaming hot ideas. It's not hard to try most of the techniques. Most of them merely require a pencil, a piece of paper, a problem or an idea. Michael gives a "Blueprint" (i.e. summary) of every major technique that he covers in the chapters.

  I have read other creativity books but Thinkertoys is very exceptional because it seems to me to be more proactive, I see the techniques and I immediately want to try them for myself. Thinkertoys is not just some dry language with endless paragraphs of explanation, as with some creativity books I have read. None of these other books will be mentioned here.

  As I have used many of the techniques, I personally like SCAMPER. In addition, I also use "6 Questions" with SCAMPER, and I also use "In what ways might I?" I have set it up and I use like this: For example, I use SCAMPER first on a problem. If I'm stuck on SCAMPER, or the problem, I move to the "6 Questions." If I am still stuck, I then move and use "In what ways might I?" They are all interchangeable, and can be moved or reversed. See,

  SCAMPER > 6 Questions > "In what ways might I?"

  A powerful combination: SCAMPER
  S = Substitute?
  C = Create?
  A = Add?
  M = Modify
  P = Put to other uses?
  E = Eliminate?
  R = Rearrange or Reverse?

  6 Questions
  Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?

  In what ways might I?

  This is my own little way to use some of the techniques. There is a large amount of techniques in Thinkertoys and some critical analysis may be in order when reading this book for deciding on which techniques to use. Simply, I use what I like most.

  Michael Michalko was interviewed one time and asked about the vast amount of techniques available, his response was: "What's important, I feel, is that readers and clients should not try to memorize specific techniques; rather, they should try to remember the basic principles around which my work in creativity is structured." He also responded, and in essence, I think this comment covers Thinkertoys in general, Michael also said: "Once the basic principles are understood, I always encourage my clients to invent their own creative-thinking techniques."

  After using quite a few of the techniques in Michael's two books, I have found some of the techniques becoming easier and reflexive. I have found myself seeing ideas and problems very differently without even concentrating on them; also, I have come up with my own ways to use some of techniques.

  This book is a special find. Period.
  
  

• The closest thing to a cookbook for creative thinking

  
  By A164O6ZVQNOJAH on 2000-03-08
  As a learning solutions designer and trainer and as a targeted innovation facilitator, I have found this book of immense value for almost a decade. It provides step-by-step instructions for linear, lateral, and more intuitive thinking techniques--the closest thing to a step-by-step no-fail cookbook approach. The techniques are even organized (transparent to the non-professional user) to correspond with the KAI style-of-creativity scale. In other words, if you are left-brained OR if creativity means "make the thing BETTER", you will like the techniques at the front of the book. The more naturally "right-brained" you are (i.e. Improve = make it DIFFERENT), the farther toward the back of the book you might want to go. There are also great business examples in this book--they illustrate applied creativity to create value in business...no taint of tutus and crayons and "far out" ideas here...the stuff that alienates some business folk from valuing the relevance of creativity in the workplace.
  
  

• Lots of tools

  
  By A1CBTXAMLVNG8 on 2001-07-01
  I coach an innovation workshop and provide each participant a copy of this book. The chapter on SCAMPER is worth the price alone. You will find each tool well explained with examples. The "Ideabox" is one of the best tools you can use which also has a section with good examples. The author's second book Cracking Creativity repeats most of the tools with less examples and more theory. I highly recommend this book as a reference for innovation tools.
  
  

• Together with 'Cracking Creativity'...dynamic duo...consider them among the best in the genre!

  
  By A2O91YORQH16L5 on 2006-07-17
  The first time I encountered 'Thinkertoys' it was actually the first edition released during the early 90's, when it was also about the time I began to explore the various options with regard to my mid-life transition. In fact, I had initially spotted an interesting review in the Entrepreneur magazine.
  
  I managed to trace the publisher & had immediately ordered the first 100 copies for my debut bookstore. It became the best seller in my store for many years. Then came 'Cracking Creativity' a few years later as well as the accompanying brainstorming card deck, Thinkpak, to 'Thinkertoys'.
  
  What impressed me most is not so much the creativity tools outlined in both books. In fact, the most productive learning experiences I got out of both books are a few very important things, which I would like to share with readers.
  
  Let's take a look at Thinkertoys. In the Introduction, the author started off with a visual puzzle: 'Can you identify the figure below?'
  
  Only by shifting your focus, you can then see the hidden word within the figure.
  
  In the author's own words, "...by changing your perspectives, you can expand your possibilities..."
  
  Let's move to 'Cracking Creativity'. In the Introduction, the author introduced a simple arithmetic equation: What is half of thirteen?
  
  The subsequent passages as outlined in Part I: Seeing What No One else in Seeing, & Strategy I: Knowing How to See, by the author revealed the secrets to getting many possible answers (or perspectives) to the above equation.
  
  No creativity tool outlined in the above two books (or elsewhere in the world, for that matter) can help you to become more creative until you fully understand - & appreciate - what the author is trying to drive home in his two books.
  
  In a nut shell, it basically boils down to one important thing: Use - & enhance - your power of vision! or power of observation!
  
  The author may not be the first person to postulate this crucial aspect of creativity.
  
  I would consider Leonardo da Vinci to be the first person to have understood & practised it religiously. He said, among a few other things, LEARN TO SEE THE WORLD. In fact, he put a lot of emphasis on using your senses, especially your sense of sight.
  
  Edward de Bono had also broached this valuable concept in his groundbreaking series of lateral thinking books, starting with 'Mechanism of Mind' in the 70's.
  
  I have always believed that you can't do things differently until you can see things differently.
  
  Learning to see the world anew & from different perspectives is imperative if one wants to be more creative.
  
  According to de Bono, creativity starts at the perceptual stage of thinking. He terms it, First Order Thinking. He added very beautifully: "This is where our perceptions & concepts are formed, & this is where they have to be changed. Most of the mistakes in thinking are inadequacies of perception rather than mistakes of logic."
  
  The creativity tools, whether they are from the author's books or elsewhere, will then automaticlaly fall into place & make more sense when you have first exercised your power of vision or observation.
  
  Using any tool is a piece of cake, but changing one's perception - & maintaining fluidity of perception as well as having multiple perceptions - takes concerted efforts.
  
  It is also important to take note that when things (or tactics) don't seem to work out as planned, always remember to check out your observations of the world first. Simply ask:
  
  - what do you CHOOSE to see?
  - where do you DIRECT your attention?
  
  The second most productive learning experience I got from the above two books is realising that all thoughts are simply feats of association &/or juxtapositions - & the crux of creativity (in fact, also learning) are making associations &/or juxtapositions. [Tom Peters, in his wonderful book, Liberation Management, drives home with this insightful nugget: "The essence of creation - in all endeavours - is chance connections between ideas and facts that are previously segregated. Entrepreneurship is the direct by-product of chance, of convoluted connections among ideas, needs and people." According to Leonardo da vinci, everything is connected to everything else. My question: CAN YOU SEE IT?] The creativity tools outlined by the author are specifically designed for this purpose.
  
  The third most productive learning experience for me is understanding the differential between productive & reproductive thinking. To paraphrase the author: "...in productive thinking, one generates as many alternative approaches as one can, considering the least as well as the most likely approaches...in contrast, reproductive thinking fosters rigidity of thought..." More relevant aspects about the significance of & more specific strategies to develop productive thinking are excellently covered by the author in 'Cracking Creativity'.
  
  To end this review, & in the light of what I have written, I would consider the author's two books as the dynamic duo...to be among the best in the genre!
  
  
  
  

• A great resource!

  
  By A33GUZYPHWQD2A on 2000-02-10
  I picked up a copy of Thinkertoys over a year ago; since then, I've recommended it to many people. The exercises contained within the book are easy to follow, and often make believers out of those who consider themselves 'not the creative type.' I used the 'circle of opportunity' exercise when brainstorming with coworkers in my office...interestingly enough, the coworker who was most resistant to doing the exercise (she considers herself a very analytical, logical sort of thinker) came up with the best idea.

  As a marketing/public relations consultant, Thinkertoys sits on my bookshelf right next to my thesaurus. It is an invaluable, easy to understand and enlightening tool.
  
  

• A one-of-a-kind brainstorming workshop. Fantastic.
  By A3RCG8RHCISIQZ on 1998-01-25
  It's rare to find a truly practical book, full of exercises to stimulate creative thinking and problem solving. Having used this book to lead small groups in problem-solving, and brainstorm techniques, I can say with confidence the exercises are intriguing, fun and effective. A great book.
  
  
• A breakthrough book!
  By A1S4F75RRJ2Z4S on 1999-10-03
  Thinkertoys brings creativity to the business world with highly productive problem solving applications. This is truly a breakthrough book! Unlike the dry,pedantic tomes that compete with or preceded Thinkertoys , Michalko's book brings hands-on creative thinking to today's corporate America. My office copy is always within arm reach because the book gives me the tools needed for productive problem solving; my competitve edge!
  
  
• It's everything advertised to be.
  By on 1999-06-20
  This book is everything it's advertised to be. It's a creative thinking workshop in a book. I can't imagine how the author could have written a better or more useful book on creativity in business. Wonderful job, Michael!
  
  
• This is a treasure chest of business and creative ideas.
  By on 1996-05-12
  A hundred or so ways to some up with more, and thus better, ideas. The creative methods detailed in this book are new and excellent tools for any business or creative person. Michael goes through ways to change your view of a problem, dozens of idea generating methods, sorting and weeding techniques, and group and individual methods. The number and quality of surprising, startling, practical, usable, and results-generating ideas was a shock. And despite the 335 pages, it is not over written, as many large books are. This is a tight, easy reading, tool chest for innovation. And this collection of "Thinkertoys" will be part of your intellectual and problem-solving arsenal for years. As long as there are problems to solve, fun to have, and profits to make (through customers to serve) this book will be a heavenly gift and asset to anyone who reads and uses it
  
  
• Cute, but can't you think?
  By A1LX9GSMN66L7E on 2004-01-24
  Here's a nice bag of tricks for folks with thick heads. It reminds me of those late-1990s computer magazines, full of tips that aren't sophisticated enough for folks who know something about computers, but aren't likely to be employed by folks who are computer phobic.

  Michalko's offerings might help you think things through. But if you're a deep thinker, you won't need it. And if you aren't, you may miss some of the subtle import.

  Still, if you're stuck, y'gotta start somewhere...
  
  

• Remarkable Book
  By on 2004-04-13
  Since reading Thinkertoys my life has changed. Creative thinking has become a challenge to be welcomed rather than a tedious task to be avoided.

  At any time, I am able to access principles which produce successful cognative strategies. Making one's way through Mr. Michalko's varied topics and exercises affords a fascinating journey. Part of the fun lies in the author's judicious choice of illustrative examples. Expanding one's ability to think creatively is a talent anyone can acquire. Read this remarkable book.

  Note that the first letter of each of the above sentences combine to spell SCAMPER. This has become my favorite blueprint. It could be yours also.
  
  

• DON'T THINK TWICE
  By A3QVUK4NSDL88K on 2005-07-28
  I am a copywriter at a leading advertising firm and sincerely think that this is the best book ever. It is a Toy. It is a Tool. Never before have i found so much wisdom packed in just a single book. Do not read this book cover to cover. It is not a textbook and will loose its purpose if anyone treats it as such. Work with it. Play with it. I highly recommend this one. A great addition to the bookshelf for any creative professional.
  
  
• This book is a gift of life
  By on 2004-02-11
  This book is a treasure. I was depressed and defeated at work until I read this book. It seems that most people spend their time trying to figure out why things don't work and why things can't be done. Michalko turns that around with his creative-thinking techniques. Now, for the first time in a long time, I find it a joy to go to work and look for creative ways to get things done and make things work.
  
  
• Enthusiastically recommended for anyone striving to expand their creative mindset.
  By A14OJS0VWMOSWO on 2006-12-05
  Critical-thinking expert Michael Michalko has applied his talents to the service of the U.S. Army, the NATO military, and the CIA; now, he offers the updated second edition of Thinkertoys: A Handbook of Creative-Thinking Techniques, a jam-packed wealth of brain-twisting visual and verbal puzzles and exercises designed to stimulate new ways of solving problems and looking at situations. Exercises designed to stimulate logic and reason, intuition, brainstorming skills and much more are offered in accessible and adaptable terms, for self-study or use in a larger creative thinking workshop. Sure to captivate the reader with its thinking-out-of-the-box puzzles and even more important, advice for reexamining old problems with a fresh perspective, Thinkertoys is enthusiastically recommended for anyone striving to expand their creative mindset.
  
  
• A One-of-a-kind resource.
  By on 1999-06-17
  This is a one-of-a-kind resource for creative thinking in business. This book is timeless and you will constantly use it when you need new ideas or new ways to solve problems. I keep it right next to me on my desk and bought copies for all my employees and friends.
  
  
• The Best Book on Creativity Ever Written!
  By on 1999-04-15
  Do yourself a favor: buy this book for yourself, your friends, and your family. Then if you get the chance, go to one of Mr. Michalko's speaking engagements! You will be miles ahead of the pack in your creative thinking skills! Then go buy a puzzle book by Terry Stickels called "Mind-Bending Puzzles - Volume 2 [ with a forward by Michalko}... then you'll be on your way to being a guru in both creative and critical thinking skills!!!!
  
  
• "Must Read" for Every Aspiring Creative Thinker
  By on 2002-05-02
  Thinkertoys expands your imaginative capacities with easy-to-use techniques you can employ again-and-again in all your creative endeavors. A newer book well worth reading is Why Didn't I Think of That? - Think the Unthinkable and Achieve Creative Greatness. These two books together cover the full spectrum of useful creative thinking skills every serious thinker must possess. The skills are learned, not inborn. The very best approach to fully developing genuinely breakthrough creative thinking skills is to experience and practice them with intensely practical books such as Thinkertoys and Why Didn't I Think of That? In the process you will learn to think what you now find unthinkable and, with practice, you can, indeed, achieve creative greatness.
  
  
• Stimulating
  By A15AJM05DHOKF3 on 2000-03-13
  I can't say enough positive things about this book. I purchased the book to get ideas for fostering creative thinking in groups that I work with. It has been a great tool for them and ME. I've recommend this book to almost everyone I know.
  
  
• Good book to get out of the creative doldrums
  By A3Q39C74H1EZP9 on 2004-02-10
  I find myself picking up this book when I need a creative kick start -- as a small business owner, it helps me shake things up and think outside the ordinary.

  It's not magic, as some of the reviews seem to imply. But if you read it with an open mind, it will definitely help you develop a better sense of business creativity.
  
  

• Favorite book
  By A3KW4MBXC3N2LV on 2005-06-07
  This is my favorite book about creativity and creative thinking. I like it because it is very practical and is actually based on real cognitive science instead of fluff and nonsense. The author knows this field inside out after years of applying his techniques in the military, CIA and the corporate world.
  
  
  
• Without a doubt
  By A9HGFFHE1QV2W on 2006-10-28
  How can I say how much this book has impacted my business life and my personal life? My employees have created ideas using this book that have made this year incredibly profitable. This book has made us believers that we are all creative. We just didn't know how to think in a different way. I also use the techniques to come up with original ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and so on. Without a doubt, this book is the best purchase I've made in decades.
  
  
• Great book for stimulating creative patterns
  By AXZEOQSDXW6A5 on 2006-11-10
  This is an awesome book to peruse. Very well done. It gives great tools that are lots of fun to work with. I found it a bit over-stimulating sometimes. My brain would not slow down if I worked with it to long. So I suggest it as a book to come back to periodically. One that can be used and enjoyed for many years.
  
  
• You don't have to read the whole book
  By A2MO5ZQNHXCWDN on 2007-01-10
  This book is full of easy to use ideas that are designed to get quick results. You don't have to read the entire book or even an entire chapter to come away with many ideas that you and your group can implement easily. The author knows that often what is needed is a new way to look at an old situation. He offers many suggestions that will spark creativity. I found myself reading several sections and then adapting them on the fly for various meetings.
  
  
• Fantastic
  By A3T1LGA33B4ZJF on 2000-05-03
  One of the most stimulating books that I have read. The analogies are so apt. Michael Michalko has revealed a process to something that many feel is abstract and unreachable.
  
  
• Inspiring and good for thinking exercises
  By A1BM48NDSAZZ9W on 2000-05-29
  This book gives you a holistic approach to view a problem. It is a good resourceful book to make readers think and act differently. This book contains lots of creatives techniques. Though not everyone suit you, it is worth exploring new ways of looking things.
  
  
• My favorite book on my creativity bookshelf
  By A159EHZJDGPJDW on 1998-08-27
  Most of the books I have read on creativity either take a few methods and explain them to death or stay very abstract and aren't very useful. There are only a few really worthwhile ones and Thinkertoys is at the top of the list.
  
  
• Creativity Handbook Indeed!
  By A2JZ4ZMH0FAC4L on 2001-04-06
  If you have a problem channelling your creativity: buy this book! Loads of methods on generating as many ideas as possible, which is what you're ALWAYS looking for if your work involves communication in all its shapes and forms. I myself, as an interaction designer, have been able to make more use my own creativity. If you feel you're not creative, buy this book too! You'll feel differently after you've tried a few techniques that are in this book!
  
  
• great brainstorming activities
  By on 2003-03-21
  I initially bought this book for the S.C.A.M.P.E.R. activities, but really like the other activities as well. It provided some good and easy guidance in using these techniques in small groups, and was worth the investment. Now, a key resource in my toolkit.
  
  
• Great techniques.
  By A9C8X1H1I5JMR on 2006-02-14
  Thinkertoys offers varied and many different creative techniques, "business creativity for the 90's." The author explores artists, scientists, and numerous other creative thinkers to which seems the basis of his work. Quotes from Sun Tzu, numerous diagrams and puzzles throughout this book which enable you to think out of regular thinking cap \ methods.
  
  The different sections are Linear Thinkertoys, Intuitive Thinkertoys, Group Thinkertoys, and Endtoys. Numerous techniques, storylines, brainteasers, and hot ideas only need a pencil and a piece of paper. There is a large amount of techniques in Thinkertoys and some critical analysis may be in order when reading this book for deciding on which techniques to use. Simply, use what you like. After using quite a few of the techniques from the books, the techniques becoming easier and seeing ideas and problems very differently without even concentrating on them.
  
  If you want to enjoy a productive and fun brainstorming session you should use the techniques in this book.
  
  Enjoy!
  
  
  
• I wish I had written this book
  By A1TKUD1OACA5GE on 2006-07-09
  I've always thought about writing a book about creativity that would make sense and encourage people to interpret their own experiences through their own eyes and not the eyes of others. This is the book I wish I had written. It has everything a book on creative thinking should have. I used the first edition in countless workshops with great success and am eagerly ready to start using some of the new brainstorming techniques in the second edition. The other book I highly recommend is Michael's "Cracking Creativity," which is, I think, the best book on creativity out there.
  
  

• Cracking Creativity: The Secrets of Creative Genius
• Thinkpak: A Brainstorming Card Deck
• Six Thinking Hats
• Lateral Thinking: Creativity Step by Step (Perennial Library)
• A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be More Creative