New Metrics introduces Manual Thinking in the Middle East

New Metrics is bringing the award-winning Manual Thinking approach to the Middle East, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s mission to drive innovation and strategic execution in the region.

Manual Thinking is a revolutionary approach to problem-solving, offering an effective method for generating new ideas that might otherwise remain untapped. This process empowers teams to overcome cognitive blocks and explore fresh perspectives.

The essence of Manual Thinking lies in its unique use of physical maps and removable labels. These tools allow participants to re-establish the crucial brain-hand connection, often lost in the digital age, enabling a more tactile and collaborative approach to ideation.

As the first in the region to introduce Manual Thinking workshops, New Metrics is pioneering the use of the framework, with the aim to shift the way how organizations approach problem-solving and innovation.

“Although our official launch of Manual Thinking is scheduled for September, we've already had a successful early application in the region,” said Anisa Al Raissi, Head of Academy & Experiential Learning Facilitator at New Metrics.

“In late July, we conducted a three-week design thinking workshop for 80 employees and future leaders of an LNG company in Oman, using Manual Thinking as a core component. This workshop was a resounding success, resulting in the creation of 16 action learning projects, all set for implementation within the next six months.”

This early success highlights the practical value and impact of Manual Thinking, which New Metrics will soon offer in Oman, with plans to expand to Riyadh and Dubai. This approach enables teams to move seamlessly from ideation to actionable plans, driving innovation and strategic execution across organizations.

While Manual Thinking offers a broad range of applications, New Metrics focuses on key areas where it aligns with their core expertise. “At New Metrics, we’ve found that its most impactful applications complement our primary areas of focus,” said Al Raissi.

“Manual Thinking is integral to our co-creation, collaboration, and development sessions. It facilitates dynamic brainstorming and ideation, whether for enhancing processes, services, or products, or generating new ideas. This approach consistently leads to well-rounded, innovative outcomes.”

Manual Thinking is also highly effective in gathering hands-on input across various topics. For instance, it has been instrumental in developing detailed implementation plans in change management, fostering team commitments in Emotional Intelligence workshops, and guiding the stages of the Design Thinking process.

“By incorporating Manual Thinking into these scenarios, we empower organizations to collaboratively design solutions that are not only innovative but also practical and aligned with their strategic goals.”

In a world overflowing with new brainstorming techniques – mind mapping, starbursting, rapid ideation, brainwriting – Manual Thinking stands out by not only fostering innovative ideas but also enhancing team cohesion and collaboration. It breaks the monotony of individual laptop work, paving the way for better-integrated teams and more dynamic organizational cultures.