In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, fostering innovation while staying aligned with strategic goals is critical, particularly in Oman as it drives towards Oman Vision 2040.
One method gaining momentum in the Middle East for achieving this balance is ‘manual thinking,’ a structured framework designed to streamline the creative process. Unlike traditional brainstorming, which often results in scattered ideas, manual thinking offers a clear, organised approach, transforming abstract concepts into actionable projects.
This methodology ensures every idea contributes directly to an organisation’s objectives, providing a disciplined yet creative pathway towards innovation. At its core, manual thinking is built on the belief that creativity flourishes within structure. Rather than relying on random ideation, it introduces tools like the ‘Manual Thinking Map', helping teams visualise their goals and align them with broader strategic aims.
This map guides participants through a linear, organised journey, turning chaotic brainstorming sessions into focused, productive discussions. Such an approach is particularly effective in environments where clarity and direction are essential for progress.
A prominent example of its success in Oman can be seen in the energy sector. One of the nation’s leading LNG companies utilised manual thinking to help 80 emerging leaders generate 16 practical projects over three weeks.
Each project addressed a specific business challenge, with designated roles, timelines and outcomes. These initiatives are currently being implemented, with clear pathways for success, all directly linked to the company’s long-term strategy.
This structured approach significantly improved decision-making and project development, ensuring alignment with corporate goals.
Manual thinking’s introduction to Oman was championed by New Metrics, a consultancy focused on enhancing human-centred experiences across domains like customer experience (CX), employee engagement (EX), brand interaction (BX) and product development (PX).
This initiative perfectly aligns with Oman Vision 2040, emphasising sustainable growth, innovation and a knowledge-based economy.
Anisa al Raisi, Head of Academy and Experiential Learning Facilitator at New Metrics, highlights the importance of this approach, stating, “One of the most significant challenges in the Middle East, particularly in hierarchical organisations, is the difficulty of surfacing ideas from lower-level employees. Often, only those at the top are heard, limiting the diversity of ideas.”
She mentions how manual thinking breaks down these barriers by creating an environment where all team members, regardless of rank, can contribute equally.
“This inclusiveness fosters a psychologically safe atmosphere for idea sharing, encouraging innovation across the board. By engaging a wider range of perspectives, organisations can generate creative, actionable solutions that align with their strategic goals,” she adds.
Beyond the corporate world, manual thinking has proven adaptable across various sectors, including education, public services and technology.
In education, it helps reimagine curricula to promote critical thinking and problem-solving. In public services, it streamlines processes and enhances citizen-focused innovations, ensuring that government entities become more efficient and responsive. In technology, the framework stimulates product development by integrating human creativity with technological advances.
Anisa also credits collaboration with Barcelona-based Luki Huber for bringing manual thinking to Oman. She says, “As the creator of the methodology, Luki has provided us with not only the tools but also the deep expertise needed to adapt the system to local needs. Luki’s ongoing involvement ensures that the methodology continues to evolve and stay relevant as organisations face new challenges in a fast-paced world.”
As Oman continues its journey towards Vision 2040, methodologies like manual thinking will be instrumental in shaping the nation’s future.
By harnessing the creative potential of teams and channelling it towards strategic innovation, organisations are better positioned to navigate an increasingly complex world.
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