Diamond Technique

Purpose of the Technique:

This section introduces the basic Diamond. It can later be expanded into complex Diamond networks or the Diamond fan.

1st Level of the Diamond Technique

Step 1: From Problem to Goal

The starting point of the Diamond Technique is a problem or limitation, from which a goal arises. This goal should be well-formed, i.e. stated positively, specifically, and under your own control.

• Is it within your power to achieve this goal?
• What can you do to reach this goal?
• If you had already achieved the goal, what would that mean for you?
• Is that okay?

At the beginning of the Diamond Technique, you always have a statement (e.g., “I lose at chess”) and form a counter-statement (e.g., “I win at chess”). This counter-statement is usually a negation of the original.

• Negation 1: lose – not lose
• Negation 2: lose – win

A first-level negation would contradict the criterion of well-formedness, as a goal must be phrased positively. The counter-statement doesn’t always have to be a classic negation — it can also be a juxtaposition of two contrasting aspects.

Step 2: Discovering the Both-And

What includes both the original statement and the counter-statement? Put more clearly: "What do the problem and the goal have in common?"

Answering this requires entering a completely new dimension of understanding the problem. Clear distinctions between good and bad become more flexible. This is a major step toward dissolving the problem.

• Problem-Solving: Reaching the goal within the existing frame.
• Problem-Dissolving: Leaving the existing frame.

Example: Losing and winning at chess might share the aspect that it’s always a game where someone wins and someone loses.

Step 3: Discovering the Neither-Nor

What is neither the problem nor the solution? What lies beyond both? In the chess example, it might be the enjoyment of playing — regardless of winning or losing. This perspective allows for a relativization of the problem and opens new insights.

A figure made up of these four elements is called a Diamond. The Diamond Technique is the process of creating such Diamonds. After immersing in each of the four points, you can explore moving from one point to another.

2nd Level of the Diamond Technique

The possibilities of the Diamond Technique increase significantly when you add the following two questions:

• What does this enable?
• What does this prevent (dis-enable)?

The enabling question is familiar from Core Transformation — it asks, “What is X good for?” The disabling question is familiar from NLP ecology checks. These two questions can be asked at each of the four Diamond points.

Summary

1. Identify the associated goal (ensure well-formedness!)
2. What do the problem and goal have in common?
3. What lies beyond both?
4. For all four points, determine what is enabled and what is prevented.
5. Revisit the original problem and goal.

Often, the problem and the goal will now be seen in a completely new light. Common results:

• New perspectives on the original problem
• A kinder relationship to your problems
• Greater flexibility and confidence in dealing with challenges
• The problem is no longer perceived as a problem at all

Exercise Suggestions

1. Select a theme to work on and apply the Diamond Technique.
2. Choose one of your goals and run it through the Diamond — create several Diamonds.
3. Send your mission statement through the Diamond — let your creativity unfold.
4. Choose an NLP presupposition and apply the Diamond — build several opposing pairs and develop a Diamond fan.
5. Choose a problem and work through it using the Diamond — build multiple Diamonds into a network.