EMC194 Thinking Different! 2/2 
To:   Emergency Communications Units - Information Bulletin
To:   Emergency Management Agencies via Internet and Radio
By:   Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) of the
      California Governor's Office of Emergency Services  

EMC194 Thinking Different! 2/2    For release 7/26/99

Continued from EMC193:
  
In the Emergency Communications field, there have been recent
changes in Workers Compensation regulations in this state. As a
result an EMCOMM unit coordinator messaged that a certain "unit
activity has to be curtailed as such events can no longer be
done under these revisions." We knew otherwise, but that started
our thoughts on this topic. The problem is how to communicate
this to others.

For the coordinator the solution was to prepare his own thinking
in a different way, to approach it from an objective view. He
could achieve the needed result (i.e., cause the unit to
continue to use the exercise as a sanctioned one) if he were to
formally declare in writing that the specific situation will be
a training event and specify parameters, such as why and how it
so serves, along with its mission and goals. In doing so, he
must mentally move into a thought process as to what will
"activate the event as officially sanctioned under the
regulations". There are times the obvious has to be pointed out
as a means, just as the teachers aide had to point out the means
in above example. Perhaps such "training" can show participants
instantly what they forgot to plan for, and provide practice on
what to throw together, such as interconnecting cables to make
the system work under tough conditions. There are many ways to
create good practice for setting up systems or communications
during an emergency. Preparedness requires on-going refreshers
in many aspects. It is far more than just passing messages.

It is NOT always easy to "think different". It DOES take effort
AS WELL as an INTENT to solve a situation. Some people
inherently find solutions in situations that others call
insurmountable problems. How? Because they "think different",
that is, they approach it with a fresh viewpoint, a way that
says "how we can do this?" It is more than just the difference
between a "glass being half empty versus one that is half full".
It is a "mindset" that steps aside (usually) from the emotional
content of the item, event or situation. One person said it is
like looking at an object, then literally turning around in a
circle and taking a look at in again, but with a different
perspective.

That, apparently, was Apple Computers point with their slogan.
They coupled their "Think Different" advertisements with the
names/images of those who very obviously thought differently,
like Albert Einstein. Yet, we all can do it, although some
may be better at it than others. So, let's apply it to
communications training of EMCOMM unit participants. Use your
innate ability to 'think different', to come up with truly
different ways to aid participants to learn new skills, new
phrases, new ideas, new nuances, and new applications of their
skills. They, and you, will find the reward very satisfying. 
                           ---
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EOM