In Episode 7 of Train.Brain.Daily., Dr Michael Hewitt-Gleeson (Hewi) and Morry Morgan move from thinking theory into practical application with GBB: Good, Bad, Better.
GBB is a simple thinking tool that helps people examine an idea, proposal, problem or opportunity from three directions. First, identify what is good about it. Next, consider what is bad. Finally, ask how it could be made better. This third step moves thinking beyond binary judgement and towards design, improvement and lateral thinking.
Rather than simply declaring that an idea is good or bad, GBB directs attention deliberately. A complete exercise aims to generate ten good points, ten bad points and ten better possibilities. This broader view helps counter personal biases, whether someone is naturally optimistic, negative or overly critical.
Morry explains how he introduced GBB into his businesses in China. After training events, his multicultural team reviewed everything from the marketing and presenter to the venue, catering and audience engagement. The process created a culture of continuous improvement because mistakes could be discussed openly and converted into practical changes. Morry later introduced GBB into Australian organisations, where teams continued using it after he had left.
GBB can support sales meetings, product development, staff reviews, public infrastructure planning and major commercial decisions. It encourages people to bring possible solutions with their problems and enables employees at every level to contribute useful ideas.
Hewi traces the method to his work with lateral-thinking pioneer Edward de Bono and polling researcher George Gallup. For his doctoral fieldwork, GBB was taught to 40,000 employees across 26 New York hospitals. Staff were invited to submit cost-saving ideas over 30 days. The program achieved 92 per cent voluntary participation and reportedly generated $10 million in savings, while also improving communication and morale.
The episode also considers how artificial intelligence can extend the technique. While an individual may struggle to generate ten responses in each category, AI can rapidly produce multiple perspectives. Humans still determine the question, assess the results and decide what to implement.
GBB is ultimately presented as an app for the brain: easy to remember, practical to teach and strengthened through repeated use. By placing “Good, Bad, Better” somewhere visible, individuals and teams can make it part of their regular decision-making process and continually search for a better view of the situation.
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