---
name: divergent-working-backwards
description: Use when defining new product lines or major pivots, when single PR/FAQ leads to tunnel vision, or when giving leadership real strategic choices instead of yes/no decisions
---

# Divergent Working Backwards (3 PR/FAQs)

## Overview

An enhancement of Amazon's "Working Backwards" process. Instead of writing one Press Release, the team writes **three distinct, divergent PRs** to explore different strategic directions before converging.

**Core principle:** Power of Three—always explore three radically different solutions.

## The Process

```
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  1. DEFINE THE CUSTOMER PROBLEM                                 │
│     What are we solving?                                        │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  2. IDEATE 3 DIVERGENT SOLUTIONS                                │
│     NOT variations—strategic alternatives                       │
│     Example: Tiered vs. Points-based vs. Segment-focused        │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  3. DRAFT 3 DISTINCT PR/FAQs                                    │
│     Full press release for each future                          │
│     Include compliance, legal, ops details                      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  4. STAKEHOLDER REVIEW & DEBATE                                 │
│     Compare the 3 futures                                       │
│     Force real trade-off discussions                            │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  5. SELECT ONE PATH & COMMIT                                    │
│     Disagree and commit once chosen                             │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```

## Key Principles

| Principle | Description |
|-----------|-------------|
| **Divergence first** | Prevents falling in love with first idea |
| **Show don't tell** | Write full PR/FAQ, not just bullet points |
| **Leadership choice** | Give real options, not yes/no on single plan |
| **Commit after debate** | Once chosen, full commitment |

## Common Mistakes

- Writing three variations that are only slightly different
- Not pushing to truly divergent strategic alternatives
- Skipping the full PR/FAQ detail for each option

---

*Source: Anuj Rathi (Jupiter Money, Swiggy) via Lenny's Podcast*