News

Peter Mason of Water For People Uses Patterns of Thinking

October 23rd, 2009

Water For People is a non-profit organization that assists people in developing countries improve quality of life by supporting the development of locally sustainable drinking water resources, sanitation facilities and health and hygiene education programs.

Peter Mason, Director of Marketing and Communications for Water For People recently published an article based on his experience while in West Bengal, India where Water For People was in the process of building capacity for the community.

In the article, Mason uses the Patterns of Thinking Method to deconstruct the potential problems faced with organizing and successfully carrying out such an important project.  Taking the practical advice of Dr. Derek Cabrera Founder of ThinkWorks, by using the Patterns of Thinking Method (DSRP), one can create an understanding of the world, an idea or a development project in West Bengal, India. 

When asked about the importance of thinking skills to solve any problem, Mason commented, "There is often a fine line between success and failure; but by monitoring, asking hard questions, evaluating, and most importantly thinking critically, you can create solutions for present and future success.  In this case the Patterns of Thinking Method enabled my team and the community to work hard and smart when completing this important project." This demonstrates the universality of these patterns (DSRP) when thinking about the content and context of any idea...from the classroom to the boardroom...all the way to a rural village in the developing world.

Detailed information on how to implement the Patterns of Thinking Method can be found in the book: Thinking At Every Desk.

For more information on Water For People see their website.

To view Mason's article on DSRP use in the field see: WhatWorks      

Other resources:

  • Blog post about Distinction-Making as a universal thinking skill.
  • Blog post about how to "Build a Better Thinker."
  • For more What Works articles, see Peter Mason's Blog