By Jennifer Park
We all face problems and challenges in our business. Too often we approach those really tough issues (the BGP’s—Big Gnarly Problems) in the same tired manner that we approach those that are easy to solve. But developing new solutions at work is a real puzzle that can confound even the best teams. When faced with problem-solving in the workplace, do you and your team tend to turn to the same old answers? Are you noticing your team drinking in the sweet yet toxic “because we have always done it that way” cocktail far too often? When the same old hum-drum ideas continuously resurface, I call this the “idea hangover.” If your team is losing creative steam, try the proven cure of supercharging some innovation in your workplace. Tough questions require true innovation. Take steps to wake the sleeping creativity giant.
“Problems are nothing but wake-up calls for creativity”
– Gerhard Gschwandtner
One great way to supercharge some innovation is bringing the team together for a good old-fashioned brainstorm. A well-run brainstorm may be the best tonic for idea hangovers ever created, but don’t be lulled into thinking this is something that can be done on the fly. An effective, truly imaginative brainstorm is far from simply throwing a few flip charts up around the room and asking for ideas. Planned correctly, your brainstorm session can bring out authentically creative ideas and help you break the mold in problem-solving. The added benefits? Building team comradery, inspiring a shared vision as the team works together and increasing overall employee satisfaction and productivity (because if done right, brainstorms can be downright fun.)
Problem-solving leaders have one thing in common: a faith that there’s always a better way.”
– Gerald M. Weinberg
So, how can you lead your team in discovering that “better way” to solve your BGP’s?
Include these six simple ingredients in your next brainstorm and whip up some new answers to old problems.
1. In It To Win It
Don’t approach the brainstorm halfheartedly. Your attitude will be apparent to the team you assemble. Take an enthusiastic, open-minded approach and others will follow suit. You need to truly believe new ideas will be the result and be open to hearing those ideas. Set this concept out from the beginning and ask for only the truly committed to stay and participate.
2. Diversity Leads to Creativity
Don’t keep your invitee list to your usual suspects. Great ideas can come from anyone, in any function. While taking care to not let the group get too big, do extend an invitation to a variety of coworkers, at various levels within the organization and from across a multitude of functions. The fresh perspective from finance or HR might just be the breakthrough idea you have been waiting for!
3. Engage All Five Senses
Incorporating thought-provoking activities in brainstorms can really get the ball rolling. Next time you all sit down together, try invoking all the senses. Play some inspiring music at well-timed intervals. Let some aromatherapy open the mind—try some specifically for energy or focus. Ply your team with whimsical, sugary treats that evoke memories of childhood when creativity ran rampant. Hand out kinetic sand and pipe cleaners so the team can keep their hands busy while their minds race for new heights. And be sure to make the whole process as visually appealing as possible, including capturing ideas using bright, fun colored paper and markers.
4. The Golden Rule
No idea is a bad idea in a brainstorm. That has to be the golden rule the entire group follows. Every idea should be given credibility and captured. So often I have seen the really terrible idea get picked up by someone else, turned on its head and suddenly…brilliance! Brainstorms should allow for interweaving the best of all thoughts, and we won’t know what those are if we allow ideas to be stifled.
“Instead of thinking out of the box, get rid of the box.”
– Deepak Chopra
5. Capture Everything
See above. That outlandish, impossible idea from Dina in customer service might just be the seed to an entirely new product line. But if you don’t write it down, you can’t riff off of it later. Good notes will be invaluable to all of the participants to reference at later times. The challenge you tried to answer that morning may just be followed by a similar one the next afternoon. Good notes will allow you and your team to see if the answer to the next BGP has already been discovered.
6. Follow Through is King
You took up a lot of people’s time, had a great creative session and had some fun to boot. But what is the next step? Make sure the brainstorm has a “so what” and follow up with everyone who contributed. Send out the notes, highlight the key takeaways, identify the potential solutions and be crystal clear about next steps and who will be accountable. And then circle back around after you have implemented the solution and share the success!
According to Forbes, of CEO’s polled, 60% agreed that creativity was the most important skill to have in a leadership role.
Forbes
The bottom line? Forcing down too many of the same old tired solutions is sure to lead to Idea Hangover. Creativity is key to problem solving, and problem solving is key to business success. Take steps to make sure you and your team can excel in this area. It will help all of you excel in your careers.
Jennifer L. Park is a CEO, entrepreneur, senior leader and multi-decade veteran in the communications, marketing, and higher education fields. Park has helped companies such as the University of Denver, University of Colorado, Procter & Gamble, Kellogg, Eastman Kodak, Kimberly-Clark and Frito-Lay, achieve their communication, brand and revenue goals.
Jennifer L. Park, MBA 