                    |
 I've come to discover an all too common fallacy within our human thinking: that
we must solve problems alone and must be careful to let no one discover that we
don't have all the answers. The truth is that, working alone, our solutions are
then limited by our own narrow experiences, knowledge, and beliefs. And this
decreases the possibility of uncovering the most profound ideas.
Instead of bearing the burden alone, why not let a carefully selected group of
brains in on the process? Invite your "inner circle" over for a Brainstorming
Bash to work through and brainstorm ideas, solutions, and thoughts with you.
With your "team" in place, pose the question or problem and then begin to work
together toward solutions. Here are a few processes that work especially well
with a group:
1. Brain Writing Game. Each person receives 10 blank index cards upon
which they record utterly implausible solutions, writing one per card. The cards
are then put up on the wall. Other participants now have 5 minutes to silently
read all the solutions and add their ideas for how they could be converted into
a more practical way of solving the issue. Those new ideas are also placed on
the wall. Each participant then has two votes (e.g., two sticky stars) to vote
for what he/she now considers to be the most improbable idea on the numbered
cards. Next, form two sub-groups, and, using the top 2 ideas, give each group 10
minutes to develop five viable solutions for the ideas. Each sub-group then
tries to sell' their ideas to the other group. Lastly, everyone comes together
and agrees on the best ideas overall.
2. Mind Mapping. Layout a large sheet of paper. Record the question
and/or topic in the center of the page. For each major sub-topic or cluster of
material, start a new major branch from the central topic, and label it. Each
sub-sub-topic or sub-cluster forms a subordinate branch to the appropriate main
branch. Carry on in this way for ever finer sub-branches. It is also fun to use
drawings instead of words to bring it to life. Check out
www.VisualThesaurus.com for a
thesaurus-based version of a mind-mapping tool!
3. Group Drawing. Provide each participant with paper and a variety of
tools, such as colored pencils, chalk, crayons and markers. Tell the
participants they will have 10 minutes to draw the solution to the problem.
Inform them that they can be literal or abstract with what they put on the page
and to freely record whatever comes to them. After 10 minutes, have the group
share their creations/solutions.
4. Idea Surge. Each person is given 10 blank sheets of paper. On each
piece the person writes down ideas (one idea per sheet), and one-at-a-time
passes the papers to the person on his/her right. The next person reads the
idea, adds to it, and then passes the sheet on. Each sheet of paper is then
passed around the circle and gathers an idea from each participant. If you have
10 participants, with 10 pieces of paper, you will have gathered 1000 ideas!
Coaching Inquiries: Why are you trying to solve the problem alone? Who could you
include on your Research and Development team? How could you turn your current
challenge into a game?
 To reply to this Pathway, use our
Feedback Form. To learn more about our
Creativity Coaching Programs and to
arrange for a complementary Creativity coaching session, use our
Contact Form or
Email Erika.
May you be filled with goodness, peace, and joy.
Erika Jackson
(Erika@LifeTrekCoaching.com)
LifeTrek Coaching International
Columbus, OH
U.S.A.
Telephone: 614-565-9953
Fax: 208-977-7793
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