Category: Brainstorming and Ideation

Improv can help develop Business Creativity

I often use improv theatre techniques in my workshops on creativity and innovation. They are little plays in which people have to spontaneously handle unexpected situations in front of an audience. Usually delegates approach these challenges with some caution but after a little training and practice they find them entertaining and liberating. The methods can be amusing icebreakers. But they also serve... Read More--

Try this Lateral Brainstorm Technique – the Random Word

I facilitate creative thinking sessions for major corporate customers and it is sometimes a challenge to displace the delegates out of their conventional ways of thinking. If I want to generate really creative and unorthodox ideas then I often introduce a random stimulus. The easiest one to start with is the random word. Just pick up a dictionary and choose a noun at random. Write the word on the top... Read More--

How to use the Disney Method

Walt Disney Initially the group thinks as outsiders and review the facts, data and external viewpoints regarding the issue at hand. They might take the roles of consultants, customers, suppliers or competitors in order to get a more rounded view of the issue. The group then leaves the room and re-enters but this time as dreamers. They strive to imagine an ideal solution without any constraints. They... Read More--

Try using Additive rather than Competitive Ideation

It is usual to design suggestions schemes, brainstorms and ideation meetings from a competitive point of view. So we might say that we want a large number of ideas and then by a darwinian process we will eliminate the weaker suggestions and choose the best. People might vote on the proposals and the most popular win through. This approach will work if the challenge is clearly stated in terms of desired... Read More--