9/25/11

HAVE YOU EVER FELT "STUMPED," "STUCK" OR "STALE" WHEN TRYING TO COME UP WITH GREAT IDEAS TO ADDRESS AN ISSUE?

An excellent and simple way to generate a wide variety of ideas is to "brainstorm" with other people who are involved in the situation at hand. When performed correctly, "brainstorming” or what I personally call a “skull session” helps keep everyone engaged and involved in the process. It can also generate excitement, enthusiasm, collaboration and lots of creativity.

Here's one way to do it:


1.    Thoroughly review the details of the topic with the group 

2.    Allow a short time for the participants to think about the issue

3.    Invite the participants to start making suggestions and have a facilitator capture the essence of each suggestion on a flip-chart or whiteboard. (Note: It is extremely important that nobody judges, critiques or rejects anyone's suggestion at this time. It might suppress future participation and close the door on creativity)

4.    Encourage participants to go out of the box and throw as many ideas as they can in a short period of time.

5.    After no more ideas are presented, take a close look at the results. Gain clarification, combine duplicates, and categorize the ideas for more efficient processing. Sometimes the best solution is one that comes from "left field" or is deceptively simple and elegant. Take the time to properly listen, process, and understand or risk missing it! 

6.    Take the ideas above and grow them.  Pick a word or phrase and ask for additional ideas based on that concept.  You will be amazed at the results.
The growing sales or management professional will learn that to be truly successful we should tap into existing information from others to arrive at the best solutions for our clients.  You should always solicit knowledge and input from the people around you with whom you trust.

Have a tremendous week.  Call or write if I can assist you or your company in any way.


Regards,


George F. Mancuso, CPC
President
Client Growth Consultants