Professional web design, Cumbria, North LancashireWe can spend ages looking for a solution to which the answer in some shape or form is already there. Look what Mother Nature does and learn. Velcro, flight and many other things we take for granted is often the result of someone watching Mother Nature and implementing what they have learned.
Too often we see something and immediately take action, little thought is given to the process and we give an impact/react solution.
What we refer to as Ready - Fire AIM. Think about it!
The truth is that it rarely works for long; we usually have to go back and find something else to confront and solve the problem or issue.
We think of new things or good ideas when we least expect to, in the bath, in bed, watching the TV, in our sleep, or anywhere else for that matter. The point is that when we do come up with an idea it is not usually at work where we probably need it, so never rule out the thinking break or thinking time at the workplace or even away from it.
Your customer is the one who uses your product or service most so why not involve them in product improvement; they know what works and what doesn’t work for them. So the chances are that what they are looking for – your other customers need as well.
If you find a process that has lots of bells and whistles, needs extensive training, think twice. The more you spend on "solution finding" software and processes the less likely your employees are to take it on board. We really have found that the simple things work best, are remembered by employees and used over and over again with excellent results.
Remember that when we think it is usually in the form of mental pictures, get into the habit of thinking, recording and telling your story or ideas in that way. (A picture is worth a thousand words) To explain what we mean, think of a building or a car; now visualise yourself walking around it, from each elevation as you move around the object it looks a little different, well it can be the same with a problem or opportunity. Take time to give it what we call a good "coat of looking at" from more than one angle, remember
The more views you have - the more perspectives
The more Perspectives - the more probabilities
The more Probabilities - the more potential solutions
The more Solutions - the more opportunities
The more Opportunities - the more BENEFITS!
Use brainstorming to get as many ideas or alternatives as possible. The more you have to work on the better the outcome, aim for a minimum of 30.
Use notes effectively - Flip Charts, Laptops, Mind-Maps, Index cards, Diagrams, Transparencies, Flow charts and graphics.
Visual representation carries more weight than talk and discussion.
Some of the best ideas happen by chance (serendipity) while you are looking for something else. Always be aware of the part that serendipity can play but do not rely on it turning up when you most need it. Serendipity can be a fickle friend but friend it can be if you can realise when it is playing a part.
The reason why brainstorming is so popular is because it provides a safe haven for thinking, where nothing can be criticised and everything is given credence until the analysis phase begins. People come up with more ideas and their best ideas when they feel unthreatened. The same maxim applies to solution finding, the less pressure – the better the results can be however, sometimes the one thing that brings home the bacon is a process which is time bound to come up with an idea. Set boundaries and focus.
Many hands make light work. It's as true to day as it was for Confucius, bear it in mind.
We can spend ages looking for a solution to which the answer in some shape or form is already there. Look what Mother Nature does and learn. Velcro, flight and many other things we take for granted is often the result of someone watching Mother Nature and implementing what they have learned.
For a good idea to stand the test of time it need input from others. Never be afraid to solicit constructive support or criticism
Some years ago a reporter said to Gary Player the golfer
"Don't you think you were a bit lucky to play as well today?"
Player replied: "You know, its funny – the harder I practice the luckier I get"
Creativity and innovation are bedfellows which have to be courted frequently if they are to produce offspring's. You would not expect an athlete to go out and win a race without training before hand, the mind is no different, the more you use it the better it becomes.
