Got A Problem? Tell A Monkey

A strange thing happens when we restate complex problems in terms simple enough for a monkey to understand: the solution often tumbles out of the sky.

So why does talking to a stuffed toy help us out?  It’s the act of distilling the problem into its basic elements and reframing it — saying the same thing a different way — that gets the brain working on new outcomes.

Start by creating the most simple problem statement possible.  “We have a problem in that [insert your problem here]“.  There’s an old saying that always rings true: a problem named is a problem half solved.

Wrongology: Letting Go of Rightness

We go to great lengths to prove we’re right.  We defend our point of view when challenged.  We debate and argue to get others to see things our way. And yet we celebrate movies and books that surprise us with plot twists and red herrings just so that we can enjoy the feeling of being wrong when we get to the end of the story.  What happens to us in real life that compels us to be right?  Are we missing opportunities to be surprised and delighted?

If you can spare 18 minutes to watch this insightful TED video, I promise you will gain a new appreciation for being wrong every once in a while.

 

Innovation Starts With Curiosity

Some of the best ideas in history were born by accident.  The discovery of penicillin came about when Alexander Fleming wondered why bacteria would not grow near the penicillium fungus on his desk.  That single moment of curiosity changed life forever by saving countless people from bacterial infections that previously might have proven fatal.

Think about the problems plaguing your business today.  Is there one in particular that would benefit from a short brainstorming session?  Start by clearly naming the problem.  It may help to write a sentence that begins with these words: We have a problem in that…

Next, gather a few people who can give you 20 or 30 minutes of their time.  They needn’t be involved directly with your business – in fact, fresh eyes can provide creativity and originality.

Give everyone permission to think in irrational or illogical terms and ask them to stay curious.  No judging allowed — brainstorming is strictly for stimulating ideas.  At the end of the session, gather all the potential solutions, thank your collaborators, and end the meeting.  Pick a time to review the ideas and grade them according to ease of implementation, cost and impact.  You may find you have one or more practical solutions that would not have occurred to you in isolation.

Another post you might enjoy: A Culture of Innovation

Anything’s Possible If You’ve Got Enough Nerve

 

I love that quote! How often do we get caught up in risk aversion or “what if” thinking and totally miss out on leveraging an opportunity while it’s still fueled by enthusiasm and naïveté?

“Anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.” – J. K. Rowling

In case you don’t recognize the name, J.K. Rowling is the author of the immensely popular Harry Potter series. Prior to the success of Harry Potter, J.K. (then known as Jo) was pretty much destitute. She came up with the book idea while riding on a train. Good thing she didn’t spend too much time thinking about what the odds of success were.  She could have easily talked herself out of it.

Set goals big enough to be exciting, hard enough to be just out of your grasp, and then publicize them.  There’s nothing like a public objective to get the adrenaline rushing!

A Culture Of Innovation – How Do You Know?

While many organizations claim to operate within a culture of innovation only about 1/3 of Fortune 1000 companies have formal innovation metrics in place.  Lacking a measurement system does not mean the firm doesn’t value innovation.  After all, unless you are 3M and making your living by bringing new inventions to market, measuring innovation can be a little like nailing jello to the wall.  

Questions to ask:

• When people try new things and make mistakes are they celebrated or vilified?
• Have you lost valued talent from stifling creativity or empowerment?
• Are ideas from the rank and file pushed to the side citing lack of time?
• Do you have an open and transparent platform for collecting innovative ideas – one that encourages collaboration and maximizes the thinking power of the organization?

I’m a process oriented person – almost a conformist. I admire companies like McDonald’s for their efficiency and consistency through process. But I’m also highly creative. That means I’m open to changing processes in search of better results. I’m driven to find that magical balance between the need for efficient process and an appreciation for innovation. 

“Corporate culture is, above all, the most important factor in driving innovation.” Rajesh Chandy, professor of marketing at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management and a charter member of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Advisory Committee on Measuring Innovation in the 21st Century Economy

Learning resources:

How To Create A Corporate Culture Of Innovation – Business Insider War Room

How Corporate Culture Promotes Innovation