McKeown (2014) and Canfield
(2011) both provide us with some good strategies that can assist with
innovation projects. One strategy that
Canfield (2011) talks about is the Bono Idea: PO. PO is what Canfield describes as a device or
tool for changing the way we think and also a method for working out problems
through creative thinking. This thinking
tool forces us to see outside the box and the general yes/no system that we are
accustomed to. He explains that NO is a
basic tool of the logic system, yes is the basic tool of the belief system,
while PO is the basic tool of the creative system. The idea of this strategy is to challenge our
logical thought processes, beliefs and values and look past the obvious. Using PO tool is almost like a reminder to
problem solve using other perspectives.
It is also a way of avoiding what is called the Abiline Paradox which is
when team members echo the choices that other team makers make to appear as if
they are a good team-player.
Another strategy that Canfield (2014) discusses is what he terms
“stamping out the BOPSAT”. BOPSAT stands
for Bunch of People Sitting Around Talking.
This strategy focuses on collaborative and shared space. Canfield explains how important it is to take
the time to set the environment and the space where groups are to meet. He tells us that it makes a huge difference
in regards to the “efficiency and productivity of the meeting” (Canfield, 2011,
p. 170). I feel this is a very important
strategy. I remember when I used to work
for an IT firm and we use to do retreats with our teams. The retreats allowed us to leave the
confounds of the office and meet an neutral areas. It was very effective in nurturing our
creative natures as well as allowed for closer bonding and communication of the
team members. He also explains that tools such as boards, flipcharts, and any
other key mediums used to communicate are essential in creating better
conversation and creative thinking.
McKeown (2014) also mentions quite a few strategies. One that
resonates with me is Altshuller’s theory of inventive problem-solving. This strategy helps one solve problems
creatively. This tool is more about
strategy and finding the contradictions in the problem. Working backwards. You also try to compare the specific problem
you are trying to solve to similar problems. McKeown (2014) explains that “is a creative
process that moves from the abstract solution to a concrete solution” (Part 6, Section 5). This tool allows for a different perspective on
problem solving. You look at the
specific problem and work backwards from it. You change the order of events and take away
instead of add. By this way you are
stripping away the issues to see what the real contradiction is. I like this tool because I feel that you are
more involved in the creative process and actively engaged in the dynamics of
the transformation from problem to solution.
References
No comments:
Post a Comment