participants to wish for the impossible – and then figure out how to make it at least
somewhat possible.
Picture prompts. If there is a manufacturing challenge, for example, a leader can
present to the group pictures that show industrial scenes. Photos of things being
made or transformed can help generate ideas, he says. This technique, he says, is
quick and can work well with people who are more visual.
Worst idea. This can work especially well if a group if cynical or unhappy (think
customer service.) Participants are asked to come up with the worst ideas they can –
even if they’re stupid, illegal and gross. Not only can this get a group laughing and
more upbeat, but those bad ideas can be turned upside down and used to create
some good ones.
Semantic intuition. This technique works well for challenges that include coming
up with names for a new product. “This is probably the technique that generates the
most laughs and is the most playful,” he says. In this exercise, participants are asked
to combine several categories of key words to create a name for a new product or
idea. Participants should be encouraged to go beyond the literal meanings of the
words to create something that can work, he says.
“You have to remember that people are so time crunched and it’s almost impossible for
them to come up with innovative ideas because they don’t have the time. They’re just
thinking you’re giving them another job,” Mattimore says. “The world just needs to learn
how to do brainstorming more quickly and efficiently.”
He even has a suggestion when a boss can’t find the time for everyone to attend an idea
sessions. He suggests putting a white board and markers in an open area and posting a
challenge. Then, as participants walk by they can add an idea – a quick and easy way to
generate ideas for a busy workplace.
“It’s an interactive suggestion box that they use without spending a lot of time on it,” he
says.
What strategies do you use to generate innovative ideas in your workplace?