2 Thinking differently
Are you familiar with the phrase ‘thinking outside the box’ to describe thinking differently or from a new perspective? This is essentially how the Fast Idea Generator Tool works: it prompts you to break the conventions of ‘normal’ thinking. Doing this successfully is not so much about talent as it is about your attitude, approach and willingness to be playful in order to generate some ideas that might seem a little silly.
This can feel uncomfortable at first, particularly in a work context where we are used to being analytical and logical, trying to go straight to the ‘right’ answer without making mistakes. We might also be concerned that our peers and seniors will disapprove of our creative suggestions. These constraints make it difficult to think of different and effective ways to do something, because we’d need to be able to articulate a fully-formed solution without room for error or question!
In creative thinking, you are focusing on idea generation rather than solution planning, therefore there is no right answer. The more answers you can think of, the better – however silly they may be. It’s critically important that this understanding is shared among all participants working with the Fast Idea Generator Tool to ensure that everyone feels that they are in a comfortable and safe activity space where there is no risk of criticism.
Key point
Creative thinking can only be successful if people feel able to be silly without fear of judgment.
Activity 2
Think about people you know and work with. If you were facilitating a creative-thinking activity for them, how comfortable would they be to voice a silly or not well thought out idea? What can you do to make this easier? Make some notes in the text box below.
Discussion
Your response to this activity will depend on the culture and environment within which you work. In my own experience, the group dynamic changes according to levels of authority in the room. If everyone is at the same level, then they will feel more comfortable than they would if more senior colleagues were in the room.
You can address this before the activity begins by preparing people about who will be present. For example, I might talk to my boss and let him know that I’m going to make a point of telling everyone that he is under instruction to be silly and to expect this from the rest of the group. He could then make a joke of holding the responsibility of ‘instructing’ everyone to do as they’re told and be silly.
1.1 Using the Fast Idea Generator Tool