|
|
|
5 Ways To Earn A Few Extra Cash - Without Spending Much
Having an extra amount of money to add to your pocket is a very nice feeling but regardless of what other people might say, it involves some kind determination, creativity and work especially if you do not have a big capital to start with. At these...
Can You Hear Your Honeypots Calling?
Pooh, along with his friend Piglet, was lost in the forest. (They were led there by Rabbit, who was carrying out his evil plot trying to get Tigger to stop bouncing.)
They kept going around and around in circles, and finally Rabbit left them at...
Creativity Management – the Value of Frameworks
One of the most valuable tools for maximising idea generation is the use of frameworks. Frameworks break a large task into smaller more manageable pieces but also include the sum of knowledge of previous research.
Creativity can be...
Creativity Myths
Sustained myths about Creativity and Innovation lead to confusion, bad practice and bad decision-making. Some of them include: 1. Creativity requires Creative Types While some theorists assert that there are creativity traits such as tolerance for...
What Sort of Training is Most Effective?
Organisations are turning more and more to external training
companies to develop the 'soft' skills of their staff. With so
much expertise available what do people need to look for to get
the best from the training they buy in?
At Impact...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
How to Turn Idea Squashers into Possibilities
By Steve Brunkhorst
http://www.AchieveEzine.com
Managing a small business continues to become more challenging. However, history has shown that resourceful business owners will succeed. They will prosper, turning disadvantages into advantages by thinking creatively.
While entrepreneurs focused on competition fade into the past, those working from a creative standpoint will carry the torch. The creative individual will force the solution to a problem by looking closely at his or her vision, values, resources, and assumptions. He or she will find alternatives through creative problem solving.
I recently attended a business seminar where the presenter talked about "idea squashers." Squashers are assumptions that form barriers to creative thought. You've probably known someone who was great at coming up with squashers when first hearing new ideas. It's the familiar "Yeah but..." response. The trick is to turn the squasher into a possibility by responding to it with a leading question, or "assumption buster."
Here are some examples of squashers that block creative thought:
We've always done it this way.
I've already tried that.
There's too much competition.
It's irrelevant to our situation.
You don't have enough experience.
We don't have a big enough budget.
An "average Joe" can't get ahead.
We haven't got the manpower.
Someone might not like it.
Let's stick with what works.
It's too far ahead of the times.
That's not in my job description.
I'll get back to you later.
Stick with what you know.
It will take too much time.
Nobody asked you to
do this.
By replying to these statements with leading questions, a reframing occurs. New possibilities and solutions begin to emerge.
Here are some examples of questions that challenge old assumptions:
"If we tried again, and made this slight change, how might it improve the results?"
"What could happen if you increased your skills and value by gaining knowledge in new areas?"
"What support would you need to accomplish this job?
"If we began again with a clean slate, what would you do differently?
"How could we determine the response to this idea in advance?"
"What other options are you willing to create?"
How would you turn the squashers listed above into possibilities? I'm sure you can think of more thought barriers similar to my examples.
This exercise will strengthen your creativity. It also makes an enlightening group activity. When someone replies to the leading question with another squasher, the questioner again challenges the answer with another leading question.
Try turning idea squashers into possibilities by challenging assumptions. You will generate many creative solutions that might have been overlooked. You will also solve problems in a way that is skill enhancing and enjoyable.
About the Author
© Copyright 2002 by Steve Brunkhorst. Steve coaches people to help them revitalize their inner spark, access their natural talents, and design strategies to reach their personal and career goals. Get Steve's motivational and inspirational mini-zine, Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com
|
|
|
|
|
|