"Search for the value in all new ideas"
By Annie Waite, Global Editor of the Internal Comms Hub, Melcrum
This is what Jonathan Vehar of New & Improved consultancy advised at the IABC Chicago luncheon today, looking into energizing innovation in organisations.
By posing the question "Is it real or is it bogus?" Jonathan asked those present to decide whether the initially "out there" ideas he mentioned were real ideas that had actually reached fruition in the world, or simply ridiculous suggestions mooted by mad people on drugs...
Needless to say, our collective logical and unadventurous minds jumped at the option to poo-poo the ideas he presented to us – including renting cars to those with current/outstanding drunkdriving and speeding offences, by the way – and in every case, we were wrong.
Thus, he said we need to train ourselves to search for the value in all new ideas, as some might just work, for reasons not immediately clear.
Among the takeaways Jonathan left us was his own version of the 'SWOT' analysis technique - his 4 POINters for drawing out great ideas and lightbulb moments :
- Pluses - look for the benefits and advantages of new ideas
- Opportunities - see if the idea opens up any new opportunities
- Issues - what limits are there to the idea?
- New thinking - look at ways to overcome these limits
So, does anyone have any other suggestions for encouraging an innovation-hungry organisation or team? Wacky as possible please.
Soundtrack to the blog: Lightbulb Sun by Porcupine Tree
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