InnovatorsDigest

Technique of the Week: Think Like Nostradamus

Predict next year’s headlines.
What might happen in 2008?

Imagine or ask your clients to imagine what next year will look like. This technique allows you to identify both conscious and pre-conscious ideas on where you or your clients truly want to be. These predictions can often give you a 12-month head start on how to approach planning and goal setting for the future. It can also give you unexpected insight into where you or a company wants to be in a year. Bonus: Turn your best predictions into an actual newspaper or magazine headline. This can be an very effective motivator

Technique of the Week: Assumption Junction

One of the biggest blocks to innovation is not challenging your assumptions. By challenging assumptions, you can open up your range of solutions. Step 1: Write down at least three assumptions you’re making about the problem to be solved. Step 2: Now challenge each assumption by stating it’s opposite (or its negative). Step 3: Write down any potential benefits or ideas that spring from you challenge to the assumptions. Example: You need a store to rent videos. You order them over the Internet, from Blockbuster or NetFlix.

Creative Concerts: Jazz up your creative juices.

Stuck on a problem? Record 10 to 20 very brief (5-15 sec.) segments of a wide variety of musical styles into an MP3 or music mix. Close your eyes, relax and listen without distractions. Allow your mind to flow and emotions to change with the music. When you open your eyes, write down any thoughts connected to the problem that may have been generated. Many people report flashes of insight right after a "Creative Concert."