Idea Generation

Idea generation is a powerful tool that can be leveraged to drive innovation. In order to be successful, the idea generation program must be clear and consistent, reaching down to all levels of the organization. However, not following through on an idea generation program dooms it to
failure, as can be seen in suggestion boxes that are never opened and exit interviews that are not analyzed. Successful idea generation programs are long-term and transparent. Good ideas are immediately and publicly rewarded. These programs have a greater chance of success when creativity tools are taught in advance.

Identifying and Creating a Problem Bank

Identifying and formulating the problem is the most difficult part of creative problem solving. Very often we state symptoms of the problems and end up wasting scarce resources chasing the illusionary “golden deer of the epics.” Management then becomes so emotionally committed to the wrong path that we can end up moving faster and faster along the wrong road. It is like a man who drills an oil well, in a bad spot. More and more money is spent with no resulting strike. But those involved, refuse to fill up the unproductive well and move on to a new location. They continue throwing good money after bad, because they do not want to admit that a mistake had been made initially.

6M Map for Problem Analysis
6M Plus, Minus, Interesting
Men
Materials
Machines
Methods
Markets
Money

It is important to involve everyone in identifying the real problem. What is a problem for the worker need not seem like a problem for the manager.

Identifying and Creating a Problem Bank

Identifying and formulating the problem is the most difficult part of creative problem solving. Very often we state symptoms of the problems and end up wasting scarce resources chasing the illusionary “golden deer of the epics.” Management then becomes so emotionally committed to the wrong path that we can end up moving faster and faster along the wrong road. It is like a man who drills an oil well, in a bad spot. More and more money is spent with no resulting strike. But those involved, refuse to fill up the unproductive well and move on to a new location. They continue throwing good money after bad, because they do not want to admit that a mistake had been made initially.

6M Map for Problem Analysis
6M Plus Minus Interesting
Men
Materials
Machines
Methods
Markets
Money

It is important to involve everyone in identifying the real problem. What is a problem for the worker need not seem like a problem for the manager.

Nurturing Creativity

The first step in developing an environment that nurtures creativity is to separate idea generation from analysis. Most business sessions do not yield too many breakthrough ideas because managers are too busy shooting down each other’s ideas. Such meetings produce boring, safe and often useless suggestions.
Today is the age of knowledge. Innovation can take companies forward at the speed of thought. The list below outlines the process:

• Identifying and Creating a Problem Bank
• Idea Generation
• Analysis : the gateway to solutions
• Implementation: The Final Stage of the Process

The MindsPower Way

MindsPower process focuses on stimulating fresh thinking in managers and leaders with the goal of bringing new power and perspectives to their organizations. In strategic planning assignments, the client’s own planning team works out the plan, knowing that the important thing about a strategic plan is not the paper it is printed on, but the process it creates within an organization.
The process facilitates culture change, whether the transformation is being driven by shifting paradigms in the market or by internal events like mergers or acquisitions. Many companies use the process to create profitable new products and processes, often drawing on MindsPower’s unique research process for tapping the creativity of customers. Product development assignments not only assist with the birth of new ideas, but stay with the company all the way to the market.
Companies use the process to create or revitalize quality improvement programs. Another important area of work is corporate transformation, by developing high-performing managers and teams and promoting cross functional teamwork. This often involves mounting an Innovative Teamwork Program, which enables people to invent better ways of working and performing together. MindsPower programs are often tailored to the specific needs of each company.

The MindsPower Group

The first step in a MindsPower group is to install the positive field. The field is consciously installed where members of the group feel safe to be open, inventive, and even silly. Playfulness and fun define the MindsPower field. The positive emotions of love, compassion, laughter, courage and wonder are consciously poured into the field.
This climate is critical to the emergence of creative ideas. If all the emerging ideas are the type one feels comfortable with, then the ideas are probably 200 years old. That is why they feel as comfortable as old slippers.

THE MINDSPOWER PROCESS

The greatest competitive advantage comes from out-innovating the competition. As Tom Peters put it, “Add 10 differentiations to every product or service every 60 days. Sounds impossible. Isn’t it tough? It is. But what are the options? Your competitors are not sitting still.”
Innovation is the ultimate human resource which can ensure the competitive advantage of companies. It is the use of creative thinking tools that can provide the competitive edge required to face the challenge of globalization. Creativity may become essential for survival in the Indian context, where there is such a major limitation of resources.