Brainstorming as a Culture

Brainstorming That Works describes it the following way:

The expression brain storm and the word brainstorming was popularized in Applied Imagination by Alex Osborn. The word is a perfect description of the brain's process. Many synapses start firing and multiple associations stored in the brain get recalled. The point is to get so many thoughts coming up simultaneously and triggering so many other thoughts and ideas that your mind's alter ego that likes to think negative thoughts can't get a word in edge wise. 

The little boat is the problem statement :)

So what does brainstorming require? Well really, it is a very simple list.

1. As stated above, have a clear problem statement. What is the goal of this session? Don't be so focused that you limit the innovation, but still be clear.
2. Everybody participates. I'm highlighting that one because it is the one I feel is most important. I am dedicated to the Learning Organization and this is a big part of that. I don't think you'll get the best ideas if your STORM is limited to a room of architects. 
3. As Tom Kelley states in his book, set a goal for a one hour meeting. He found that 100 ideas in that time equals a good session.
4. Have fun. Consider this a benefit. You are creating a culture that will attract the best talent. Allow the comedic solutions, in fact, encourage them. 

As a Learning Organization we all strive to utilize all brain power to spark innovation. Brainstorming is a must-have in this culture. Not once-in-a-while, but constantly. 

The more it is used, the more influence it will have on your corporate culture.

You'll see creativity sparking here and there on a regular basis because the juices are flowing and everyone feels that it is not only allowed to contribute on this level, but expected.

Once word gets out, you'll enjoy knowing that you've just updated your company's reputation to "a cool place to work"

In summary, by implementing brainstorming into your planning or sprints, you'll generate more innovative ideas, foster a more collaborative environment, strengthen your learning organization, and build a better reputation that'll attract and retain the best talent. .
Oh yeah, and it is practically free  :)

ENJOY

The Lean Startup

The Lean Startup on Amazon

I've been re-reading Eric Ries' amazing book.
It is just as good the second time through - not a skim and jump around read, but good enough as a text to go cover to cover.

What you'll find here is the foundation for building a company. This book wasn't around when I was doing my MBA, and we were given "The New Business Roadtest". I'm sorry for that, because this book belongs in the required reading of any MBA, especially those that focus on entrepreneurship.

This book complements some of my other favorites, The Fifth Discipline and Davenport's Process Innovation.

For companies that strive to build a Learning Organization (and the best ones do), the Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop is integral to driving for success.

10X v 10%

The title looks like a horrible math problem.

However, in reality what it comes down to is "Innovation & Improvement: Not the Same Thing"

I've recently decided to go back to basics and re-read the best book on 'Process' ever. I refer to Davenport's HBS edition of Process Innovation. If you can read past the early 90's predictive voice in regards to IT, the rather immutable facts present themselves. Its best to start by just getting the terms defined.

There is a lot of confusion in the terms -to name a few:

• Process Redesign
• Process Improvement
• Continuous Improvement
• Process Innovation

Davenport makes a dramatic distinction between Process Innovation and Improvement.

Process Improvement sets it's goals at 5 to 10%

Process Innovation however has goals of 50 to 100%. That's a 10X change

So does that answer the question as to whether these terms are interchangeable?

Yes, there is a huge difference between them.

Does this mean that we should choose Process Innovation over Process Improvement?

No, they work together.

Buying a new car is a big change, but you need to have a maintenance plan or it'll break down.

Process Innovation effort makes large cultural changes across organizational areas (big risk - big reward). Process Improvement continuously updates the resulting processes to make them more efficient over time.

These two disciplines work together for the health of the business.

Process Innovation handing off to Process Improvement.