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Casual Articles - It's Time For Plan B - Brainstorming!
Corporate Award And Gift Give Employees Pride
What so good about corporate award and gift? Everybody knows achievement gives a person a sense of pride and accomplishment. What might not be as well understood is that it's the recognition that makes much of the difference. By using awards and gifts in your office, you can encourage your employees to work hard and to achieve more. By giving a well- performing employee an award, you not only stimulate further improvement in him, but in the rest of the office as well, because they will want the same recognit
bble makers to loosen everyone up.What so good about corporate award and gift? Everybody knows achievement gives a person a sense of pride and accomplishment. What might not be as well understood is that it's the recognition that makes much of the difference. By using awards and gifts in your office, you can encourage your employees to work hard and to achieve more. By giving a well- performing employee an award, you not only stimulate further improvement in him, but in the rest of the office as well, because they will want the same recognit
- Encourage participation by all
- Language is key. Use sentences such as "What if we…?", "How about…", "Let's try…", or "Suppose we…"
- Check your skepticism, negativity and ego at the door. It's not about whose ideas are embraced. All ideas should be received, for the benefit of the group your mission.
- Employ the "Yes, AND…" approach instead of a "Yes, BUT…" stance in response to others' ideas.
- Remind people to suspend judgment throughout the session
- Assign a scribe or tape record the meeting. Consider a graphic recorder. (Visit www.GraphicRecorders.com for one I recommend.)
- Allow enough time for people to
Backpacking - How To Lighten Your Gear
The military has a term for moving personal equipment form place to place that backpackers have adopted – humping your hear. There’s something about the phrase that suggests effort, and that is certainly true. Hauling personal gear for camping and hiking can be one of the less thrilling parts of the backpacking experience.In order to minimize the downside of backpacking, give some thought to what you truly need for where you’re going. A little research into specific campsites you pick for your trip will reveal a l
Our workgroup was in the middle of a spirited brainstorming session — a free form session where creativity is encouraged, judgment is suspended, and the best ideas often come after ten or more minutes. The ideas were flying fast and furious, as they should, when the group gets momentum. The energy was intoxicating. And, in a fit of inspiration, I one employee suggested, "Why don't we reverse the order of the deliverables!?"The military has a term for moving personal equipment form place to place that backpackers have adopted – humping your hear. There’s something about the phrase that suggests effort, and that is certainly true. Hauling personal gear for camping and hiking can be one of the less thrilling parts of the backpacking experience.In order to minimize the downside of backpacking, give some thought to what you truly need for where you’re going. A little research into specific campsites you pick for your trip will reveal a l
While nine other people energetically accepted this offer as worthy of inclusion on their flip chart of ideas, their manager scowled "That will never work!"
Thus ended a productive brainstorming session. Sadly, the manager was unclear on the concept at play. She replaced a brainstorm with a brain fart and stunk up the entire process.
A Different Kind of Collaboration
Brainstorming is a special type of meeting, with its own ground rules, tempo and ethos. It's also an invaluable tool for idea generation, problem solving, innovation, teambuilding and creativity. Whether you are tasked with creating new sales contests, new strategic initiatives or simply trying to break the doldrums of your day-to-day routines, brainstorming carries the day.
Rules That Rock!
By definition, brainstorming is unlike your typical meetings. Its unbounded by traditional rules where pre-determined people speak on pre-determined subjects for prescribed times. Like a jam session of Jazz musicians, all you need to do is begin recording and let the sounds begin. Remember, the key is to record it all. Later you can go back and edit out that which might not be considered beautiful music.
In Brainstorming sessions everyone is equal, all ideas are worthy of consideration, all judgment is suspended and a person's rank or status is irrelevant. The goal is to fill the air with ideas, depart from conventional thinking, and allow the smorgasbord of strategies, ideas, inspirations and epiphanies to cross-pollinate each other. Think of brainstorming meetings as magnificent melting pots, a veritable giant stew bowl where bouillabaisse bubbles and bursts, unleashing new, exciting and innovative initiatives. Consider a skilled facilitator for best results, though this isn't a requirement.
The B-List: Preparing for Your Meeting
The following recommendations will insure a successful session, whether it's a stand-alone brainstorm or part of a larger meeting or event:
- Adorn your environment with art, toys, games, crayons, colored markers or other stimuli to get the juices flowing and invite fun, free thinking and playfulness.
- Consider special written invitations in advance to set the tone, expectations and goals for the session
- Create a mental and/or physical ice breaker to loosen everyone up.
- Consider lava lamps, beanbag chairs and even bubble-gum and bubble makers to loosen everyone up.
- Encourage participation by all
- Language is key. Use sentences such as "What if we…?", "How about…", "Let's try…", or "Suppose we…"
- Check your skepticism, negativity and ego at the door. It's not about whose ideas are embraced. All ideas should be received, for the benefit of the group your mission.
- Employ the "Yes, AND…" approach instead of a "Yes, BUT…" stance in response to others' ideas.
- Remind people to suspend judgment throughout the session
- Assign a scribe or tape record the meeting. Consider a graphic recorder. (Visit www.GraphicRecorders.com for one I recommend.)
- Allow enough time for people to l
All In A Days Work In 2 Easy Steps
Is your list of tasks and projects getting bigger by the day? It seems that your day is out of control. You know what I mean? The phone is ringing off the hook. Your emails are piling up. Your desk is becoming a mess. Papers are stacking up. You go from task to task. You are eating lunch at your desk again. You stop and think why are some people so organized in their life. They have it "controlled". What do they do so different? How do people get organized?Organization is actually a skill. It can be learned by anyone
ith a brain fart and stunk up the entire process.Is your list of tasks and projects getting bigger by the day? It seems that your day is out of control. You know what I mean? The phone is ringing off the hook. Your emails are piling up. Your desk is becoming a mess. Papers are stacking up. You go from task to task. You are eating lunch at your desk again. You stop and think why are some people so organized in their life. They have it "controlled". What do they do so different? How do people get organized?Organization is actually a skill. It can be learned by anyone
A Different Kind of Collaboration
Brainstorming is a special type of meeting, with its own ground rules, tempo and ethos. It's also an invaluable tool for idea generation, problem solving, innovation, teambuilding and creativity. Whether you are tasked with creating new sales contests, new strategic initiatives or simply trying to break the doldrums of your day-to-day routines, brainstorming carries the day.
Rules That Rock!
By definition, brainstorming is unlike your typical meetings. Its unbounded by traditional rules where pre-determined people speak on pre-determined subjects for prescribed times. Like a jam session of Jazz musicians, all you need to do is begin recording and let the sounds begin. Remember, the key is to record it all. Later you can go back and edit out that which might not be considered beautiful music.
In Brainstorming sessions everyone is equal, all ideas are worthy of consideration, all judgment is suspended and a person's rank or status is irrelevant. The goal is to fill the air with ideas, depart from conventional thinking, and allow the smorgasbord of strategies, ideas, inspirations and epiphanies to cross-pollinate each other. Think of brainstorming meetings as magnificent melting pots, a veritable giant stew bowl where bouillabaisse bubbles and bursts, unleashing new, exciting and innovative initiatives. Consider a skilled facilitator for best results, though this isn't a requirement.
The B-List: Preparing for Your Meeting
The following recommendations will insure a successful session, whether it's a stand-alone brainstorm or part of a larger meeting or event:
- Adorn your environment with art, toys, games, crayons, colored markers or other stimuli to get the juices flowing and invite fun, free thinking and playfulness.
- Consider special written invitations in advance to set the tone, expectations and goals for the session
- Create a mental and/or physical ice breaker to loosen everyone up.
- Consider lava lamps, beanbag chairs and even bubble-gum and bubble makers to loosen everyone up.
- Encourage participation by all
- Language is key. Use sentences such as "What if we…?", "How about…", "Let's try…", or "Suppose we…"
- Check your skepticism, negativity and ego at the door. It's not about whose ideas are embraced. All ideas should be received, for the benefit of the group your mission.
- Employ the "Yes, AND…" approach instead of a "Yes, BUT…" stance in response to others' ideas.
- Remind people to suspend judgment throughout the session
- Assign a scribe or tape record the meeting. Consider a graphic recorder. (Visit www.GraphicRecorders.com for one I recommend.)
- Allow enough time for people to
How To Share Your Success Story Without Sounding Like You Are Bragging
A great way to celebrate your achievements and capitalize on your successes is to share them with your clients, members, community leaders, and other influential decisionmakers. But how can you do that without sounding like you are bragging?Tell the story of your success using one of these five approaches, which will work for newsletter articles, website content, and press releases.Profile a Person Involved Personal profiles are a great way to share good news. Instead of talking about your accompli
f Jazz musicians, all you need to do is begin recording and let the sounds begin. Remember, the key is to record it all. Later you can go back and edit out that which might not be considered beautiful music.A great way to celebrate your achievements and capitalize on your successes is to share them with your clients, members, community leaders, and other influential decisionmakers. But how can you do that without sounding like you are bragging?Tell the story of your success using one of these five approaches, which will work for newsletter articles, website content, and press releases.Profile a Person Involved Personal profiles are a great way to share good news. Instead of talking about your accompli
In Brainstorming sessions everyone is equal, all ideas are worthy of consideration, all judgment is suspended and a person's rank or status is irrelevant. The goal is to fill the air with ideas, depart from conventional thinking, and allow the smorgasbord of strategies, ideas, inspirations and epiphanies to cross-pollinate each other. Think of brainstorming meetings as magnificent melting pots, a veritable giant stew bowl where bouillabaisse bubbles and bursts, unleashing new, exciting and innovative initiatives. Consider a skilled facilitator for best results, though this isn't a requirement.
The B-List: Preparing for Your Meeting
The following recommendations will insure a successful session, whether it's a stand-alone brainstorm or part of a larger meeting or event:
- Adorn your environment with art, toys, games, crayons, colored markers or other stimuli to get the juices flowing and invite fun, free thinking and playfulness.
- Consider special written invitations in advance to set the tone, expectations and goals for the session
- Create a mental and/or physical ice breaker to loosen everyone up.
- Consider lava lamps, beanbag chairs and even bubble-gum and bubble makers to loosen everyone up.
- Encourage participation by all
- Language is key. Use sentences such as "What if we…?", "How about…", "Let's try…", or "Suppose we…"
- Check your skepticism, negativity and ego at the door. It's not about whose ideas are embraced. All ideas should be received, for the benefit of the group your mission.
- Employ the "Yes, AND…" approach instead of a "Yes, BUT…" stance in response to others' ideas.
- Remind people to suspend judgment throughout the session
- Assign a scribe or tape record the meeting. Consider a graphic recorder. (Visit www.GraphicRecorders.com for one I recommend.)
- Allow enough time for people to
Selling The Sizzle And Not The Steak
I’ve been in sales for 35 years. Most of that time I worked as an advertising consultant for the Yellow Pages beginning with Mountain Bell in the eighties. I went to a plethora of sales meetings and seminars and was privy to advice from top sales people throughout the company. Although I had to sift through all that input, I tried to boil it down to a few basic principles that I can now pass on to the next generation of sales people. It begins with this simple premise. When you are out in front of the customer, you are try
Consider a skilled facilitator for best results, though this isn't a requirement.I’ve been in sales for 35 years. Most of that time I worked as an advertising consultant for the Yellow Pages beginning with Mountain Bell in the eighties. I went to a plethora of sales meetings and seminars and was privy to advice from top sales people throughout the company. Although I had to sift through all that input, I tried to boil it down to a few basic principles that I can now pass on to the next generation of sales people. It begins with this simple premise. When you are out in front of the customer, you are try
The B-List: Preparing for Your Meeting
The following recommendations will insure a successful session, whether it's a stand-alone brainstorm or part of a larger meeting or event:
- Adorn your environment with art, toys, games, crayons, colored markers or other stimuli to get the juices flowing and invite fun, free thinking and playfulness.
- Consider special written invitations in advance to set the tone, expectations and goals for the session
- Create a mental and/or physical ice breaker to loosen everyone up.
- Consider lava lamps, beanbag chairs and even bubble-gum and bubble makers to loosen everyone up.
- Encourage participation by all
- Language is key. Use sentences such as "What if we…?", "How about…", "Let's try…", or "Suppose we…"
- Check your skepticism, negativity and ego at the door. It's not about whose ideas are embraced. All ideas should be received, for the benefit of the group your mission.
- Employ the "Yes, AND…" approach instead of a "Yes, BUT…" stance in response to others' ideas.
- Remind people to suspend judgment throughout the session
- Assign a scribe or tape record the meeting. Consider a graphic recorder. (Visit www.GraphicRecorders.com for one I recommend.)
- Allow enough time for people to
Executive Skills - 7 Critical Upgrades for Personal and Professional Use
When Patrick Lencioni wrote ‘The Five Temptations of a CEO’ he gave a pretty clear picture of the level of mastery required for high performance leadership. These are tricky times make no mistake. CEO’s have a 90 day or less window to show results which makes sense given the speed of time but not when placed in corporate culture and working environments distracted by superficial symptoms of a deeper dynamic.Global change activates a subtle, typically undetected dynamic, putting pressure on the cultural context. It is
bble makers to loosen everyone up.When Patrick Lencioni wrote ‘The Five Temptations of a CEO’ he gave a pretty clear picture of the level of mastery required for high performance leadership. These are tricky times make no mistake. CEO’s have a 90 day or less window to show results which makes sense given the speed of time but not when placed in corporate culture and working environments distracted by superficial symptoms of a deeper dynamic.Global change activates a subtle, typically undetected dynamic, putting pressure on the cultural context. It is
- Encourage participation by all
- Language is key. Use sentences such as "What if we…?", "How about…", "Let's try…", or "Suppose we…"
- Check your skepticism, negativity and ego at the door. It's not about whose ideas are embraced. All ideas should be received, for the benefit of the group your mission.
- Employ the "Yes, AND…" approach instead of a "Yes, BUT…" stance in response to others' ideas.
- Remind people to suspend judgment throughout the session
- Assign a scribe or tape record the meeting. Consider a graphic recorder. (Visit www.GraphicRecorders.com for one I recommend.)
- Allow enough time for people to loosen up. Often the best ideas occur once the group has gotten over any self-consciousness and gathered momentum
Remember, like mastermind groups, brainstorming sessions rely on the reality that when multiple brainpower is applied the results are greater than the sum of their parts. You will generate great results from the blend of talent, experience, ideas and perspectives that naturally result from giving everyone equal footing and freeing them of the usual restrictions of time, structure and rules.
By the way, what if…?
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