Outline Session Plan for Creative Problem Exploration

This gives an outline of the session together with approximate timings. The total time involved is limited to 3 hours for practical and logistical reasons. Note that although timings are given, the sessions can be shorter or longer depending on progress.

Beforehand

Invitations will be sent to all attendees alluding to the purpose but definitely NOT the method. No ideas to be brought along, no notepads, no pens, pencils etc. This symbolises no preconceived ideas or baggage and also ensures timely arrival.

Materials

Depending on numbers we will need at least a dozen sheets of flip chart paper (a new pad would be ideal), enough coloured marker pens (say 4 packs), half a dozen of the larger post-it pads and some of the very small post-it pads.

Method and Timing

2:00pm

Introduction: (just a minute or two)

Tell ‘em what they are all here for, to create an expression of Vision, both from a personal and corporate viewpoint and to explore different paths towards that vision (this is strategy but we do not tell them this). Lay down the ground rules as follows:

• Nothing rude, sexist, racist
• No judging of ideas as they are generated
• No personal judgements
• No threats
• Capture everything, no matter how strange it may seem at the time
• Work as a group but include or exclude (if and only if) individuals are hindering the progress of the group.

What are everyone’s expectations? What am I (the facilitator) here for? facilitate, help if stuck, relieve boredom, timekeeping.

Session 1: (approx 20 mins)

A random stimulation session possibly in smaller groups just to get the right side of the brain going and the left side turned off.

Select from:

• Explain what is your favourite book and why
• Make up a short 2 or 3 line story about 2 or 3 random objects
• Select favourite superhero (may be used later)

Problem Exploration (Diverge)

2:20pm

Session 2: (approx 20 mins drawing time + 10 mins presentation time)

In groups (depending on size).

Using Rich Pictures draw a picture showing a group view of the situation as it is now and another which captures some newspaper headlines 5 years from now. The papers are reporting on companies that have made a big difference locally/nationally/globally. You are one of the chosen companies, what are the papers saying about you? It would be helpful if the views contained something about both the company culture etc as well as business/technological successes.

Each group to present their ideas. It may be that the views are the same or vary slightly but at this point everyone votes to get a preferred group view. It is also possible to modify this view just as real vision/culture changes. Voting by using small sticky notes or post-its is a good way of doing this. If there is time use the 5Ws and H model to express this in words  What, Why, When, Who, Where, How or this can be used as a checklist later on to see if we have attacked the main areas of the Vision/Mission.

Problem Exploration (Converge)

2:50pm

Session 3: (approx 20 mins)

State the vision in words using the phrase I wish .. (several statements) then select the most important/intriguing. The problem owner (Director?) to do this. Re-state this using the How to phrase. Again the client to select a phrase. If this is done in groups there are then several areas to work on.

3:10pm

Session 4: (approx 10 mins)

Using these stepping-stones we need to brainstorm how we might get there or take some steps along the path. The most powerful method to use here is reversal. Get everyone to generate ideas as to what the major factors that would stop the organisation achieving the How to's. A nominal group technique where everyone writes ideas on post-its could be used here. Give say 5 mins to generate as many ideas as possible. At the end of the time plaster them up on the wall/noticeboard etc. This may be better done in groups depending on numbers. Find the worst cases and then reverse them again i.e. we now have the most important positive areas to work on.

3:20pm

Break: (15mins)

Stretch legs, drink coffee etc.

Idea & Plan Generation (Diverge)

3:35pm

Another random stimulation exercise say 5-10 mins

3:45pm

Session 5: (approx 15 mins)

This is a fun one. Each group to pick a superhero to help solve their particular problem. Justify this i.e. Batman is tough, always wins, uses technology etc. Use this to help generate ideas as to how the particular problem can be solved (involves some brainstorming).

Idea & Plan Generation (Converge)

4:00pm

Session 6: (approx 20 mins)

Take the idea list and basically insert them into a 2x2 matrix where the quadrants are labelled according to major/minor problem and very likely/unlikely. Optional: If there is time, a commitment diagram could be useful.

4:20pm

Summary: 30mins

If all goes well there should be some time left. If possible, use the Walt Disney technique (NLP) on the problem owner (Director). Use this as a form of bullet proofing on his part and also for the rest of the group to actually see and experience the buy-in. The next stages in the creative problem solving process are Implementation and Evaluation. These of course have both divergence and convergence stages.