Let's Idea Exchange

IdeaExchange First things First Your are going to need some things before you start: Recording Tools: everyone is going to need something to write with and write on. We like using 3x3 Post-It(R) notes but you can use index cards, plain paper or one huge piece of paper on the wall. The good things about Post-It(R) notes is that you can move them around, put them in clusters and flexibly organize them later.

Space to Share & Think: Having a creative, informal and open space to gather your team is great. But most important is having some “space” to share your ideas where everyone can see them. We like to have a big wall that people can gather around and post their notes on. You can just as easily use a big conference table and have people circle around the notes. What is important is having a central area that people can move around and put what they write so others can see it.

The Question and More Questions: Every idea session needs a clear and understandable challenge. these challenges are best expressed as a question that people can respond to. Make sure your team understands the challenge, that you are not focusing on the symptoms and that it is wide enough that people have room to “create” and that it doesn’t lead you to specific conclusions. Once you have your challenge you should ask yourself “what questions must be asked in order for us to address this challenge?” By creating a variety of supporting questions you can assure that your team thinks in many different direction and that thinking is pushed to it’s limits. You use these question during your IdeaExchange to stimulate thinking.