How can you facilitate creative problem solving sessions remotely?

1 Choose the right platform

The first step to facilitate CPS sessions remotely is to choose a platform that suits your needs and goals. You want a platform that allows you to communicate clearly, share information, collaborate, and create. Some examples of platforms that can support CPS are Zoom, Miro, Mural, and Jamboard. These platforms offer features such as video conferencing, chat, whiteboards, sticky notes, templates, and voting. You should also consider the accessibility, security, and cost of the platform you choose.

2 Prepare the participants

The second step to facilitate CPS sessions remotely is to prepare the participants for the session. You want to make sure that they have the necessary equipment, software, and internet connection to join the session. You also want to provide them with some information and instructions before the session, such as the agenda, the objectives, the roles, and the rules. You can also send them some warm-up activities or questions to stimulate their creativity and curiosity.

3 Establish rapport and trust

The third step to facilitate CPS sessions remotely is to establish rapport and trust among the participants. You want to create a positive and supportive atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and valued. You can start the session with some icebreakers or introductions to help the participants get to know each other and build rapport. You can also use some techniques to foster trust, such as acknowledging contributions, giving feedback, encouraging participation, and resolving conflicts.

4 Use a structured process

The fourth step to facilitate CPS sessions remotely is to use a structured process to guide the participants through the different stages of CPS. You want to provide a clear and consistent framework that helps the participants define the problem, generate ideas, evaluate solutions, and plan actions. You can use some models or methods to structure your process, such as the Osborn-Parnes model, the Design Thinking process, or the IDEAL method. You should also adapt the process to the context, time, and resources available.

5 Apply creative techniques

The fifth step to facilitate CPS sessions remotely is to apply creative techniques to enhance the quality and quantity of the ideas generated and evaluated. You want to use some tools or methods that help the participants diverge and converge their thinking, such as brainstorming, SCAMPER, mind mapping, prototyping, or SWOT analysis. You should also vary the techniques to suit the purpose, style, and preference of the participants.

6 Follow up and evaluate

The sixth step to facilitate CPS sessions remotely is to follow up and evaluate the session and the outcomes. You want to provide some feedback and recognition to the participants for their efforts and achievements. You also want to document and share the results of the session, such as the problem statement, the solution concepts, and the action plan. You should also collect some data and feedback to measure the effectiveness and impact of the session and to identify areas for improvement.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?