Navigating the Ideation Jungle: Beware These 3 Creatures in Your Workshop

In the bustling landscape of innovation, ideation workshops serve as the watering holes where creativity flows freely. It's a place where teams come together to generate fresh ideas and chart the course for the future. However, as we venture into this creative wilderness, we must be cautious of three distinct creatures that can disrupt the harmony of ideation. Meet the HIPPO, the ELEPHANT, and the MEERKATS.

1. HIPPO: The Highest Paid Person's Opinion

In the human psyche, there's an innate tendency to follow the most influential member of the group. In the context of ideation workshops, this often translates to deferring to the highest-paid person in the room. While their experience and insights are undoubtedly valuable, relying solely on their perspective can stifle the diversity of ideas.

To counteract the HIPPO effect, consider these strategies:

- Reverse Thinking: Encourage leaders to contribute their ideas last. This allows others to freely express their thoughts without being influenced by hierarchy.

- Post-It Note Flip: Have everyone jot down their ideas on Post-It notes and then reveal them simultaneously. This ensures a level playing field for all participants.

- Online Anonymity: In virtual workshops, provide a platform for anonymous idea submission, leveling the playing field and promoting unbiased ideation.

2. ELEPHANT: Address the Elephant in the Room

Ideation workshops can sometimes carry the weight of unspoken concerns or unaddressed issues – the proverbial "elephant in the room." These lingering distractions can hinder the flow of ideas and create a sense of unease among participants.

To tackle the ELEPHANT:

- Explicit Acknowledgment: Begin the workshop by explicitly acknowledging any important context or concerns. This allows participants to focus on the task at hand, knowing that their worries have been addressed.

- Open Dialogue: Create a safe space for open dialogue. Encourage participants to voice any concerns, and address them collaboratively as a group.

- Facilitator's Role: A skilled facilitator can play a pivotal role in managing the ELEPHANT, ensuring that it is neither ignored nor dominating the discussions.

3. MEERKATS: Harnessing the Power of Horizon Scanning

Much like the vigilant meerkats that stand guard in the wild, some workshop participants possess a unique ability to rise above the details and scan the horizon for innovative ideas. While this skill is invaluable, it can also lead to a lack of focus when decisions need to be made.

To make the most of the MEERKATS:

- Capture Distant Ideas: Provide a dedicated space, either physical or virtual, to capture the MEERKATS' ideas that may not be immediately relevant to the workshop's immediate goals.

- Future Exploration: Revisit these ideas at a later date or in a separate session to explore their potential further.

- Balanced Participation: Encourage MEERKATS to contribute actively but also be mindful of the need for focused decision-making when required.

In the jungle of ideation, these three creatures can either enhance or impede the creative process. By acknowledging their presence and implementing strategies to mitigate their influence, you can create an ideation workshop that thrives on diversity, openness, and innovation.

So, as you embark on your next ideation adventure, remember to watch out for the HIPPO, address the ELEPHANT, and harness the power of the MEERKATS to ensure your workshop is a breeding ground for fresh, game-changing ideas.