The Coaching Toys Blog

Mind-Mapping Resource

Mind-mapping is such a great way to work with ideas it is becoming mainstream. Most mind-mapping programs are software downloads. I have so much stuff already on my computer I didn't want to download another program so I went in search of an alternative and found one - Mindmeister.com

Mindmeister is completely web based and offers lots of bells and whistles depending on the package you get. You can share your mind-maps with colleagues, do real-time collaboration and create brainstorming maps together and even publish your maps for the world to see. Oh, and yes, there is a free version that allows a limited number of mind-maps. Worth checking out!

If you have a mind-mapping program you love, I'd love to hear about it

Workshop Ideas

I get calls all the time from coaches and counselors asking which creative tools would work best for a workshop they are creating. While it often depends on the market you are targeting and the topic at hand, there are two card decks that I refer people to alot because they are so adaptable to any setting.

The first is a deck called One Hat At A Time Momentum Cards. This is my all time favorite tool for perspective shifting, ice breaking and personal exploration in a group setting. The deck is comprised of whimsical images of hats; a miners hat, a jesters hat, a chef’s hat, you get the idea. Here is an example of just one way to use the deck. As facilitator, choose 4 different hats - put one in each corner of the room. Ask participants to go stand in the corner with the hat that most reflects how they see themselves relative to whatever topic you are discussing. Encourage discussion between participants gathered around the same hat. Next have them go to the hat that is most uncomfortable for them - more discussion. Ask them to explore what would be possible from this hat. You can see the coaching possibilities. There is also an excellent group facilitation guide available and it’s downloadable.

 

 The second most recommended deck is called Chiji Processing Cards. This is a deck of cards with simple graphic images on them which can help participants use metaphor. What workshop couldn’t be enlivened by a bit of metaphor – it’s a great way to open up expression and understanding. It’s a great tool to use for introductions. For example ask workshop participants to choose a card that reflects their intention for the workshop or that reflects something about them that is not readily apparent.. The images are also useful to process a group experience or exercise – have participants to choose an image that reflects their reaction to something or their experience in an exercise. Images tend to get past the language centers more easily and open up greater depth in the processing.

Creative Brainstorming – Are you doing it right?

Dave Dufour –  the creative genius behind the very cool idea generation tool called watizit  has just started a creativity and innovation podcast series called Creative License. One of his first topics is on creative brainstorming and the most common pitfall to a good session.

We all think we know how to brainstorm, right, but how well do we really keep the critic out of the brainstorming room? You know, the voice of “reason” that says yes, but; we don’t have the budget for it, it won’t work, that’s a dumb idea, yada yada yada.  The truth is in a free flowing permission filled  brainstorming session, not all of the ideas will be great, not all of the ideas will work and it’s OK - really! The goal is simply to generate as many ideas as possible and let ideas bounce off each other. You have no way of knowing which seemingly bad idea will trigger a flash of brilliance – An effective brainstorming session needs the good, the bad and the ugly in order to land on the great!

This is true in a group and when working alone! Get the critical part of your brain out of the room, out of your head. Let your mantra be permission, permission, permission and PLAY.  Plenty of time for those valued critical skills to step in LATER.

Creative or innovative?

I had a conversation with a colleague a couple of years ago and he said creativity doesn't sell. In another  conversation more recently with my brother (an HR VP for a large company), it is clear that innovation does. So what the heck is the difference? To me, they are both about thinking differently and coming up with new approaches and solutions. Whether it's in a work of art or a business plan, it didn't seem to matter - in my mind the process is the same. Why do these two terms get such different responses? I've been letting this question simmer for awhile and just came across a book that offers the beginning of an answer. The Medici Effect by Frans Johansson.

I've just started to read it and I'm excited about what I'm reading so far, so you may be hearing more about it, but for now -  Fran Johansson offers this definition (paraphrased) which I find helpful.

To be considered creative an idea must be new AND it must be valuable (relevant). To be considered innovative - it must be realized - it has to be 'sold' to others in the world.

It's a distinction that seems to fit in both worlds - that of the creative artist and that of business. A lot of new ideas get realized - I'm wondering if the pivotal part of the definition is that it must also be valuable/relevant. I think I'm going to sit with it awhile.

What do you think about creativity vs innovation?

Priming the ‘creative idea’ pump

I’m a new blogger and the ‘blogging experts’ say to post at least two to three times a week for it to be effective.  That little bit of information has activated a couple of threads of ‘gremlin’ chatter for me. The most predominant is; you won’t have enough to say, you will run out of ideas, the creative well will run dry. Sound familiar to any of you?

It got me thinking about how to keep the creative juices flowing and what to do when I need a jump start.  My training and back ground as a visual artist helps. What works well in one medium translates across other mediums – including the medium of entrepreneurship.

Taking action VS waiting for inspiration

I have learned that you can actively invite in the creative muse rather than wait around for her to magically show up. I’ve come up with three easy ways to prime the creative pump. The 3 S’s; Studio, Sift and Stimulus can be used independently or all together to spark a new idea or direction