Fresh Thinking for New Ideas
Thanks to everyone who participated in this event! Below are links to the preview edition of the movie by Dewitt Jones we watched, and a link to a mind map I created based on the hard copy mind maps you developed during the session. It is a combination of all the mind maps, and I tried to capture as much of what you wrote as possible. A few notes about the event:
1) Remember that you can use mind maps to capture individual "puzzle pieces" about your challenge such as gift cards, ice cream social, meal with CEO, etc. and then explore ways of combining these puzzle pieces to help stimulate fresh ideas. Not every combination will yield a great idea, but the effort will help move your thinking away from established patterns and help make you more receptive to new ideas. Keep trying, and you will surprise yourself! As one participant noted, there is nothing quite like the feeling of discovering a great idea. We can all do it, but it does take and open mind and a bit of effort.
2) Note that the mind map in the link below is created with software that you can also purchase if you like. The site is www.imindmap.com and this is a good resource to learn more about mind maps in general. I like using hand drawn mind maps in group sessions, then capturing them in software as you see in the link below, in order to send electronically to team members and others who may not have attended the mind mapping session.
3) Collages are a great way to reflect, engage picture thinking, and encourage new ideas to surface. Consider using them for future efforts. You can keep a box handy and add photos and clippings as you find them. If you would like to display your collage on this page, send a photograph by email and I will post it here.
Link to Mind Map (note: you may need to View/Zoom in your browser)
If you would like to learn about a few other techniques, see Tips for Fresh Ideas for a visual metaphor from nature and a step by step technique you can apply to your challenges. Best wishes in exploring your own unique abilities for creative thinking and discovering new ideas!
Kathy
“I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success... Such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything.” Nikola Tesla
