Signalling an idea

Cooking is a useful metaphor for signalling an idea (Brooke Lark for Unsplash)

When your team is starting out on the collaborative problem-solving path, they may be unsure how to share an idea with someone.

To help with this, guide your team in coming up with a signalling vocabulary. Having a shorthand system is a fun and creative way of introducing an idea that’s been rolling around your head.

Create a vocabulary

In a team meeting, create a vocabulary using a metaphor that resonates with people; it could be based on a sport or an internal process, for example.

What’s cookin’?

Here’s how you could use cooking as a metaphor:

1. I’m going to cook a meal (I have an idea)

2. I’m going to either tweak a recipe (it’s a small idea) or experiment with some new ingredients (it’s a big idea).

3. Would you care to share this meal with me? (Would you like to hear my idea?)

4. What condiments would you like? (How can you help improve on the recipe?)

Improving on the recipe

Try this for a couple of weeks and then get feedback from your team – could they improve on the signalling recipe?

I’d love to hear your experience – leave a comment!

---