For Managers Who Want to be a Little Different
How a koosh ball can up your problem-solving game
Are you looking for something a little different to kick off a team meeting?
Try “Found Objects”!
This quick activity will help people get in the frame of mind for thinking creatively. It’s perfect if you’re going to address a specific problem in the meeting. It may even provide the starting point of a new idea for addressing the problem!
Found Objects works in any kind of meeting – onsite, virtual, or hybrid. AND it’s a way of making sure everyone has a voice.
What is Found Objects and how would you use it?
The point of Found Objects is to create a metaphor that relates to a specific problem.
Everyone brings an item from their office to the meeting; the more unique or bizarre the better.
The metaphor goes like this: “This [object] is like [the problem] because […]”.
Let me give you an example…
Let’s say that my problem is that I want to reduce the turnaround time from 15 days to 10 days for a specific metric.
I have a koosh ball (yep, that’s it in the picture!).
I say “This koosh ball is like the turnaround problem because all these parts are loosey-goosey, and it’s hard to pin anything down.”
Setting the scene
The best way to prepare for Found Objects is to communicate in advance the problem you will be addressing in the meeting. Ask everyone to bring an unusual item from their workspace, but don’t tell them why!
Give them an example before launching into the activity. Use a fake problem for your example so you don’t accidentally take the lead in offering a solution.
Want more ideas for team meetings?
This activity is just one example from Light Bulb Moments, our podcast-style course for new managers who want to quickly help their staff solve problems more creatively and become a more effective leader of a high-performing team. Click here to find out more about Light Bulb Moments™.
Onwards to success!