Keep it Simple, Sweetie
Why does everything have to be so complicated?
(Image by LoggaWiggler from Pixabay)
I like to keep things simple.
I chuckle when I say that because I used to be a master at complicating things. It’s still the way I lean, given half a chance. Can you identify?
But I’ve learned the value of KISS (Keep It Simple, Sweetie) over the years:
I’ve learned that I’m far more likely to accomplish major tasks if I assign myself only three manageable tasks per day.
I’ve learned that, in marketing, what’s important are the key issues that are important to my prospect, not all the issues.
I’ve learned how to distill the contents of a book onto one sheet of 11x17 paper using Mind Mapping, which saves me endless hours of searching for info.
The case for simple training models
I was noticing that other training providers also in the field of creative thinking and innovation were producing complicated diagrams that required significant brain power to understand. One client had paid a fair chunk of change for a set of binders that contained a broad range of information as well as dozens of tools. No surprise that my client found this overwhelming and not very useful.
That vendor also provided some training, but it was mainly theoretical. In my opinion, training needs to be applied to real-life situations so that you have the confidence to put the techniques into action.
So some years ago I set myself the target of creating a simple model that describes the creative problem-solving process. I developed the Light Bulb Thinking™ (LBT) framework and clients have been using it successfully for several years to help them facilitate creative problem-solving with their team.
What is Light Bulb Thinking™?
LBT is deceptively simple yet powerful, and consists of four phases:
Planning – What’s the plan, Stan?
Ideating – What ideas can we come up with? This is the juicy brainstorming activity.
Choosing – How do we choose the best idea?
Implement or Innovate – This depends on the nature of the solution.
Once you understand the framework, you can apply it in any situation, with any problem, and you’ll know how to adapt it for every situation. And you won’t be locked into a branded set of materials in order to be able to apply the principles.
A gift for your team
Simplifying creative problem-solving is a valuable gift you can give your team. If you need guidance on how to do this, contact me to learn more about LBT coaching.
Now, go be great!
I develop newly minted managers who want to stand out and become highly valued. I show them how to lead a team that comes up with solutions no one else could see before.
If you’d like to see what tapping into creative potential could look like at your place of work, contact me at Ellia@ThePotentialCenter.com to arrange a no-obligation call.