I learned about a company called IDEO some years ago and I was intrigued by their human-centered approach to design and innovation. I followed them over the years. Their founders wrote several books, one titled Creative Confidence, a must-read for educators, leaders, and designers looking to boose their problem-solving skills.
My thesis on creativity, like other soft skills, is that you can activate creativity, you can also de-activate it, but you cannot force anyone to care about it. IDEO seems to share the same ethos.
At IDEO there are 7 principles used during brainstorming sessions to enable a team’s creativity. It’s like oiling the creative engine. A well-oiled engine has a smooth and stable ride.
One of the principles is “defer judgment: put all critiques and judgments aside.”
The ancient practice of mindfulness is about staying aware in the present moment, feeling what is current while maintaining an attitude of nonjudgment, keeping a gentle stillness in the face of thought.
After diligently watching thoughts come and go, feelings come and go, what eventually arises is a state of detachment, which can be as boring and difficult as it can be beautiful. In a state of mindfulness boredom and beauty blend together.
When fully present during a brainstorming session, we can simply allow ideas to build, instead of resisting or critiquing them. Reflection comes at a later stage. Over-reflection does not enable a productive brainstorm.
Imagine starring at a falling leaf and the beauty it displays with the wind as it lands on a stream. At times the leaf may flutter and twirl, and it may completely free fall at times. A brainstorming session can have those same elements. Simply watching the unfolding without judgment can be a gloriously boring experience.
Here are the 7 rules of brainstorming at IDEO and put them into action during your next brainstorming session.
Learn more about IDEO at ideo.com