This document provides an overview of several problem solving games and activities that can be used to engage teams and facilitate innovation. It introduces Sophia Latto and Alissa Ruehl who lead interactive activities to build usable websites. Several games are then described in 1-2 paragraphs each, explaining the purpose, setup, and process. Games include dot voting, image-ination, circles and soup, day in the life, post-up, pre-mortem, the 5 whys, and icebreakers to get team members acquainted. The goal is to encourage new perspectives and creative solutions to challenges.
Basic 8D Problem Solving Tools & Methods - Part 2Tony Alvarez
I've taught many workshops on basic problem solving over the years at various companies. This 3 part presentation collects tools and methods that I've found useful and that most people tend to be able to put into practice quickly. Problem solving is ground that has been covered by many people many times in the past and this presentation builds on that work, incorporates my experience and hopefully integrates it in a way that provides some new insights. This is the 2nd of a 3 part presentation.
8D Training, Eight Disciplines Training : Tonex TrainingBryan Len
8D Training, Eight Disciplines Training
8D Training covers the eight disciplines (8D) model used in advanced problem solving. 8D training covers the approach typically employed by quality engineers to identify, correct, and eliminate recurring problems as part of product and process improvement:
8D approach establishes a permanent corrective action based on statistical analysis of the problem
8D focuses on the origin of the problem by determining its root causes
It is comprised by eight stages, or disciplines
8D is a structured corrective action process; 8D stands for the Eight Disciplines of Problem Solving
Root Cause Analysis(RCA) is an integral part of the 8D process
8D Training Objectives:
Upon completion of the 8D Training Course, the attendees are able to:
Define what 8D is
Demonstrate and apply 8D Problem Solving Process
Illustrate 8D Problem Solving Process by a diagram
Understand Root Cause Analysis and 5 Why’s applied to 8D
Apply 8D Eight Disciplines to problem solving
Become familiar with the 8D steps
Become more proficient at Root Cause Analysis using 5 Why’s
Learn about 8D checklist and best practices
Learn about How 8D aligns with SAE AS13000: Problem Solving Requirements for Suppliers
8D Training Course Outlines:
Learn and work with the 8 disciplines in 8D Training. Upon completion of the 8D Training Course, the attendees will learn about:
Introduction to 8D
D0: prepare and Plan
D1: Use a team
D2: Define and describe the problem
D3: Develop interim containment plan
D4: Determine, identify, and verify root causes
D5: Choose and verify permanent corrections
D6: Implement and validate corrective actions
D7: Take preventive measures
D8: Congratulate your team
Hands-on Activities
Request more information. Visit Tonex website link below and learn more about 8d training eight disciplines training
https://www.tonex.com/training-courses/8d-training-eight-disciplines-training/
Basic 8D Problem Solving Tools & Methods - Part 2Tony Alvarez
I've taught many workshops on basic problem solving over the years at various companies. This 3 part presentation collects tools and methods that I've found useful and that most people tend to be able to put into practice quickly. Problem solving is ground that has been covered by many people many times in the past and this presentation builds on that work, incorporates my experience and hopefully integrates it in a way that provides some new insights. This is the 2nd of a 3 part presentation.
8D Training, Eight Disciplines Training : Tonex TrainingBryan Len
8D Training, Eight Disciplines Training
8D Training covers the eight disciplines (8D) model used in advanced problem solving. 8D training covers the approach typically employed by quality engineers to identify, correct, and eliminate recurring problems as part of product and process improvement:
8D approach establishes a permanent corrective action based on statistical analysis of the problem
8D focuses on the origin of the problem by determining its root causes
It is comprised by eight stages, or disciplines
8D is a structured corrective action process; 8D stands for the Eight Disciplines of Problem Solving
Root Cause Analysis(RCA) is an integral part of the 8D process
8D Training Objectives:
Upon completion of the 8D Training Course, the attendees are able to:
Define what 8D is
Demonstrate and apply 8D Problem Solving Process
Illustrate 8D Problem Solving Process by a diagram
Understand Root Cause Analysis and 5 Why’s applied to 8D
Apply 8D Eight Disciplines to problem solving
Become familiar with the 8D steps
Become more proficient at Root Cause Analysis using 5 Why’s
Learn about 8D checklist and best practices
Learn about How 8D aligns with SAE AS13000: Problem Solving Requirements for Suppliers
8D Training Course Outlines:
Learn and work with the 8 disciplines in 8D Training. Upon completion of the 8D Training Course, the attendees will learn about:
Introduction to 8D
D0: prepare and Plan
D1: Use a team
D2: Define and describe the problem
D3: Develop interim containment plan
D4: Determine, identify, and verify root causes
D5: Choose and verify permanent corrections
D6: Implement and validate corrective actions
D7: Take preventive measures
D8: Congratulate your team
Hands-on Activities
Request more information. Visit Tonex website link below and learn more about 8d training eight disciplines training
https://www.tonex.com/training-courses/8d-training-eight-disciplines-training/
Fishbone Diagram, Ishikawa Diagram Training, Learn Fishbone in 3 Easy StepsBryan Len
What is Fishbone Diagram ?
Fishbone Diagram, an interesting name. It looks like a fish. Fishbone Diagram is one of the best techniques used in root cause analysis.
The diagram is named after Dr. Kaoru Ishikawa, University of Tokyo in 1943, who first developed and used fishbone diagram. That’s why, Fishbone diagram got another name as “Ishikawa”.
How is Fishbone Diagram Used ?
The great benefit of the fishbone diagram is its broad application. It can be applied to identify the causes of almost any problems like mechanical failures of a product, or designing to psychological issues.
Advantages of Fishbone Diagram:
Advantages of Fishbone method are,
Straightly easy to learn and apply
Good way to focus a brainstorming session
Effective learning method to the whole team.
Focuses discussion on the target issue
Encourages “system thinking” via visual connections
Puts further assessments and corrective actions in order
How to Develop Fishbone Diagram?
There are miscellaneous ways to develop a fishbone diagram and conduct it.
One way is to put the categories of possible causes on the “bones” of the fish, each line representing one category, such as:
Man (personnel)
Machine
Methods
Materials
Measurements
Mother Nature (environment)
Who Should Take Fishbone Diagram Course ?
Audience,
Tonex Training offers 2-days course and designed for all the individuals who want to learn and apply simple problem analysis tools. This hands-on seminar is ideal for the people like,
Senior executives, strategic leaders
Managers, quality managers
Product managers, manufacturing managers
R&D managers.
Learning Opportunities :
Learn about,
Concept of fishbone diagram
Learn when to use a cause & effect diagram
Creating effective fishbone diagram.
Fishbone diagram benefits in root cause analysis
Various approaches for fishbone diagram building.
Course Topics :
Fishbone Diagram Training topics can be adjusted as per your custom requirements,
Fundamentals of Fishbone diagram.
Fishbone Diagram Procedure
TONEX Fishbone Diagram Hands-On Workshop
Want To Learn More ?
Visit tonex.com for Fishbone Diagram Training, Ishikawa Training courses and workshop detail.
Fishbone Diagram, Ishikawa Diagram Training, Learn Fishbone in 3 Easy Steps
https://www.tonex.com/training-courses/fishbone-diagram-training-ishikawa-training/
Root Cause Analysis - Tools, Tips and Tricks to Get to the Bottom of Root CauseCraig Thornton
This webinar discusses and investigates how to conduct root cause analysis. Root cause analysis is something that companies really struggle with. There will be plenty of practical advice in the webinar to help with you understand the concepts and the tools.
If you would like to watch the recording of this webinar then copy and paste the below link into your web browser:
http://www.mangolive.com/blog-mango/root-cause-analysis-tools-webinar
Overview of Lean Manufacturing types of production , comparison between Batch vs Continuous Flow , how to convert batch to continuous flow and the savings
Ultimate guide about fishbone diagram: definition, benefits, history of fishbone diagram, useful tips to create fishbone diagram and simple methods for cause and effect analysis.
Original article from the Flevy business blog can be found here:
http://flevy.com/blog/the-global-8d-problem-solving-process/
“If I had an hour to save the world I would spend 59 minutes defining the problem and one minute finding solutions .” – Albert Einstein
The 8D (Eight Disciplines) Problem Solving Process is a team oriented and structured problem solving methodology that is mainly used to identify, correct and eliminate recurring problems.
The 8D Problem Solving Process focuses on the origin of the problem by determining root causes and establishes corrective and preventive actions.
The U.S. government first standardized the 8D Problem Solving Process during the Second World War, referring to it as Military Standard 1520. It was later popularized by the Ford Motor Company in the ‘60s and ‘70s.
Today, the 8D Problem Solving Process has become a standard in many industries as problem solving or improvement process, as internal Corrective Action Request (CAR) Process or as Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) Process. The 8D Problem Solving Process can be an integral part of an Operational and Process Excellence initiative.
The benefits of a systematic Problem Solving Process are obvious.
• Create a shared understanding about how to systematically solve problems.
• Strengthen cross-functional teamwork, problem solving and collaboration capabilities.
• Reduce defects, lead times and costs through effective problem solving.
• Identify the underlying root cause(s) by applying effective problem solving tools.
• Develop effective process controls to prevent recurrence of known problems.
• Establish a systematic documentation of the Problem Solving Process.
The 8D Problem Solving Process follows a systematic methodology using eight step or disciplines.
[To download this presentation, visit:
https://www.oeconsulting.com.sg/training-presentations]
Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a problem-solving technique that seeks to identify the primary cause of a problem. By focusing on the root cause, organizations can prevent the problem from recurring and develop long-term solutions that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction.
RCA uses tools such as the 5 Whys and Cause & Effect Diagram to identify the underlying causes of a problem. The 5 Whys technique involves asking "why" multiple times to dig deeper into the root cause. The Cause & Effect Diagram categorizes potential causes, such as people, process, and equipment, to identify root causes quickly.
This RCA presentation is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) as a problem-solving technique. The presentation highlights the importance of identifying the root cause of a problem and how RCA can be used to achieve this. Participants will learn how to apply common RCA tools such as the 5 Whys and Cause & Effect Diagram to identify the root cause of a problem. They will also gain knowledge on how to prioritize root causes using a Pareto Chart to focus on the most significant causes first. The presentation will also cover the pitfalls in root cause analysis, highlighting the importance of avoiding making assumptions, involving stakeholders, and making RCA an ongoing process. By the end of the presentation, participants will have a deep understanding of RCA and be equipped with the skills needed to identify and solve problems effectively.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Understand the critical role of identifying root causes in effective problem-solving.
2. Apply 5 Whys and Cause & Effect Diagram for practical root cause analysis.
3. Learn to prioritize root causes using Pareto Charts for impactful solutions.
4. Recognize common pitfalls and strategies for overcoming them.
CONTENTS
1. Introduction to Root Cause Analysis
2. Overview of Problem Solving
3. 5 Whys
4. Cause & Effect Diagram
5. Root Cause Prioritization
6. Effective RCA Practices
Fishbone Diagram, Ishikawa Diagram Training, Learn Fishbone in 3 Easy StepsBryan Len
What is Fishbone Diagram ?
Fishbone Diagram, an interesting name. It looks like a fish. Fishbone Diagram is one of the best techniques used in root cause analysis.
The diagram is named after Dr. Kaoru Ishikawa, University of Tokyo in 1943, who first developed and used fishbone diagram. That’s why, Fishbone diagram got another name as “Ishikawa”.
How is Fishbone Diagram Used ?
The great benefit of the fishbone diagram is its broad application. It can be applied to identify the causes of almost any problems like mechanical failures of a product, or designing to psychological issues.
Advantages of Fishbone Diagram:
Advantages of Fishbone method are,
Straightly easy to learn and apply
Good way to focus a brainstorming session
Effective learning method to the whole team.
Focuses discussion on the target issue
Encourages “system thinking” via visual connections
Puts further assessments and corrective actions in order
How to Develop Fishbone Diagram?
There are miscellaneous ways to develop a fishbone diagram and conduct it.
One way is to put the categories of possible causes on the “bones” of the fish, each line representing one category, such as:
Man (personnel)
Machine
Methods
Materials
Measurements
Mother Nature (environment)
Who Should Take Fishbone Diagram Course ?
Audience,
Tonex Training offers 2-days course and designed for all the individuals who want to learn and apply simple problem analysis tools. This hands-on seminar is ideal for the people like,
Senior executives, strategic leaders
Managers, quality managers
Product managers, manufacturing managers
R&D managers.
Learning Opportunities :
Learn about,
Concept of fishbone diagram
Learn when to use a cause & effect diagram
Creating effective fishbone diagram.
Fishbone diagram benefits in root cause analysis
Various approaches for fishbone diagram building.
Course Topics :
Fishbone Diagram Training topics can be adjusted as per your custom requirements,
Fundamentals of Fishbone diagram.
Fishbone Diagram Procedure
TONEX Fishbone Diagram Hands-On Workshop
Want To Learn More ?
Visit tonex.com for Fishbone Diagram Training, Ishikawa Training courses and workshop detail.
Fishbone Diagram, Ishikawa Diagram Training, Learn Fishbone in 3 Easy Steps
https://www.tonex.com/training-courses/fishbone-diagram-training-ishikawa-training/
Root Cause Analysis - Tools, Tips and Tricks to Get to the Bottom of Root CauseCraig Thornton
This webinar discusses and investigates how to conduct root cause analysis. Root cause analysis is something that companies really struggle with. There will be plenty of practical advice in the webinar to help with you understand the concepts and the tools.
If you would like to watch the recording of this webinar then copy and paste the below link into your web browser:
http://www.mangolive.com/blog-mango/root-cause-analysis-tools-webinar
Overview of Lean Manufacturing types of production , comparison between Batch vs Continuous Flow , how to convert batch to continuous flow and the savings
Ultimate guide about fishbone diagram: definition, benefits, history of fishbone diagram, useful tips to create fishbone diagram and simple methods for cause and effect analysis.
Original article from the Flevy business blog can be found here:
http://flevy.com/blog/the-global-8d-problem-solving-process/
“If I had an hour to save the world I would spend 59 minutes defining the problem and one minute finding solutions .” – Albert Einstein
The 8D (Eight Disciplines) Problem Solving Process is a team oriented and structured problem solving methodology that is mainly used to identify, correct and eliminate recurring problems.
The 8D Problem Solving Process focuses on the origin of the problem by determining root causes and establishes corrective and preventive actions.
The U.S. government first standardized the 8D Problem Solving Process during the Second World War, referring to it as Military Standard 1520. It was later popularized by the Ford Motor Company in the ‘60s and ‘70s.
Today, the 8D Problem Solving Process has become a standard in many industries as problem solving or improvement process, as internal Corrective Action Request (CAR) Process or as Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) Process. The 8D Problem Solving Process can be an integral part of an Operational and Process Excellence initiative.
The benefits of a systematic Problem Solving Process are obvious.
• Create a shared understanding about how to systematically solve problems.
• Strengthen cross-functional teamwork, problem solving and collaboration capabilities.
• Reduce defects, lead times and costs through effective problem solving.
• Identify the underlying root cause(s) by applying effective problem solving tools.
• Develop effective process controls to prevent recurrence of known problems.
• Establish a systematic documentation of the Problem Solving Process.
The 8D Problem Solving Process follows a systematic methodology using eight step or disciplines.
[To download this presentation, visit:
https://www.oeconsulting.com.sg/training-presentations]
Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a problem-solving technique that seeks to identify the primary cause of a problem. By focusing on the root cause, organizations can prevent the problem from recurring and develop long-term solutions that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction.
RCA uses tools such as the 5 Whys and Cause & Effect Diagram to identify the underlying causes of a problem. The 5 Whys technique involves asking "why" multiple times to dig deeper into the root cause. The Cause & Effect Diagram categorizes potential causes, such as people, process, and equipment, to identify root causes quickly.
This RCA presentation is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) as a problem-solving technique. The presentation highlights the importance of identifying the root cause of a problem and how RCA can be used to achieve this. Participants will learn how to apply common RCA tools such as the 5 Whys and Cause & Effect Diagram to identify the root cause of a problem. They will also gain knowledge on how to prioritize root causes using a Pareto Chart to focus on the most significant causes first. The presentation will also cover the pitfalls in root cause analysis, highlighting the importance of avoiding making assumptions, involving stakeholders, and making RCA an ongoing process. By the end of the presentation, participants will have a deep understanding of RCA and be equipped with the skills needed to identify and solve problems effectively.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Understand the critical role of identifying root causes in effective problem-solving.
2. Apply 5 Whys and Cause & Effect Diagram for practical root cause analysis.
3. Learn to prioritize root causes using Pareto Charts for impactful solutions.
4. Recognize common pitfalls and strategies for overcoming them.
CONTENTS
1. Introduction to Root Cause Analysis
2. Overview of Problem Solving
3. 5 Whys
4. Cause & Effect Diagram
5. Root Cause Prioritization
6. Effective RCA Practices
Public School Alumni Engagement and PhilanthropyDaniel Mansoor
Project Alumni is a comprehensive initiative to identify, locate, and engage the alumni of a public school community. Accurate alumni records combined with meaningful alumni engagement lead to substantial and transformative philanthropic support of public schools students, faculty, programs and facilities. Alumni provide advisory, mentoring, networking, academic and professional resources to faculty, students and staff.
GoodWorks Group – a nonprofit and philanthropy consulting firm – provides counsel, advice, and guidance to public schools that wish to create robust alumni networks, programs, and fundraising. dan@goodworksgroup.com
Retrospectives are not just about making you feel bad for missing your commitments, pointing fingers at your colleagues, and hearing your talkative team members go on and on. They are supposed to help your team become great. This workshop is for anyone that participates in retrospectives, doesn’t always feel they are useful and wants to learn a better way to accomplish the intended goal.
Kyiv Project Management Day 2017 Spring
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Анна Мамаєва «Retrospective: Total Recall»
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Сайт конференції: http://pmday.org/
Спільнота в мережі Linkedin: http://bit.ly/PMDayLin
Спільнота в мережі facebook: http://bit.ly/PMDayKyivFB
Twitter конференції: https://twitter.com/LvivPMDay
We've all been there. Sitting in a boardroom. Bored out of our minds in another "brainstorm". Waiting for the misery to end.
Get out of your rut and stop wasting time. Start producing kick-ass ideas today...what are you waiting for? Click the next button and let's get started...
Immerse, Imagine, Invent, Articulate: A framework for disruptive innovationPaulJervisHeath
What new product or service could you invent that would completely change your customers’ lives? How could you disrupt your entire sector?
This practical workshop takes you through an innovation process, helping you to identify the clichés that exist in your sector and giving you the tools and time to redefine them. The workshop provides techniques to disrupt those clichés, generate genuine customer insights, turn opportunities into ideas through proven ideation methods, create a coherent concept and then articulate that concept.
The workshop shows you how to realise a new product or service through a lean process of prototyping and iteration and we discuss case studies each step of the way.
Find out why focus groups are not design research. Find out why the average brainstorm gives ideation a bad name and find out how to make your own innovation processes have tangible business outcomes.
This workshop was ran at UX Cambridge in September 2013 and will be running again at the J. Boye conference in Århus, Denmark in November 2013.
Technology to Personalize Learning for Gifted KidsBrian Housand
Brian Housand, Ph.D.
brianhousand.com
Since the dawn of the computer revolution, the promise of PERSONAL Computing has been ever present. Yet, when we simply leave gifted kids to their own devices, technology can serve to depersonalize their experiences. However, this need not be the case. Together, we will explore the possibilities and potential afforded by today’s technology and empower you to utilize technology resources to make learning personal and meaningful for today’s connected gifted students.
Seminar 1 - Asset creation and Creative challenges - 8 and 11 february 2021 Fahri Karakas
In this seminar, we look at top ways and strategies for creating your own creative assets on the Internet.
I share my own journey of asset creation on Medium and on YouTube.
We look at creative content success stories and asset creation journeys of:
- David Baldacci
- Nas Daily
We also look at creative challenges you can implement every week.
We are kickstarting our seminar series with a fascinating set of exercises and resources to unleash your imagination.
The first task of this course is to unleash your imagination and use it wildly.
Every one of us is creative. We are born creative. We need to reclaim our own creativity.
These exercises and resources will help you to do this.
As you start working on your portfolio, you will also start a new journey of self-discovery, creativity, and asset creation.
In this journey, you are only competing with yourself.
You need to find your own path in this life and this module will help you to do that.
Enjoy!
Generative Research Workshop by Nearsoft — Amsterdam MaterialMisael Leon
Determine what your users want or whether they will like your new feature. Generative user research is a powerful tool that can help you understand your target users' desires, expectations and lifestyle habits, taking the speculation out of product decisions and surfacing new customer opportunities.
Thinking and working visually for software testers - Nordic Testing DaysHuib Schoots
Nowadays testers need to be creative in their approach of working. Creating test strategies, test plans, test reports and test cases in the “old school” style is taking too much time out of actual testing and is not particularly collaborative. Systems are getting more and more complex. This tutorial shows testers how to reduce the cost of testing, easily communicate their testing story and involve business analysts, programmers, users and others into their work with visualization. In our daily work as testers we use all kinds of automation tools to support our testing efforts. Among them are many visualization tools. But scientific studies show that sketching with a simple combination of pencil and paper might lead to better results.
Text is boring and not very creative. It lets your brain run at half power, only the left part of the brain is put to work. Visualization also put your right side of the brain to work. People remember images easier. In addition, images often impress us more. We often need many pages of text to describe what a single picture can say. The saying that ”a picture is worth a thousand words” is really true! A single image can transfer a complex idea fast and easy. Visualization allows you to quickly absorb large amounts of information.
By showing hands-on practices participants will learn how mind maps, drawings and graphics can be used directly in their daily work. Mind maps can also be used for a myriad of tasks and processes in testing. They can solve problems, can be used as frameworks, create lightweight test design and deliver dashboard style test results and test status.
Generative Research Workshop for Ladies That UX NYCMisael Leon
Generative Research is a great tool to generate meaningful insights about the habits and lifestyles of their users.
Generative Research is a powerful framework for innovation. It involves a series of collaboration exercises in which users reveal aspects of their personal experiences. By utilizing tangible artifacts, participants communicate emotions that are often difficult to express with words.
Similar to Beyond Brainstorms: Make Problem Solving Fun (20)
Philanthropy by the Numbers: The story behind the statsBlackbaud
In our latest edition of npEXPERTS, top thought leaders from across the industry share their perspective on the latest trends and what's next for the social good industry.
2. Introductions
Sophia Latto, Principal Consultant – UX and Design
I provide user experience design, user research, and visual
design for non-profit websites. Part of diving into website
information architecture and design involves leading interactive
activities with our client’s constituents and our clients in order to
build websites for maximum usability and conversion. Prior to
joining Blackbaud, I worked as a Creative Director at a design and
marketing agency in New York City. @sophialatto
Alissa Ruehl, Sr. User Researcher
I am part if the Blackbaud User Experience team where I use
creative techniques to dig into the root problems users are trying
to solve and test out potential solutions. I like alternating between
left brain and right brain activities to facilitate innovation games to
look at problems in new ways and pave the way for creative
solutions. Prior to joining Blackbaud, I worked in the fields of
website user experience and online marketing. @alissaru
2 #bbcon #sophialatto #alissaruehl
3. What did the dot stickers do?
You just participated in the first problem solving exercise!
Why:
• Make meetings more productive and engaging by
determining in which topics the group is most interested.
• Dot voting is anonymous and can be done as people enter the
meeting room, rather than taking up meeting time.
How:
1. Set up a list of topics that could be discussed in a meeting and
place it near the door of your meeting room.
2. As each participant walks in, have them place a sticker(s)
next to the subject about which they are most passionate.
3. The dots are votes. The 2-3 topics with the most dots will
determine your meeting agenda.
3 #bbcon #sophialatto #alissaruehl
5. Why are games important?
• Think about things in new ways to find
creative solutions
• Understand underlying problems
• Escape from patterns of negativity
• Replace conflict with
understanding
• Connect with your
teammates
• Also, they’re fun!
6. Games we might play today.
6 #bbcon #sophialatto #alissaruehl
7. Image-ination
Spark insights and see potential new ideas.
Why:
• To generate new ideas about a topic on which you feel stuck.
• Images have the ability to spark insights and encourage
people to free-associate and see potential new ideas.
How:
1. Assemble a collection of images that do not contain words.
2. Put a large sheet of paper in the center of the table. In the
center, write out a 1-3 word description of the topic you
want to generate new thinking around. (e.g., finding new donors)
3. Place the cards around the description face down.
4. Each person at the table randomly selects an image, turns it over and then will
(quickly) come up with as many ideas as possible about how the image relates to the
topic. The players will write down each idea on a separate sticky note.
5. Then the group will look at all the ideas and group them in clusters that relate to each
other, and will write a title for each cluster.
6. Talk about how the titled photos can inform the group’s thinking about the topic. Make
a list of possible actions you can take in response.
7 #bbcon #sophialatto #alissaruehl
Players: 5-10 per group
Time: 15 min to 1 hour
8. Circles and Soup
Identify what can be done.
Why:
• Focus on achievable solutions rather than the
group griping about things that are unsolvable
How:
1. Everyone writes out problems, or items they
wish could be done, on sticky notes & and
places them in the front of the room
2. Draw three concentric circles on a large
sheet of paper & label them “What I can
control”, “What I can influence” and “What is
beyond my control or influence”
3. The facilitator pulls a note & the group discusses
which circle it belongs in. Continue for all notes.
Players: 1-20
Time: 20 min to 1 Hour
What is beyond my control or influence
What I can Influence
Our 2015
marketing
funding Our
2015
spending
4. The group picks 1 or 2 items from the center circle to tackle.
5. Save the paper for your next meeting. Over time, tackle all of the
items in the center circle. Occasionally pick an item to attempt to
influence. Redirect conversations about items in the outer circle, “the soup”
8 #bbcon #sophialatto #alissaruehl
What I can Control
The
Eco no my.
9. Day in the Life
Identify opportunities to improve a process.
Why:
• If a process is too complex, takes too long, or no one
seems to know how the work gets done, this exercise
will help you understand & improve the process
How:
1. Pick an object to learn about. It could be a report, a
campaign idea, or a direct mail piece.
2. Pick a starting & ending point & identify major steps
in the process. Put these points on a whiteboard or large paper.
3. The group then maps the story of this object’s adventure from point A to point Z.
There may be branches, loops & wait times. Use drawings (stick figures, ticking
clocks, phones, etc) as well as text. Highlight important areas or pain-points.
4. Take a photo or record this diagram.
5. Decide what should be changed & draw a new diagram of how you could
improve the flow
9 #bbcon #sophialatto #alissaruehl
Players: 2-10
Time: 1 to 2 hours
10. Post-up
Generate ideas.
Why:
• Brainstorming ideas is an opening activity,
a first step. From there you can further
organize and prioritize your thoughts.
How:
1. Write a question or a topic on a
whiteboard or large sheet of paper.
2. Ask the players to silently write their
ideas on separate sticky notes.
3. Provide silence during this activity so
people can think without interruption.
4. After a set amount of time, ask players to stick their
notes on the whiteboard and quickly present them.
5. Sort all posted ideas into meaningful topics
and categories. Plan next steps.
10 #bbcon #sophialatto #alissaruehl
Players: 1-20
Time: 10 min to 1 Hour
Q: What are possible uses for (subject)?
1) Post and acknowledge all ideas.
2) Sort into meaningful topics or categories.
category category category
12. Pre-Mortem
Solve problems that have not yet occurred.
Why:
• Identify potential issues before they
happen and figure it how to prevent them
from happening.
• Ask team members to tap into their
experience and intuition, at a time when it’s
needed most, and is potentially most useful.
How:
1. A pre-mortem is best conducted at a project
kick-off, with all key team members present
and after goals and plans have been laid out.
2. Write the question “How will this end in
disaster?” on a whiteboard.
3. List all the ways the project can go wrong
and list what you could do to keep it from going wrong.
Players: Any
Time: 30 min to 1 hour
4. Rank the risks and concerns to determine priority.
5. Decide what actions need to be taken to address these risks.
13. The 5 “Whys”
Get to the root cause
Why:
• Move beyond the surface of a problem and
discover the root cause.
• Examine the underlying reasons and
tackle a problem by addressing the source.
How:
1. Establish a problem your team needs to evaluate.
2. Write the problem in a visible area so all can see.
3. Ask “Why?” in response to five consecutive answers.
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WHY?
14. Example of a “Why” Solution
Problem: The Lincoln Memorial was crumbling & The National
Park Service convened a committee to look into the issue.
1. Why is it crumbling?
• Excessive wear from cleaners & high power sprayers.
• Solution – experiment with different cleaners & brushes.
• Didn’t work
2. Why do we need to clean it so much?
• Excessive bird droppings
• Solution – nets to keep birds out
• Wasn’t effective, and got complaints from tourists
3. Why do all the birds love Lincoln Memorial?
• Insects swarm & birds eat the insects
• Solution – insecticide
• Wasn’t effective, and got complaints from tourists
4. Why are there so many insects?
• They swarm at dusk & dawn because of the bright lights
5. Why are the lights coming on?
• To let tourists appreciate the monument, but preserving it is more important
• Solution – turn on the lights later in the evening & turn them off earlier in the morning
It worked, and actually saved money!
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15. Icebreaker 1
Get to know people.
Why:
• Get to know each other in your group. This breaks the ice and allows for an
easier and more enjoyable meeting, training or brainstorming session.
How:
1. Have people in the group pair up.
2. Each person in the pair will interview the other for 2 minutes and will pick out
one or two things that are most interesting.
3. The interviewers will introduce
their person to the group
and will tell the group
why their person
is interesting.
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Players: 8-20
Time: 10 to 20 min
?
...
16. Icebreaker 2
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Players: 10-30
Time: 20 to 25 min
Build small connections for a team that meets occasionally
Why:
• Get to know each other in your group. This breaks the ice and allows for
an easier and more enjoyable meeting, training, or brainstorming session.
How:
1. Print out papers that list each person in the group with plenty of room to write
2. For 20 minutes, people should converse & find out 1 memorable fact about each
person on the list & write it down.
3. Individuals can pick specific facts to share but often end up stumbling onto facts
meaningful to each other as they converse. One person might be interested in
where you grew up, another might be more interested
in your passion for gardening or favorite sports team.
4. Optionally, host a quiz at the end. Call on someone
to give you their fact for the first person, have that
person give their fact for the new person, etc.
Often you make additional mental connections
in this step. Write them down also!
5. When you’re done, you have a cheat sheet
for future reference.
17. Predict Next Year’s Headlines
Project your organization into the future.
Why:
• These predictions will help you define which
issues to pursue in project and goal development.
• Identify ways to develop and sustain
constituent relationships.
How:
1. Invite 5-10 of your core constituents to a focus group
and ask them to project your organization into the future.
2. Have the group brainstorm future headlines about your organization. Have them
identify ways they see your mission’s impact evolving and ask them how they
might be a part of your mission.
3. Write each headline on a whiteboard and follow it with 2-3 supporting statements
that would be part of the news story.
4. Record the discussion and whiteboard to review with your team later.
5. Based on this constituent-focused research, define goals for future growth and
identify ways to develop and sustain constituent relationships.
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Players: 5-10
Time: 30 min to 1 hour
20. 20 #bbcon #sophialatto #alissaruehl
Tweet this now
Learn fun techniques to generate
better ideas & more of them. It's like
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21. Are you pumped up and ready to go?
Don’t forget to complete
a session survey!
Each completed survey enters you into a drawing to win a
complimentary registration to bbcon 2015 in Austin, Texas*.
*Blackbaud reserves the right to change or withdraw this promotion at any time, without advance notice. Promotion has no cash value and may not be
exchanged, applied to, or combined with any other offer.
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