The First Right Answer

Ever been in a situation where someone had an idea and everyone jumped on it?  We are predisposed toward action and are often eager to implement a good idea to solve a nagging problem.  So what’s wrong with that?  An idea when “popped out” and not challenged may or may not actually be the best answer.  It is what we call “the FIRST right answer.”  It is actually the beginning of the creativity process and not the end.

Here is a process you can follow to avoid the temptation of running off to implement the first right answer.    

First, when discussing potential solutions to problems, be sure the purpose is clearly stated.  What do you want to accomplish?

Then, ask everyone to quietly think about their own ideas and jot them down.  Encourage them to think of as many ideas as they can.  Avoid the “brainstorming” sessions where ideas are quickly blurted out and built upon in the beginning.  You will be surprised how many more ideas you can gather when people each have time to think from their own perspectives before discussing the first person’s idea. 

Next go around the room and have everyone give their ideas. Record them without judgment.  Ask for clarification, do not at this point analyze whether or not they would actually work.  Keep going around the room until you have collected all of the ideas.

If any ideas are similar, group them together.  Then give each idea (or group of ideas) a number.

Now have everyone silently choose their top five ideas for achieving the purpose.  Tally them up and see what emerges.  You will have a few good ideas now and can begin to analyze them and determine which ones have the best potential.