Blog

CPSI Conference #8

Let me explain a little more about the CPS (Creative Problem-Solving) steps. The goal of "clarify" is to understand the problem / issue / idea at hand. We get a good picture and definition of the issue at this stage. The goal of the "ideate" stage is to explore tons of ideas to see how we might address the issue at hand. This is idea-generation on steroids, without getting to perfect yet. The "develop" stage is where ideas get whittled into workable solutions. We work through those that can actually be implemented. The "implement" stage is just as it sounds….

CPSI Conference #12

When are questions not just questions? When they help us build trust through incremental steps that question types and bridges allow us to build! Tricia Garwood, with the Disney College program, took us through seven question bridges designed to facilitate clients through their ideas. Lesson: specific types of questions help anchor us and allow time to reflect on our issues, then take us through looking inward at what we currently do, make us think about the change we wish to create, cause us to look outward at what's possible, and challenge us to reach for new ways of doing and…

CPSI Conference #11

If you think a picture is worth a hundred words, imagine what a picture deck is worth! I attended yet another session to get tools for helping my clients with their ideas. This tool was a picture deck – basically a pack of cards with photographs taken by our facilitator. Lesson: Photographs, especially of abstract objects, helps us "loosen" our brains with visual stimulation so that we can make get ideas flowing. Mash-ups (taking 2 disparate photos and coming up with ideas that combine both) and making up stories about a photo also help get our idea juices flowing. Check…

CPSI Conference #10

We retain 60% of what we see versus just 15% of what we hear. Had a great, too-short session with Leanna Murphy (Organized for Discovery, LLC). She did a visuals "night flight" program and this was exactly up my alley! We practiced how to draw figures, scenery, concepts, and lettering in a fast-paced 90 minutes. I love making my reference materials and notes more visually-interesting and Leanna's techniques help me do just that. Another program to watch for … "Back of the Napkin" by Dan Roam. I have the course info and materials to start, and it's difficult for me…

CPSI Conference #9

We had a project to tackle and were to use the entire CPS process to tackle it. Eye-opening! I really do need to allow the "clarify" and "ideate" stages play out before jumping into "implement". Our egg didn't break after it was thrown! Project successful.