Archive for May, 2010

When faced with a problem or challenge, it is all too easy to fall into the trap of not thinking widely enough.

Brainstorming is a technique which is highly effective in coming up with a range of options for tackling problems or challenges.

The basic idea behind brainstorming is to allow the free flow of ideas, without any judgement or evaluation in the first instance.

One of the mistakes that is often made is for the generation of ideas to be done as a group with a facilitator writing down ideas on the flipchart.

While this type of approach works well for the extrovert or outgoing types, the views of the introverted or more quiet people are often never obtained.

The way to overcome this is to get people to record their ideas by themselves initially on post-it notes. The post-it notes can then be put on to the wall or flipchart to ensure that the views are collected.

Brainstorming without doubt has the potential to take thinking to a whole new level. So what’s your best example of brainstorming working effectively in problem solving? Why not leave a comment?

Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements helps accountants and health professionals to achieve success and realize their professional potential through being highly effective leaders and managers. For more information and to sign up for his free audio e-course click here

Here in the UK we are on the final run up to a general election.

What’s clear is that whichever party is in power there are some significant challenges ahead.

As early as the day after the election was announced, we saw the value of the pound fall against other currencies and part of the reason was a lack of coherent plans.

While the absence of coherent plans is most visible right now in government, business is no different.

When changes need to be made, people want to know what is going to happen.

Vague ideas and statements merely add to the rumour mill.

The clearer you can be about the plans you have to tackle the challenges, the more convincing you can be.

The more convincing you can be, the more influence you are likely to be able to have.

So, as a leader, are you being crystal clear in how your organisation is going to tackle the challenges ahead?

Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements helps accountants and health professionals to achieve success and realize their professional potential through being highly effective leaders and managers. For more information and to sign up for his free audio e-course click here