Module

Topic

Video clip

1

Setting the tone for the workshop using a quick and fun energizer

The Innovation Company begins each workshop by asking for a volunteer to come forward.  We then work the group into a frenzied standing ovation to set the tone for the workshop.  The lesson is recognition and positive energy are free…and can be fun!

2

Experiencing the power of the word ‘YES!’

We ask participants to walk around the room and high five everyone and yell the word ‘YES!’ as they do so.  We then ask, ‘ who wants to go high five the next person they see.  We discuss how giving a high five can be considered crazy but shooting down ideas is considered normal.  We also stress how this exercise is free and bring positive energy to an environment.

3

Experiencing the power of the word ‘NO!” using the Balloon Effect™

We compare sharing an idea to blowing up a balloon.  Blowing up a balloon takes energy.  It is visible.  It takes time. Popping a balloon takes almost no energy and no time.  Half the group blows up balloons and half the group pops them.  We discuss the effects of Balloon Effect on the job.

4

Learning how to overcome The Frustrating Five™ and creating a POP! Culture®

The Innovation Company believes there are five key barriers to innovation:

1. People fear change
2. People want to be in control
3. The fear of public opinion
4. The need to win and ‘be right’
5. It is easier to criticize than create

Using a fun approach that includes squeaky hammers, barn yard animal noises, and seeing the ‘Frustrating Five in Action’ participants see first hand these barriers.  We discuss the impact on the job and what we need to do to overcome them.

5

Using comedy games to learn how to build on ideas

This module teaches the participants how to say ‘yes…and’ to ideas to build on suggestions.  Using fun comedy techniques individuals learn how to be open to ideas and build on suggestions no mater how crazy the idea may seem.

Not available

6

Practicing and learning the importance of listening skills

The Innovation Company suggests that listening to an idea may be more important than the original idea itself.  Building off the ‘yes…and’ exercise in module five and also teaching participants paraphrasing techniques, the group practices ‘first listen to understand then seek to be understood.’

Not available

7

Learning three idea generation techniques

Participants learn three idea generation techniques to help foster creativity back on the job.  They include effective listening during meetings, the use of flipcharts, and the use of sticky notes.  Each participant gets his or her own beanie cap to get the ideas flowing.

Not available

8

Discussing each person’s Idea Indicator™ and how each person’s personality effects innovation within their team

Participants can complete The Innovation Company’s Idea Indicator assessment online prior to the session or on paper during the workshop.  Using only four questions individuals learn their strengths to promote innovation and areas for improvement.  We form groups to discuss the results of the assessment and determine how the team can use this information to work better going forward.

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Idea
Indicator

9

Learning The Innovation Company’s NEWIDEA!™ process and determining how to embed the NEWIDEA! behaviors into your organization

Each letter of NEWIDEA! represents a particular behavior that when modeled promotes innovation.  NEWIDEA! is a process because by taking an idea through each behavior, the result is action.  The NEWIDEA! behaviors are:

N - No Negativity
E - Encourage the person
W – Wait…and listen!
I – Include input and build on the idea
D – Document the idea
E – Explore options
A – Action

It is important to note that we stress that not every idea has to go completely through the entire process.  In addition, we discuss how the action on some ideas may be to do nothing at all.

The group brainstorms how to embed the NEWIDEA! process and behaviors into your culture and volunteers are identified to synthesize and prioritize the group’s input and create a plan for implementation within 30 days.

Not available

10

Working on a REAL LIFE scenario specific to your company

Learning process mapping and analysis techniques to foster innovative thinking to streamline key business areas