Keys to Success

There are several ingredients to successful idea meetings. They include:

•Common understanding. Idea meetings work best when people understand where organization is going. Since goal is to create new ideas to help organization improve and grow, people need to know basic strategies and objectives that are in place. While some idea meetings might lead to questions about these strategies, for most part idea meeting is meant to create ways to reach objectives sooner.

•Open minds. Idea meetings are totally creative affairs. Because of that it is important that all ideas be honored, captured and discussed later. As with any creative process, negativity and cynicism need to be checked at door.

•Search for singles. Often times people don’t want to share their idea unless it is either a blockbuster home run idea or is completely formed and ready for implementation. Both are mistakes. An idea meeting may lead to a home run, but what you want to search for are lots of small incremental improvements or new things to try. Encourage people to bring ideas from things they are reading, have heard about or can adapt from some other organization. The idea meeting will score more runs for you if you keep searching for singles and let home runs come when they come.

•Keep a list. All ideas should be written down and saved. Sometimes an idea can’t be implemented now but might be able to be later. By keeping a catalog of ideas they won’t be lost. The bonus is that often by reading over this idea list in future, brand new connections and ideas will be sparked.

•Leave with a plan. Idea meetings create ideas, but without action you will create more frustration than improvement. Pick one or two ideas that can be implemented, set up a plan and take action. Never leave an idea meeting without clear next steps and accountability.

Summary

Idea meetings can be an important part of your organizations ongoing improvement process. Take concepts shared in this article and adapt them for your situation. When you do that next thing you will see is greater success.

Go ahead, call a meeting.

Kevin is Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group (http://KevinEikenberry.com), a learning consulting company that helps Clients reach their potential through a variety of training, consulting and speaking services. To receive your free special report on “Unleashing Your Potential” go to http://www.kevineikenberry.com/uypw/index.asp or call us at (317) 387-1424 or 888.LEARNER.

Encourage with your feet. Encouragement can come in form of being there. Sit in on meeting someone asks you to attend, even if you know they can handle it. Go to ball game. Your presence and attention can be powerful encouragers and motivators. Be aware that your actions in themselves can be encouraging, so act accordingly. First you must be there, and then you must behave in encouraging ways.

Encourage with your head. If all you see is what people are doing wrong, it is hard to be encouraging. The biggest barrier some of us have to overcome to become more encouraging is in our head – we aren’t looking for and therefore seeing right things. We must focus on and look for positive things. Look for good. Then use your feet, lips, face and eyes to communicate those encouraging messages.

Ok, it is your turn.

Get up from your chair now. Pick one of these approaches and practice it right now.

Write these five things down on an index card and carry it with you for next three weeks. Refer to card often as a reminder to continue to use these approaches to becoming more encouraging.

You will be amazed at new results you will see in those around you and in your life as well. You can do it – you can make this choice.

Kevin is Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group (http://KevinEikenberry.com), a learning consulting company that helps Clients reach their potential through a variety of training, consulting and speaking services. To receive your free special report on “Unleashing Your Potential” go to http://www.kevineikenberry.com/uypw/index.asp or call us at (317) 387-1424 or 888.LEARNER.