I will no longer be making posts on this blog. Please visit my new blogs:
Actionable Strategic Planning Blog
http://www.ActionableStrategicPlanning.com/
For insights, tips and strategies for developing the right strategies for achieving your business or personal goals.
How to Stay Focused and Get Things Done Blog
http://www.HowToStayFocused.net/
For insights, tips and strategies for accelerating achievement by staying focused and consistently getting your most important things done.
Can't Stop Thinking Blog
http://www.CantStopThinking.net/
For straight talk on issues, ideas and random thoughts that I can't stop thinking about ... the stuff that matters to me (and maybe to you too)!
See you there,
Sherrin
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Harnessing Your Will Power
If only I had the willpower, I’d________. What? Stop making impulse purchases, stick to my budget, set up that financial software to help manage my finances better. Take your pick and fill in the blank. We’ve all said it and most of us have even followed through with action at one time or another. The fact is, everyone has willpower. You just need to learn to consciously tap into it when you need it.
Webster’s dictionary provides one of the most succinct and powerful definitions of willpower I’ve come across. It states that will power is the “ability and strength of mind to carry out one’s decisions.” Two things stand out in this definition: (1) strength of mind and (2) decision. I will focus on strength of mind since you can review last month’s WMI article (“The Power of a Conscious Decision”) to understand why a decision is necessary to tap into and use willpower.
Strength of mind is the mental power to oppose attacks to your values and beliefs and support your goals. In terms of supporting your goals, strength of mind comes from knowing the true purpose of a goal, having a thorough understanding of why the purpose is important, and believing that the goal is necessary to achieve the purpose.
Your strength of mind to support a particular goal can be greatly enhanced by developing a written action plan to periodically (1) affirm the possibility of achieving of the goal, (2) reinforce the goal’s importance, (3) deal with setbacks, and (4) reward yourself.
- Affirm The Possibility Of Your Goal
Believing that a goal is possible to achieve is a critical part of your decision to put your full efforts toward achieving it. One of the best ways to affirm the possibility of achieving a goal is to tackle the goal in small increments. For example, if you’re trying to save $20,000 for a down payment on a home, divide your goal into small increments – $250, $500, $750, $1,000 and so on. I recommend that you keep a chart (like the ones used for fundraisers) in a prominent spot in your home on which you can mark your progress.
- Reinforce The Goal’s Importance
Sometimes, you’ll need to remind yourself of the reasons why you’re trying to achieve the goal. To continue with the prior example, you can write your responses to the exercise mentioned earlier directly on your chart. That way, you can remind yourself daily about your reasons for saving for a down payment.
- Deal With Setbacks
Setbacks are a natural part of life. No matter how hard you try, things won’t always go the way you want. Having a plan for dealing with setbacks helps you get back on track as soon as possible. For example, having an emergency fund to pay for unexpected expenses can prevent or offset the need to take money out of your savings. Review Step 11 in Wealth Mentality for more thoughts on dealing with setbacks.
- Reward Yourself
Acknowledge and reward each achievement, no matter how small. Plan your reward for each achievement in advance. To continue with the previous example, you can have something like “$250 gets my favorite dessert and $500 gets a dinner out with the family” and so on.
Willpower can be an effective weapon in your wealth building arsenal. Even though it may seem to fade at times, stick with your action plan. You’ll find that you can give your willpower a boost and reach your goals with greater ease.
To arrange for Sherrin to come and speak to your group, visit:
http://www.sherrin.com
Follow Sherrin on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SherrinIngram
Connect with Sherrin on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000047081999&ref=profile
WHAT IS WILLPOWER?
Webster’s dictionary provides one of the most succinct and powerful definitions of willpower I’ve come across. It states that will power is the “ability and strength of mind to carry out one’s decisions.” Two things stand out in this definition: (1) strength of mind and (2) decision. I will focus on strength of mind since you can review last month’s WMI article (“The Power of a Conscious Decision”) to understand why a decision is necessary to tap into and use willpower.
STRENGTH OF MIND
Strength of mind is the mental power to oppose attacks to your values and beliefs and support your goals. In terms of supporting your goals, strength of mind comes from knowing the true purpose of a goal, having a thorough understanding of why the purpose is important, and believing that the goal is necessary to achieve the purpose.
Your strength of mind to support a particular goal can be greatly enhanced by developing a written action plan to periodically (1) affirm the possibility of achieving of the goal, (2) reinforce the goal’s importance, (3) deal with setbacks, and (4) reward yourself.
- Affirm The Possibility Of Your Goal
Believing that a goal is possible to achieve is a critical part of your decision to put your full efforts toward achieving it. One of the best ways to affirm the possibility of achieving a goal is to tackle the goal in small increments. For example, if you’re trying to save $20,000 for a down payment on a home, divide your goal into small increments – $250, $500, $750, $1,000 and so on. I recommend that you keep a chart (like the ones used for fundraisers) in a prominent spot in your home on which you can mark your progress.
- Reinforce The Goal’s Importance
Sometimes, you’ll need to remind yourself of the reasons why you’re trying to achieve the goal. To continue with the prior example, you can write your responses to the exercise mentioned earlier directly on your chart. That way, you can remind yourself daily about your reasons for saving for a down payment.
- Deal With Setbacks
Setbacks are a natural part of life. No matter how hard you try, things won’t always go the way you want. Having a plan for dealing with setbacks helps you get back on track as soon as possible. For example, having an emergency fund to pay for unexpected expenses can prevent or offset the need to take money out of your savings. Review Step 11 in Wealth Mentality for more thoughts on dealing with setbacks.
- Reward Yourself
Acknowledge and reward each achievement, no matter how small. Plan your reward for each achievement in advance. To continue with the previous example, you can have something like “$250 gets my favorite dessert and $500 gets a dinner out with the family” and so on.
Willpower can be an effective weapon in your wealth building arsenal. Even though it may seem to fade at times, stick with your action plan. You’ll find that you can give your willpower a boost and reach your goals with greater ease.
To arrange for Sherrin to come and speak to your group, visit:
http://www.sherrin.com
Follow Sherrin on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SherrinIngram
Connect with Sherrin on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000047081999&ref=profile
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Enhance Goal Achievement by Developing Personal Sales Skills
Whether or not you realize it, you’re in sales. "But I don’t make widgets or own my own business," you say. If you think about it, you sell yourself every day to just about everyone you know. You sell your services to your employer and customers, your ideas and opinions to your manager and associates at work, your beliefs and values to friends and family, and so on.
THE BOTTOM LINE: The better you are at selling, the more goals you’ll achieve. Just think of how much your financial situation, for example, would improve if you were able to sell more of your services or command a higher price for your services. That’s why it makes sense to do all you can to improve your personal sales skills.
Begin improving your sales skills by following Wealth Mentality’s Seven Principles of Sales Success: (1) know your product, (2) know your market, (3) know your customer, (4) service your customers better than anyone else, (5) seek out and exhaust all sales leads, (6) innovate, and (7) continue your education.
You are the product. Like a company, your goal should be to offer the best option available for the type of services you provide. That means you should know and capitalize on your strengths. You should also know and work toward improving your weaknesses. Make sure your "packaging" is appropriate for and attractive to your market. Get the education and training you need to improve your skills.
It is critical that you understand what type and size of organization your skills and products are best suited for and what type of customers you enjoy working with.
Do your homework! You must know what your customers need and how they want to buy it. For example, maybe you’ve been admiring a company that currently doesn’t have any job openings. How can you work your way in? Do some in depth research and find out what the company needs, understand why the need exists and develop a proposal that shows how you can fulfill this need profitably. This way, you’re offering custom solutions instead of simply asking for a job.
Always deliver the results you promised and then exceed expectations. Remember, your customer (i.e., your employer or who ever else you serve) isn’t buying your time. Your customer is buying results that help him or her achieve specific goals.
Show your appreciation to those who help you along the way by sending thank-you notes, gift certificates or whatever seems appropriate.
Expand your network and be open to new possibilities. Maybe you’ll meet a great new "customer" – a potential friend, business partner, or future co-worker – at that neighborhood party you really don’t want to attend. Go one step further and host gatherings at your home or office. For more ideas on developing leads, review the "Becoming a Top Business Developer" series Wealth Mentality Insights.
Also, be persistent and consistent. Failing to follow-up and stay in contact with prospects is a waste of valuable networking time.
Always look for better ways to provide the best product or service in the most efficient manner.
Continue Your Education
Make sure your Wealth Action Plan includes time and money to improve your sales skills. It will be an investment that’s sure to pay off!
Until my next post, keep making great decisions!
Sherrin
Follow Sherrin on Twitter: http://su.pr/2ZPCv5
"Friend" Sherrin on Facebook: http://su.pr/1tLdqx
Connect with Sherrin on LinkedIn: http://su.pr/72ISSt
To arrange for Sherrin to come and speak to your organization, visit http://www.sherrin.com/.
THE BOTTOM LINE: The better you are at selling, the more goals you’ll achieve. Just think of how much your financial situation, for example, would improve if you were able to sell more of your services or command a higher price for your services. That’s why it makes sense to do all you can to improve your personal sales skills.
Begin improving your sales skills by following Wealth Mentality’s Seven Principles of Sales Success: (1) know your product, (2) know your market, (3) know your customer, (4) service your customers better than anyone else, (5) seek out and exhaust all sales leads, (6) innovate, and (7) continue your education.
Know Your Product
You are the product. Like a company, your goal should be to offer the best option available for the type of services you provide. That means you should know and capitalize on your strengths. You should also know and work toward improving your weaknesses. Make sure your "packaging" is appropriate for and attractive to your market. Get the education and training you need to improve your skills.
Know Your Market
It is critical that you understand what type and size of organization your skills and products are best suited for and what type of customers you enjoy working with.
Know Your Customers
Do your homework! You must know what your customers need and how they want to buy it. For example, maybe you’ve been admiring a company that currently doesn’t have any job openings. How can you work your way in? Do some in depth research and find out what the company needs, understand why the need exists and develop a proposal that shows how you can fulfill this need profitably. This way, you’re offering custom solutions instead of simply asking for a job.
Provide the Best Service
Always deliver the results you promised and then exceed expectations. Remember, your customer (i.e., your employer or who ever else you serve) isn’t buying your time. Your customer is buying results that help him or her achieve specific goals.
Show your appreciation to those who help you along the way by sending thank-you notes, gift certificates or whatever seems appropriate.
Develop and Exhaust All Leads
Expand your network and be open to new possibilities. Maybe you’ll meet a great new "customer" – a potential friend, business partner, or future co-worker – at that neighborhood party you really don’t want to attend. Go one step further and host gatherings at your home or office. For more ideas on developing leads, review the "Becoming a Top Business Developer" series Wealth Mentality Insights.
Also, be persistent and consistent. Failing to follow-up and stay in contact with prospects is a waste of valuable networking time.
Innovate
Always look for better ways to provide the best product or service in the most efficient manner.
Continue Your Education
Make sure your Wealth Action Plan includes time and money to improve your sales skills. It will be an investment that’s sure to pay off!
Until my next post, keep making great decisions!
Sherrin
Follow Sherrin on Twitter: http://su.pr/2ZPCv5
"Friend" Sherrin on Facebook: http://su.pr/1tLdqx
Connect with Sherrin on LinkedIn: http://su.pr/72ISSt
To arrange for Sherrin to come and speak to your organization, visit http://www.sherrin.com/.
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Benefits of True Strategic Planning
The way you manage your business in a constantly changing environment is just as, if not more, important to the success of your business than the actual products and services you offer. Leaders who can strategically think and act are able to successfully manage their businesses through increased competition, recession, globalization or any other factor that destroys an average or poorly managed company. This is part of strategic planning’s benefits.
Contrary to popular belief, strategic planning is more than deciding how to get where you want to go from where you are now. Strategic planning is a methodical and ongoing process of obtaining and evaluating information, making strategic decisions, implementing strategies designed to achieve a developed vision, and measuring the results. A strategic plan shows how your vision can become reality by developing objectives that provide the framework for tactical planning.
Any business with a dynamic vision can benefit from true strategic planning because a thorough strategic planning process forces you to do several things:
In the end, a strategic plan is only as good as its strategies. The strategies in the plan directly represent the quality of thinking skills that went into developing them. Assessing (and providing training for) the strategic thinking skills of those devising the plan before the planning process is critical.
Everyone in the organization must have the skills to do their part in implementing the plan. Training and periodic reinforcement are needed to ensure that all employees understand the plan and their role in the plan, and are properly equipped to accomplish their tasks.
The value of true strategic planning is not limited to the business world. Its principles and benefits apply equally to the management of your personal life and finances.
Objective assistance during the strategic planning process is priceless. So make a decision to get the objective help you need. You’ll be glad you did.
Until my next post, keep making great decisions!
Sherrin
Follow Sherrin on Twitter: http://su.pr/2ZPCv5
"Friend" Sherrin on Facebook: http://su.pr/1tLdqx
Connect with Sherrin on LinkedIn: http://su.pr/72ISSt
To arrange for Sherrin to come and speak to your organization, visit http://www.sherrin.com/.
What is Strategic Planning?
Contrary to popular belief, strategic planning is more than deciding how to get where you want to go from where you are now. Strategic planning is a methodical and ongoing process of obtaining and evaluating information, making strategic decisions, implementing strategies designed to achieve a developed vision, and measuring the results. A strategic plan shows how your vision can become reality by developing objectives that provide the framework for tactical planning.
Any business with a dynamic vision can benefit from true strategic planning because a thorough strategic planning process forces you to do several things:
- develop and/or refine a vision of the organization’s future;
- thoroughly assess the strengths and weaknesses of the organization;
- gather and interpret information about your customers, industry, and competitors;
- develop strategies that significantly enhance the likelihood that the vision will become reality;
- develop an operational plan to guide daily implementation of strategies;
- devise a method of accountability; and
- decide on a benchmarking method to measure progress and the real added value of strategic planning efforts.
All of the practical benefits of true strategic planning are too numerous to mention in this space. A few prominent ones (in addition to those stated above) are:
- the formalization of core values and priorities for the organization;
- enlightenment to existing and possible future managerial and operational challenges;
- understanding how to best position yourself in your market and which opportunities are best to pursue given your core values and priorities; and
- understanding what qualities and skills are needed from existing personnel and new hires.
If your current strategic plan isn’t meeting expectations, then look first at the integrity of the plan, the strategic thinking skills of its developers, and the training and skills of those implementing the plan.
Integrity of the Plan
A thorough strategic planning process results in a realistic, viable operating guide based on the best information available at the time. The integrity of a strategic plan is seriously compromised when the source of data and the method used to compile it are questionable and when assumptions are not recognized and fully challenged. A thorough planning process addresses these concerns.
Strategic Thinking Skills
In the end, a strategic plan is only as good as its strategies. The strategies in the plan directly represent the quality of thinking skills that went into developing them. Assessing (and providing training for) the strategic thinking skills of those devising the plan before the planning process is critical.
Training and Skill Development
Everyone in the organization must have the skills to do their part in implementing the plan. Training and periodic reinforcement are needed to ensure that all employees understand the plan and their role in the plan, and are properly equipped to accomplish their tasks.
The value of true strategic planning is not limited to the business world. Its principles and benefits apply equally to the management of your personal life and finances.
Objective assistance during the strategic planning process is priceless. So make a decision to get the objective help you need. You’ll be glad you did.
Until my next post, keep making great decisions!
Sherrin
Follow Sherrin on Twitter: http://su.pr/2ZPCv5
"Friend" Sherrin on Facebook: http://su.pr/1tLdqx
Connect with Sherrin on LinkedIn: http://su.pr/72ISSt
To arrange for Sherrin to come and speak to your organization, visit http://www.sherrin.com/.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Understanding Your Driving Forces for Change
What will it take to inspire full, uncompromising commitment to improving your situation? Will you need to lose key relationships? Will it take a bankruptcy? Will you need to physically and mentally "burn out" from stress? At the root of these and most other reasons for making a decision to change is fear.
Whether it’s fear of being alone, fear of suffering the negative effects of poverty, fear of becoming terminally ill, or fear of business failure, fear (in its many forms) is a powerful motivator. However, it’s been my experience that attempts to change that are motivated by fear fail in due time.
The problem with changes driven by fear is that you need to live in a constant state of fear to stick with your plan and maintain the changes. Living in a long-term, constant state of fear is paralyzing to your mental and spiritual outlook and ultimately leads to physical exhaustion. Once the fear or the perceived threat is diminished (for example, you realize that you won’t live in poverty even if you’re not wealthy), the resolve to remain fully committed to the new changes diminishes also.
I believe it is far better to be driven to change by self-love and self-respect. Love and respect can be just as powerful as fear when it comes to directing behavior. The difference, however, is profound when the long-term effects are compared. Fear produces a stress effect that damages and exhausts the body, mind and spirit. Love and respect heals and builds the body, mind and spirit. Another difference is that the things we do when we are fearful are not usually things we want to do. And, most important, we don’t feel good about ourselves after we’ve done them. Behavior and choices based on love and respect are usually the opposite. We usually want to do the things we do and we feel really good about ourselves after we’ve done them. This even applies to those seemingly unpleasant tasks.
Some extraordinary positive things happen when self-love and self-respect drive change:
Whether it’s fear of being alone, fear of suffering the negative effects of poverty, fear of becoming terminally ill, or fear of business failure, fear (in its many forms) is a powerful motivator. However, it’s been my experience that attempts to change that are motivated by fear fail in due time.
The problem with changes driven by fear is that you need to live in a constant state of fear to stick with your plan and maintain the changes. Living in a long-term, constant state of fear is paralyzing to your mental and spiritual outlook and ultimately leads to physical exhaustion. Once the fear or the perceived threat is diminished (for example, you realize that you won’t live in poverty even if you’re not wealthy), the resolve to remain fully committed to the new changes diminishes also.
I believe it is far better to be driven to change by self-love and self-respect. Love and respect can be just as powerful as fear when it comes to directing behavior. The difference, however, is profound when the long-term effects are compared. Fear produces a stress effect that damages and exhausts the body, mind and spirit. Love and respect heals and builds the body, mind and spirit. Another difference is that the things we do when we are fearful are not usually things we want to do. And, most important, we don’t feel good about ourselves after we’ve done them. Behavior and choices based on love and respect are usually the opposite. We usually want to do the things we do and we feel really good about ourselves after we’ve done them. This even applies to those seemingly unpleasant tasks.
Some extraordinary positive things happen when self-love and self-respect drive change:
- You recognize that your life is a gift and that your precious gift of life deserves every opportunity to fulfill its potential.
- You recognize that it is your responsibility to nurture your gift of life in the highest and best way.
- You recognize a need to love yourself enough to be conscious about your choices.
- You recognize the need to respect yourself by not sabotaging your opportunities with unsupportive choices.
- You make a choice to allow in your life only those things and relationships that honor your life’s purpose.
- You recognize that to love and respect yourself in these ways may require fundamental changes in some of your beliefs and the establishment of supportive habits ... and you’re eager to do it.
Although everything I've discussed has been in the context of personal change, it all applies equally to your business as well.
Wherever you are in your journey, I encourage you to explore and acknowledge the driving force(s) for your choices and behaviors. Take proactive steps to harness the power of self-love and self-respect. When your desire to change is driven by true love and respect for yourself, you will find it easier to continue doing what is necessary to make and maintain the changes you desire.
Until my next post, keep making great decisions!
Sherrin
Follow Sherrin on Twitter: http://su.pr/2ZPCv5
"Friend" Sherrin on Facebook: http://su.pr/1tLdqx
Connect with Sherrin on LinkedIn: http://su.pr/72ISSt
To arrange for Sherrin to come and speak to your organization, visit http://www.sherrin.com/.
Monday, October 5, 2009
The Power of Integrity: Accelerate and Maintain Achievements by Going Beyond Willpower
After years of teaching success and wealth principles, I have noticed an interesting correlation. Those who are able to maintain success or wealth have fully developed integrity. You may be thinking that you know of successful or wealthy people who are widely considered to be immoral. Please read on. Many, maybe even you, have achieved personal and professional goals only to regress back to undesirable states. One common thread in these regressions is the failure to continue doing basic things that initially led to success. In other words, there is a lack of integrity.
What is Integrity?
Integrity has been defined in many ways. Some say integrity is "honoring your word" or "doing what you agreed you would do when you agreed to do it." More often, I hear it associated with someone who is believed to be of high moral character. In my opinion, these definitions do not help you understand the significance of having integrity or provide real guidance for how to have it. Moreover, I believe integrity has nothing to do with one’s moral character. So, I’ll be using what I consider a more helpful definition.
As I define it, integrity is the conscious decision to set minimum acceptable standards of behavior with regard to a thing or situation. Having integrity means upholding those standards without unconsidered compromise.
You will know you have integrity when you no longer feel tempted to do or accept less than the minimum acceptable standards you’ve established. Having integrity is important in every aspect of life, from relationships and work to finances and nutrition. It is truly the difference between temporary and lasting success.
How Do You Develop Integrity?
Integrity, as I have defined it above, is not automatic for most. Most are prone to accept "less" when it is convenient. Some will fold at the slightest challenge. How do you begin to develop integrity so that you don’t settle or fold at a challenge? It starts with the use of willpower coupled with the intention to develop integrity.
Willpower, according to Webster’s dictionary, is the "ability and strength of mind to carry out one’s decisions." How is willpower different from integrity? Willpower is what you are using when you feel tempted, but don't do something that is contrary to a decision you’ve made or a principle you have. Integrity is what you are using when you don’t feel tempted in the first place.
Willpower gets you started on the path. However, without having the intention of developing integrity, continued reliance on willpower can lead to feelings of deprivation. You are more likely to "cheat" when you feel deprived. The longer you feel deprived, the more significant your "cheating" may be and the harder it will be to get back on track. This is why having integrity, not willpower, must be the ultimate goal.
It is integrity that transforms your actions into a lifestyle. It is your lifestyle that maintains or destroys your success. So, set your intention to go from willpower to integrity. You’ll be transformed. I guarantee it!
Until my next post, keep making great decisions!
Sherrin
Follow Sherrin on Twitter: http://su.pr/2ZPCv5
"Friend" Sherrin on Facebook: http://su.pr/1tLdqx
Connect with Sherrin on LinkedIn: http://su.pr/72ISSt
To arrange for Sherrin to come and speak to your organization, visit http://www.sherrin.com/.
What is Integrity?
Integrity has been defined in many ways. Some say integrity is "honoring your word" or "doing what you agreed you would do when you agreed to do it." More often, I hear it associated with someone who is believed to be of high moral character. In my opinion, these definitions do not help you understand the significance of having integrity or provide real guidance for how to have it. Moreover, I believe integrity has nothing to do with one’s moral character. So, I’ll be using what I consider a more helpful definition.
As I define it, integrity is the conscious decision to set minimum acceptable standards of behavior with regard to a thing or situation. Having integrity means upholding those standards without unconsidered compromise.
How Do You Know If You Have Integrity?
You will know you have integrity when you no longer feel tempted to do or accept less than the minimum acceptable standards you’ve established. Having integrity is important in every aspect of life, from relationships and work to finances and nutrition. It is truly the difference between temporary and lasting success.
How Do You Develop Integrity?
Integrity, as I have defined it above, is not automatic for most. Most are prone to accept "less" when it is convenient. Some will fold at the slightest challenge. How do you begin to develop integrity so that you don’t settle or fold at a challenge? It starts with the use of willpower coupled with the intention to develop integrity.
Willpower, according to Webster’s dictionary, is the "ability and strength of mind to carry out one’s decisions." How is willpower different from integrity? Willpower is what you are using when you feel tempted, but don't do something that is contrary to a decision you’ve made or a principle you have. Integrity is what you are using when you don’t feel tempted in the first place.
Caution! Caution!
Willpower gets you started on the path. However, without having the intention of developing integrity, continued reliance on willpower can lead to feelings of deprivation. You are more likely to "cheat" when you feel deprived. The longer you feel deprived, the more significant your "cheating" may be and the harder it will be to get back on track. This is why having integrity, not willpower, must be the ultimate goal.
It is integrity that transforms your actions into a lifestyle. It is your lifestyle that maintains or destroys your success. So, set your intention to go from willpower to integrity. You’ll be transformed. I guarantee it!
Until my next post, keep making great decisions!
Sherrin
Follow Sherrin on Twitter: http://su.pr/2ZPCv5
"Friend" Sherrin on Facebook: http://su.pr/1tLdqx
Connect with Sherrin on LinkedIn: http://su.pr/72ISSt
To arrange for Sherrin to come and speak to your organization, visit http://www.sherrin.com/.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Conscious Brainstorming: A Forgotten Tool for Making Difficult Decisions
Need an idea fast or "out-of-the-box" alternatives to help make a difficult decision? A tool you don’t hear much about lately (I suspect because it seems too simple to be truly effective) is brainstorming. Webster’s dictionary defines brainstorming as "a group problem-solving technique that involves the spontaneous contribution of ideas from all members of the group." You can accomplish this creative process a number of ways.
Brainstorming can be as formal as holding a meeting in which someone takes notes of the ideas generated or the session is recorded. It can be as informal as writing down ideas on paper or using more intricate tools, such as software, and asking for comments or improvements on the ideas.
Although you won't have the benefit of being inspired by other's ideas, you can have a brainstorming session alone if necessary due to your circumstances.
Come up with a series of questions or scenarios to get the creative juices flowing. Tom Monahan, author of The Do-It-Yourself Lobotomy, suggests using the "180-degree" brainstorming technique. You imagine the worst possible outcomes or scenarios of a situation or issue and then discuss ways to avoid them.
The key is to maintain a supportive environment so each member feels comfortable contributing all their ideas. This means, in part, never criticize an idea no matter how silly it sounds. Always try to improve on the idea. If it sounds too far out, try to find the underlying principles of the idea and apply them to your situation. You never know what will work.
For more brainstorming techniques and tools, check out www.jpb.com/creative/brainstorming.html.
:::::::::::::
Follow Sherrin on Twitter.
Connect with Sherrin on Facebook or LinkedIn.
To arrange for Sherrin to come and speak to your group, visit http://www.sherrin.com/.
Brainstorming can be as formal as holding a meeting in which someone takes notes of the ideas generated or the session is recorded. It can be as informal as writing down ideas on paper or using more intricate tools, such as software, and asking for comments or improvements on the ideas.
Although you won't have the benefit of being inspired by other's ideas, you can have a brainstorming session alone if necessary due to your circumstances.
Come up with a series of questions or scenarios to get the creative juices flowing. Tom Monahan, author of The Do-It-Yourself Lobotomy, suggests using the "180-degree" brainstorming technique. You imagine the worst possible outcomes or scenarios of a situation or issue and then discuss ways to avoid them.
The key is to maintain a supportive environment so each member feels comfortable contributing all their ideas. This means, in part, never criticize an idea no matter how silly it sounds. Always try to improve on the idea. If it sounds too far out, try to find the underlying principles of the idea and apply them to your situation. You never know what will work.
For more brainstorming techniques and tools, check out www.jpb.com/creative/brainstorming.html.
:::::::::::::
Follow Sherrin on Twitter.
Connect with Sherrin on Facebook or LinkedIn.
To arrange for Sherrin to come and speak to your group, visit http://www.sherrin.com/.
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