Brain Steering: Problem Solving for Creatives

Brainsteering offers a problem-solving approach based on pre-fed data to “steer” discussion and thought processes in a more productive manner, as opposed to traditional brainstorming methods. It brings organization and direction to the creative process of coming up with solutions. 

Traditional problem-solving entails a group of individuals pulling from their own memories and situational awareness to come up with potential solutions. Many times, these are brief discussions until someone comes up with an idea and the group decides to “try it”. Very few come together in an organized manner, focusing all attention and “creative energy” on the task at hand. This often creates uninspiring results and enacting on potential solutions. Simply put, human nature wants to see results. If the group does not have confidence in their direction, they subconsciously delay and stall, hoping a better solution comes around. 

Problem solving is an art by itself. There are tons of “tools”, thought processes, and books focused on ways to solve problems. There are many disciplined approaches to solve problems and improving processes and ideas. The better “tools” help identify the root cause of problems, make decisions based on data rather than guesswork and hunches, and select the best solution for the problem at hand. The problem being of course, no new data is being introduced which forces the problem-solvers to “think out of the box”. Traditional problem-solving can onlygo as far as the energy and creative mind sets of those doing it. 

This is where brainsteering shines. Brainsteering starts with collecting data and leveraging that data in a unique, new way. It’s a precursor to traditional problem solving by feeding into the creative mindset. Brainsteering brings organization and passion to the problem at hand, communicating the messaging in an organized manner, infusing passion and collaboration. This allows stretched mindsets, unique ideas, and passion within the team. By its nature, it strengthens and builds teams and creates “out of the box” solutions to implement. 

The best way for a brainsteering “session” is through coordination and scheduling. With that said, the more a company leverages this process, the less coordinated it needs to be. Creating a culture that facilitates simple communication between team members, with training, can become the data gathering. The more team members interact, the more ideas are shared and the more unique the ideas will come. Again, it takes time and patience to build this “muscle”. In today’s world of remote workers, this becomes a challenge.

Traditional Brainsteering Method and Steps:

1. Assigning a Project Manager. Like all things, someone needs to “own” the process and coordination. This person will organize and coordinate the activity itself. They become the energy and driver to ensure productive sessions happen. 
2. Data Gathering. This should be allocated to all participants. Give them specific tasks to gather over the previous week. Gathering can be done by talking to fellow teammates, clients, and/or performing a “digital dig” on the internet. Depending on the problems, the tasks can differ. Reinforce the art of gathering information and the most important element being documenting the work.  This can be done in array of ways such as capturing images and verbiage in PowerPoint, WORD, print outs, etc. 
3. Spark Deck Build. All data that is gathered needs to be sent to the project manager to reassemble in a coordinated, easy to understand manner. Traditionally, this is done in a PowerPoint slide deck. This step is important as it captures all of the data collected by the team. This slide deck needs to flow from concept to concept, allowing both a transfer of knowledge but also the mixing of ideas. The word “spark” comes from ideas that involuntarily enter discussions that might have been a combination of any and all discussion points. It’s the “aha moment”. 
4. Brainsteering Event. This is the day of the event and can be anything from a 30 minute to several hour activity. This activity is meant to be enjoyable for the participants. They get to “brag” about their findings and capture new ideas. The event itself takes the compilation of data, organizes the data into a seamless presentation through the project manager/facilitator. In the event, participants are exposed to the data of their fellow team members, mixed in with their own thoughts and ideas. The data traditionally “flows” from slide to slide, mixing the concepts, ideas and data. Open discussion is encouraged, and the idea solutions need to be captured for review later. Remember all ideas are not going to be good but they, at this stage need to be celebrated. As they say, “there are no stupid questions, only stupid answers”. Allow the team to collaborate and build off each other’s ideas in a safe environment!
5. Follow Up. Many times, there is time after the brainsteering event to review the solutions the team came up with, organize the ideas, and decide on next activities. The absolute worst possible outcome is to entice a team to participate, they put passion and energy into participating, and see no results from their energy. Its imperative to have a follow up and maintain the team’s involvement. 

Are you stuck in reviewing the same tired responses with no unique solutions to try? 

What are you doing to enhance team building and collaboration? Brainsteering is a “tool” to be added to your “toolkit”. This process can be used for team building, moral boosting, tackling difficult situations, opening communication within your team, growing business through new ideas, inventions, and breaking into new industries, even resolving bottlenecks on facility floors. Brainsteering can be a tool to not only bring your team together in a meaningful, strong manner but also give you energetic, passionate solutions the full team will get behind and implement. Passionate ideas are always easier to implement!

Remember, problems you are non-discriminatory on how you solve them. They just need to be solved. 

Are you ready to transform your team’s problem-solving approach? Contact KY-MEP today to learn how Brainsteering and structured problem-solving can drive innovation and efficiency in your business.