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Step-by-Step Idea Generation in Teams  EXtreme CREATIVITY Connections . Crazy Idea Game . Role Perspective Make Connections Purpose: To generate ideas using random triggers. Time: Varies Equipment: Flipchart and markers; some type of random stimulus such as a bowl full of "toys", dictionary or encyclopedia. #1 Describe the problem/project statement and answer any clarification questions. #2 Randomly pick an object or word (use a collection of small toys, any dictionary or encyclopedia), and tell the team what the object is (show it, if you can). You can even randomly point to something. #3 The team, non-judgmentally, generates ideas regarding how the characteristics of that object can solve the given problem. You can phrase the question in one of three ways: 1) "What does this object or word tell you about the problem or question?," 2) "What ideas do you get from this object or word that might help solve this problem?," or 3) "How is this object like the problem?" Encourage the group to keep an open mind and look at all possible aspects of the object (symbolic, metaphoric and literal). These ideas are to be written down on the flipchart. Crazy Ideas Game Purpose: To generate breakthrough ideas under competitive pressure while having fun. Time: 35 min. People: 5-17 Equipment: Flipchart and markers; 2 minute timer or watch with second hand. #1 Divide the group into two sub-groups, and select a recorder/referee who will be outside of the sub-groups. #2 Describe the problem statement and answer any clarification questions. #3 Select a sub-group to go first. That sub-group begins by suggesting an absurd or bizarre idea that is remote from the problem. #4 Give the second sub-group 2 minutes to develop a practical solution to the initial problem from the idea suggested by the first sub-group. #5 If the sub-group succeeds (judged by the referee), that group gets one point. The referee writes down each solution as it is proposed. #6 The groups trade-off with the second sub-group providing the remote idea to the first sub-group and repeating Steps #3 through #5. Continue trading back and forth. #7 After 30 minutes, the group with the most points is declared a winner (optional).   Role Perspective   Purpose: To generate solutions from different points of view Time: Varies Equipment: Flipchart #1 Write the problem statement down on the flipchart and answer any clarification questions. #2 Pick a variety of roles (as many roles as there are people in the group), and assign one role to each person. One person can assume more than one role. The roles can be realistic or bizarre. This depends upon the group and its willingness to experiment and the type of problem you are solving. Examples are:  Realistic  Archetypal  Famous  Animals supervisor stakeholder CEO lawyers accountant customers children parent clown king critic know-it-all explorer witch artist wizard daVinci Madonna Groucho Marx Abe Lincoln Mickey Mouse Albert Einstein Helen Keller Mary Kay dolphin bat elephant frog insect dinosau snake butterfly Option: Prepare 3x5 cards with a different role on each to hand out to group members. This makes the process more like a game. #3 Each person takes a turn, in character, generating a list of possible solutions from his/her perspective. Someone should write these ideas on the flipchart. Encourage the group members to become fully involved in their roles.     For more processes and hardcopy of the above you can order Creative Collaboration