ARTICLES
& REPORTS
Professional
Development
About
Innovation Network
- P r o f e s s i o n a l _ D e v e l o p m e n t -
By Laurie Dunnavant
At
Convergence 96, Laurie Dunnavant of 3M Health Care
Systems in Salt Lake City was struck by Al Fahden's
process of handing out $2 bills for ideas during his
session. When she needed to solicit ideas to get a
particularly thorny project back on track, she decided to
use the process. However, knowing that getting 3M to
provide a supply of $2 bills would be difficult, she
instead purchased a large supply of candy bars (Milky Way
Lites for the calorie conscious!).
In the brainstorming session, people were given a candy
bar for each idea they suggested. After the meeting, the
candy bars were left in a paper bag in the middle of the
work area with a sign that explained the exchange rate: 1
idea -- 1 candy bar.
Ideas poured in (especially late in the afternoon when
the munchies hit) and the process yielded 20-30 ideas
that were implemented immediately and several more that
are being developed. The group not only had fun
brainstorming ideas, they have been able to see their
ideas take effect.
Laurie Dunnavant can be reached at 801-265-4313 or lauried@wpmail.code3.com