How to turn a crazy idea into a feasible solution (2/2)

In my last article, I shared two simple methods which you can use to transform a crazy idea into a feasible one. In this second post, I will share two more techniques you can use to turn provocative suggestions into practical solutions. 

Imagine you have to find a solution for the fact that many young talented employees leave your company to start working for the competitor.

In a crazy mood, one of your colleagues calls out:
“If an employee threatens to resign, we will kidnap a family member and demand that the employee stays.”

This looks like a useless idea at first. It’s creative for sure, but also unrealistic and illegal. Luckily, there are several ways to transform this outrageous suggestion into realistic ideas. Let’s look at the methods you can use, one by one.

The first two methods you’ll find here…

Method 3. Storyline

Imagine what would happen if the idea would be executed and use this scenario as input for new ideas.

Step 1. Note what would happen
What would happen if the idea were actually implemented? Note all following moments in time, in chronological order. Write it like a rough storyline.

The idea
“If an employee threatens to resign, we will kidnap a family member and demand that the employee stays.”

The storyline

• We choose a family member (one that he or she is fond of)
• We track the family member down, kidnap him or her (and hide them somewhere where they can’t easily be found)
• We write a kidnap note for the employee (by cutting out letters from newspapers)
• We hand over the kidnap note to the employee
• We need evidence (we could cut off a finger or take a picture with the victim and today’s newspaper)
• etc.

Step 2. Use the storylines to generate new ideas
Look at the individual moments in the storyline and use them as a source of inspiration to find new ideas.

Storyline: We track the family member down, kidnap him or her (and hide them somewhere where they can’t easily be found)

> Idea 1: We track down the employees who are thinking about leaving and offer them a better contract.
> Idea 2: We track down the competitors who are ‘stealing’ our employees and analyse their company (for example, by talking to their current or former employees). This way we could map out their shortcomings and use this information to become a more attractive employer.

Storyline: We need evidence (we could cut off a finger or take a picture with the victim and today’s newspaper)
> Idea 1: We need evidence that we are a better employer, or in other words; we need to become a better (more popular) employer. We can become a better employer by investigating what our employees are looking for in a job (e.g. via a survey) and by using this information to improve our employment conditions.
> Idea 2: Cutting off employees who are not loyal. We could create a more loyal group of employees, by putting emphasis on ‘loyalty’ as an important criterion during the recruitment phase.

You can best generate as many ideas as possible for each storyline. If you notice that you’re running out of ideas, then it’s time to pick another storyline. Continue this process until you’re satisfied with the number of ideas. 

Method 4. Free association

Use a ‘crazy idea’ as a stepping stone to find new ideas.

Step 1. Write down associations
What does the idea make you think of? What ideas or associations come to mind?

The idea
“If an employee threatens to resign, we will kidnap a family member and demand that the employee stays.”

Associations

• In a criminal organisation, people can not get out easily (without risking their life)
• Kidnapping the employees of our competitor (and forcing them to work for us)
• Kidnapping our own employees, so they can’t leave in the first place
• Killing the employee who wants to leave, so the competitor doesn’t have the advantage
• Hiring other family members (or lookalikes) to fill in the job position
• etc.

Step 2. Pick one association and generate new ideas
Select one association to explore further. Use it as a stepping stone to find realistic ideas. Try to preserve the craziness. Keep in mind that you’re looking for creative ideas.

Selected association
“In a criminal organisation, people can not get out easily (without risking their own lives)”

New ideas
What does this association make you think of?

• If criminals want to get out, they often try to find an exit by talking to the cops.
  >Idea: A confidential adviser you can talk to anonymously if you’re thinking about leaving the company. You can share your concerns with this person. He/she can help you to find a suitable solution within the organisation. (For example with another function or department). This way you don’t have to leave the company when you want to do something else.
• Members of criminal organisations are often being blackmailed by their peers/superiors in order to stay
  >Idea: Set up a yearly returning company party. Let employees bring their friends. This is positive for your company’s image as an employer, brings you in contact with possible new employees, and with some luck the pictures can be used afterwards, as blackmail material.
• Members of criminal organisations are afraid of being seen with members of rival gangs
  >Idea: The ability to work for other departments within the same company. This way, employees get to know other colleagues and get new experiences. Different work (and environment) can ensure that an employee stays.

Tips for practice
Try to inspire each other. A short anecdote, a joke, a fun fact… everything can spark a creative idea. Avoid the situation where one person is speaking too long. Keep it short and let the ideas flow. Be sure to explore several different directions (completely different ideas as well as variations on a specific idea).

Always stay focused on the topic. It is tempting to take a direction that has nothing to do with your subject. If you notice this is happening, guide all participants back to the original challenge. Avoid having to look back on a nice afternoon with colleagues discussing holiday plans, while finding yourself with no new ideas on the topic you were supposed to discuss. Always keep your attention on the goal of the meeting and on the team’s objective to end with new ideas.

Be aware that in both techniques the second step is the most important. Always spent more time on the second step than on the first. In the end, this exercise is about making ideas specific and practical (and not just about having fun and coming up with crazy stuff)!