Warming Up with Images

I did some more work with metaphorical images today.

The group is starting some strategic planning, but they don't really know each other that well. They wanted a warm-up exercise that would allow them to get to know each other, but still apply to the topic.

With the images, it's easy.
We simply spread the images and the table and asked them to:

1. Pick an image that serves as a metaphor for their personality. We then had each member share.
2. Pick an image that serves as a metaphor for their career. We then shared.
3. Pick an image that serves as a metaphor for what they hoped to accomplish in this 2-day session.

In 30 minutes, we were able to get some laughs, get to know each other, and hone into the important topic.
That's why I love these images!

Five Finger Facilitation

Here's one of my favorite facilitation strategies.

It's called "Five Finger Facilitation".

Trying to reach consensus with a team?

I hang this image on a poster or draw it on a white board.

And ask everyone to raise their hand and show their feelings.

Sometimes, folks are arguing, when they are all above a 3!

So, rather than trying to get everyone to say yes, I just want to get everyone above a 3 (assuming of course, that at least a few are at 4 or 5 - if not, discuss further).

Anyone below a 2 is now approached this this question - "What would it take to get you to live with it?"

That's a lot different question that "Why don't you like it?", or "What would make you change your mind?".

You can continue to float proposals and keep asking for a 'finger check', until you get everyone to three.

Try it!

Creative Thinking Through Metaphors

One of the easiest ways to get creative is through the use of metaphors.

Unfortunately, it's way too easy to fall back on cliches when we brainstorm metaphors.

That's why I love using metaphorical images. We lay out 100 or so ambiguous images and ask the group to pick an image that serves as a metaphor for their challenge. After one person shows an image, I'll even ask others to contribute what metaphor they saw in the image. There's usually a big difference.

Today, addressing staffing, one participant picked up an image of a leopard. From that image, the team came up with 'hunting talent', 'scanning the horizon', 'staying hungry', 'tracking leads', 'working in teams', 'moving fast', 'being agile', and 'prowling the popular watering holes'.

Not sure if that last one was about staffing or their Friday night plans...

Either way, the images gave us some power ideas that we wouldn't have reached otherwise.

Trick or Treat Leadership

This... is... classic. A Halloween leadership bonus.

If you didn't see or hear Mike Singletary's post-game conference last week: it's must-see TV.

Mike is the new coach of the San Francisco 49ers. In his first game as coach, he sent one of his own players to the showers.

Some of my favorite quotes from the press conference.

• "It will change"
• "We hit people in the mouth, number one."
• "Number two: We cannot give them the game"
• "Number three: We execute"
• "I will not tolerate players that think it's about them when it's about the team"
• "Cannot play with them. Cannot win with them. Cannot coach with them... Can't do it."

As a leader, is this 'trick'? Or 'treat'?

He's positive. He's got clear values.

He's got a mission and vision.

And he scares everyone in the room...

So, what do you think? Trick or Treat?
Personally, I'd love to play for this guy...

There's no 'I' in team...

But as Michael Jordon pointed out, "There is in WIN"...

I stayed up late last night for the exciting (too much so, in fact) gold medal basketball game between Team USA and Spain. The closing of the game reminded me of Jordon's quote.

With the USA clinging to a late two-point lead, the Spanish team increasing in confidence and energy, and Team USA's supposed dominance on the verge of collapse, Kobe Bryant - the 'me first' NBA star who had suppressed his ego to become the defensive specialist on this team -
imposed his will and talent on the Spanish to almost single-handedly win the game.

There had been many questions about how Team USA would handle pressure, if and when it arrived. Could they handle it? Who would stand up and be the leader on this 'team of equals'? No one? Anyone?

Kobe stood up, willing to shoulder the weight of 'hero' or 'goat'. And won the game... for the team.

Who on your team is willing to take the toughest shots?

Creativity Exercise II - Team Drawing

Rule #1 of creativity is 'reject nothing'.
The improvisational theater has another name for it:
'Yes... and..'

'Yes... and...' is very different from 'Yes... but...'
'Yes... and...' means building on whatever came before.
If you've ever watched "Whose Line is it Anyway", you've seen 'Yes... and...' in action. No one on the stage can reject an idea, no matter how bizarre.

Angie and I frequently do an exercise that tests our 'Yes...and...' skills.
For the exercise, we use a 3"x5" index card and a marker. One of us starts a drawing with one line or one feature. The other has to build on what what was drawn. We go back and forth until the energy dissipates.

We've done this on airplanes, and in bed (too much information, I'm sure), but most often in restaurants. It usually attracts attention. More than once, a waiter has asked us about it.

The drawing above, drawn while we were in India, was appropriately named "Catbataloupe" by Angie.

If you're looking for a way to develop your openness and flexibility - and have a little fun - give it a try!