Change brainstorm

I’ve been practicing more “design thinking” principles into my professional life (particularly with clients starting new projects). I have found it particularly helpful in consulting to make sure that all parties are aligned on the strategy and outcome for the project if there’s adequate brainstorming and alignment at the outset. That element of design thinking—ideation—is something we can easily skip over when pressed for time. Why come up with a bunch of solutions when one is probably fine?

I think it’s incredibly important to bring ideation into the coaching relationship. Sometimes we come up with an idea or path forward but haven’t considered any other inputs.

This strategy is very similar to an improv concept called, “Yes, and!” In improv, you move a skit along most commonly by saying “Yes!” to another person’s idea, and building off of that idea. (The alternative would be spending time understanding why an idea might be wrong or not allowing yourself to add-in to another person’s ideas.)

Coaching conversations should be like a game of “Yes, and!” where we are BOTH invested in the idea and choice ahead of you. My job is to foster a full period of ideation for clients and make sure we’re starting off in the right place. If you haven’t considered alternative paths, it’s almost impossible for you to not have regret down the line.

Think you want to try to get outside more? Yes and—why not try walking in a park? Yes and—have you contacted REI about group excursions? Yes and—how do you feel about water activities? Yes and—how do you think you could do that in different weather types?