Before & After : Creative thinking in business

Simple word choice when we start our brainstorming can channel it toward a quick dead end or open up the process to a plethora of possibilities.

I love the word “might.”

When framing a brainstorming session for, say, customer service, you can ask, “How can we serve our customers better?” or you can ask “How might we serve our customers better.” The second phrasing is mighty better.

When we ask “How can” we do something that begs for certainty, a solution that can be done. Literally, that means it is proven; it has been done. Because a truly new idea is not proven, uncertain. This leads us to known solutions, which may be okay, but if we already knew them why are we brainstorming? Because they don’t work, or they may not be enough.

When we ask “How might” we do something it opens up all sorts of possibilities, and they don’t have to be proven or even likely of success - they just might be solutions. And there are other benefits. (more…)

You wouldn’t be one of the 62% of companies who don’t see their performance deficiencies, would you? BTW, the other 38% aren’t without dysfunction, they’re just oblivious to it. All companies have issues in how well they perform.

Let me tell you about NRG, the premier organizational development consultant for creative organizations.

Before & After has formed a partnership with NRG (New Resources for Growth) a company that helps creative organizations like ad agencies, TV stations and others achieve peak performance. NRG achieves this level of high functionality the way a master mechanic tunes an engine for greater power and efficiency. B&A has been recommending NRG to help our clients since we were formed 15 years ago. We now have a more formal relationship.

NRG’s founder, Paul Deslauriers and his team are expert at helping their clients identify whatever is impeding performance and growth, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Then they dig in and help effect real change. I find what NRG does absolutely amazing. The shifts that occur include surges in new business, sales, teamwork, process flow, all kinds of improvements.

If you’d like to know more about how NRG helps companies reach peak performance check out the NRG site or email Lisa DiMonte or call 401 861-6489, Ex. * 3.

Or assess for yourself if your group needs the kind of help NRG provides.