Inspiring Workplaces: Getting Focused With an Unfocus Group

Published: Wed, 10/14/20

Humor at Work

ISSUE 844- Oct. 14, 2020


		Getting Focused With an Unfocus Group

	The design company IDEO uses "unfocus groups" to help them develop ideas. These unfocus groups consist of a diverse group of people who have no expertise related to the topic at hand but are really passionate about a particular product or service. So, for example, IDEO brought in a lounge singer, artist, limo driver, and fire walker to talk about shoe design. (I believe the fire walker had the hottest ideas.) Bringing in outsiders is a great way to get fresh insights, since one of the keys to generating innovative ideas is cajoling a change in perspective. Some companies have even invited kids to brainstorm ideas, while other companies have invited a passionate customer, artist, chef, and even a crime novelist to their meetings to get fresh, interesting perspectives. You can use this approach at an individual level as well. I recently chatted with an executive assistant who has a diverse advisory panel that gives her career and work advice. And if you really want to think outside the Zoom box, as I wrote about in an earlier issue, you can always invite a llama, goat, or alpaca to attend your next brainstorming meeting, courtesy of California-based Sweet Farm.

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

Practice a little "humor jujitsu" the next time you're feeling stressed out by taking a timeout to brainstorm and write down as many positive benefits and/or funny things you can think of related to the situation. It might be difficult to do at first in the moment, but research shows this can be an incredibly effective method of de-stressing. It's also a great team exercise to foster a meaningful conversation around the positive benefits of things we might assume are always a negative at work, such as team conflict, having to work from home, or Bob bringing a wolverine to your team meetings.
		Quote of the Week

“It takes a village to raise a culture.” Camille Washington, Manager of All Things Branding, Culture, and Engagement at FedEx
		It's a Wacky World

As seen on a bus sign: "Please do not board bus after the driver has closed the doors." Well, okay then.

Every Other Wednesdays
Register for another FREE culture conversation with "The Culture Club." Our next one is today, October 21, 1:00 EST, where the gang (sadly minus me this time) will carry on with round two of our conversation on building a thriving culture in a hybrid workplace. If you can't make it, register and you'll get the recording: Every Other Wednesdays

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