We’re Not Building a Rocket Ship

We’ve all been there. The dreaded mandatory problem solving session.

The facilitator say’s we going to solve XYZ opportunity. There is a “brainstorming” mind dump of the issues, an excel file with filters and pivots, and to cap the meeting off, someone has a data visualization software they are eager to use. And before you know it you’re trying to Boil the Ocean or Solve World Hunger. Everyone forgets why we’re there in the first place…

This scenario occurs too often. Why? Because we like to think are problems are unique, difficult and we’re afraid someone will ask? If it was so easy why hasn’t it been fixed?

How can you avoid these pit falls?

• Do the brainstorming and collect data.
• Start with a manageable subset of tasks.
• Keep it simple.
• Set stretch yet, achieved goals.

Build knowledge and momentum.

• Again, keep things simple. Remember, Rockets in their basic form are extremely simple.
• Use incremental improvements
• To build step functional innovation.

Lastly, remember; You’re usually Not Building a Rocket Ship!