Just as a race car needs the right fuel to achieve peak performance, so does a world-class R&D team need the right kind of imagination to generate momentum and achieve success.
This is where outsourcing ideation facilitation services can play a critical role, giving teams the resources to move forward with their projects.
So how do we find this idea accelerator? And how can we be sure it will help our team achieve momentum?
Four reasons to consider outsourcing ideation facilitation services:
Quality of the ideas
It’s all about the quality of the ideas.
A facilitator can help generate a higher quantity and quality of ideas than if the team was left to their own devices.
A facilitator is impartial and objective and understands how to generate creative ideas.
Focus
A facilitator can help the team focus on the task at hand. For example, when a team is trying to generate ideas, it’s easy to get sidetracked.
A facilitator will keep the team focused on the task at hand so that they can make the most of their time.
Perspectives
A facilitator can help the team explore different perspectives. It’s essential to consider other points of view when generating ideas.
A facilitator can help the group ask questions and provide stimuli.
Execution
A facilitator can help the team come up with a plan of action.
Once the team has generated a list of ideas, a facilitator can help them prioritize and develop a plan of action.
This is important so the team can focus on the most promising ideas and make the most of their time.
The black ice
There are a few potential dangers associated with outsourcing ideation facilitation services:
- There’s the risk that the facilitator will take over the team and become the “idea guy”; this is not a good thing, as it can lead to stagnation and a loss of creativity.
- There’s the risk that the facilitator will be too controlling and stifle the team’s creativity.
- There’s the risk that the facilitator will be unable to keep up with the team’s pace and fall behind.
You need to consider these risks when outsourcing ideation facilitation services.
Tips for keeping your foot on the accelerator:
Gamify the process.
Make it fun and engaging for the team by turning it into a game. You don’t have to be silly about it, but a little competition can go a long way.
Give prizes.
This doesn’t have to be massive, but a little incentive can go a long way.
Keep it short.
The team’s attention span is limited, so ensure the sessions are fast and focused.
Get everyone involved.
Don’t just leave it up to the facilitator to generate ideas. Instead, get everyone in the team involved so they can all contribute.
Keep it fresh.
Don’t just stick to one type of ideation activity. Instead, mix things up and keep them fresh, so the team doesn’t get bored.
Make it a habit.
The more you do it, the easier it will become. Make ideation a part of your team’s routine so that it becomes a habit.
Set time limits.
This will help the team focus and make the most of their time. Deadlines can be a powerful motivator.
The power of momentum
Momentum is a powerful force.
It can help a team achieve greatness but can also be dangerous.
Understanding how to generate and maintain momentum is essential to make the most of it.
With the right tools and resources, your team can achieve anything.
Pit stop!
Think of an R&D team like a race car.
A good driver will know when to pit stop for fuel, new tires, or even just to take a break.
The same is true for an R&D team.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is take a step back and re-evaluate your goals.
Hiring a professional ideation facilitator is like giving your R&D team a pit stop.
It’s an opportunity to take a step back, assess your goals, and develop an action plan.
A good facilitator will help you generate fresh ideas and keep the team focused.
Performance coach
You can carry out ideation workshops on your own. However, we’ve got a few articles on ideation best practices which may be helpful.
So if you can do it on your own, why outsource it?
Well, just like you could always pick up a Haynes manual and change your cambelt, it’s not the same as going to a professional.
An experienced performance coach will help you push your team to its limits.
They’ll know when to push and when to back off.
They’ll also be able to provide feedback and help the team identify areas for improvement.
Outsourcing ideation facilitation services is a great way to give your R&D team the extra momentum they need to succeed.
With the right facilitator, your team can achieve anything.
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The biggest challenge
The biggest challenge with achieving momentum in an R&D team is finding the right balance.
You don’t want to push too hard and risk burnout, but you don’t want to hold back and miss opportunities.
It’s a delicate balance, but you can achieve it with the help of a professional facilitator.
The final lap
There you have it.
Everything you need to know about outsourcing ideation facilitation services.
With a professional facilitator’s help, your team can achieve anything.
So what are you waiting for?
Get out there and give your R&D team the extra momentum they need to succeed!