I must confess that I do not know Mr. Ratan Tata at all, and I have no basis for making such an audacious statement. In fact, from all that I have read about him and his interviews I have seen on TV, he comes across as a rather self-effacing, quiet gentleman. How then do I [...]

This is how we use the question pack in the Creative Block Busting Workshop. The problem Owner/Client who has asked for help in getting ideas, states his challenge and explains the context briefly. (Not more than 5 to 7 minutes. No power point presentation). Then I shuffle the question and distribute the cards, one per [...]

19. When did you become aware of the problem? How? What happened? (Describe the early evidences that caught your attention.)
20. What are you assuming to be impossible? List out all your assumptions.

21. What risks or threats must you face in solving this problem?
22. Whose point of view should you consider because the problem [...]

Here are nine more questions from the Question Pack (Creative Block Busting Tool Kit).
10. How will the problem definition change if budgets, time, and resources were no constraints?
11. Who will come in the way of solving the problem? Why do you think so?
12. Why is it important for you to solve this problem/challenge [...]

In our Creative Block Busting Tool Kit we have a question pack. We use that to define the problem sharply. The pack has 27 questions. You do not have to answer all of them. Answering just a few of those questions brings in more clarity to the issue and you are able to redefine or [...]

Here is something I would like you to try.
Draw a small circle on a sheet of paper. Done?
Now fill up the circle quickly. Yes, as quickly as you can. Have you done that? Good.
Now look at the circle you have filled up. Have you carefully filled it up, so that nothing spilled outside? Yes?
You are [...]

I was working with the IT Group of a fast growing bank. The VP-in-charge of IT was keen that his team of people goes through the Creative Block Busting Workshop.
On day one we were going to understand the basics of Creative Block Busting, learn how to redefine a problem, how to generate ideas without inhibition [...]

 
“Where were you? Why have you not written all these days?”
Prasna launched his offensive even as I sat down to write this blog.
“I have been busy, Prasna.”
“I am afraid that is an unacceptable answer.”
“Why is that?”
“Tell, me is that reason why you have not written in the last 20 days?”
“What are you getting at?”
“My point [...]