Sometimes you need to reinvent the wheel (Lego Hello World video)

I noticed this video today in a newsletter I get from a manufacturing magazine.  This is a case of someone reinventing the printer, but using many different components than what we would normally expect to see.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX09WnGU6ZY

Lego brings out the fun side of all of us but it can bring out amazing creativity and innovation.  The best part about seeing someone make a printer out of Lego is that it makes us think what else can be made of Lego.   Once we can think of it being made with Lego, then we need to think about what can be made with things other than Lego.

Just like in this printer, with its electronic components, sometimes we have to use specific materials.  But do you need to use polypropylene for your packaging?  Do you have to have all the piping in the plant be hardpiped?  Can some of them go to soft tubing like they now do in houses?


Take the time to brainstorm, ask yourself "what if" and most importantly "why not?".  Do you know your process well enough to see the contraints and if they can be removed?

Reinvent the wheel, but this time try to make it out of something other than wood, rubber and steel!

Brainstorming in a dairy

This past week I had the pleasure of facilitating a brainstorming session at a local dairy. Though the topic was a simple, straightforward one, it served to remind me of the exciting energy that is created when people listen to each and build on one another's ideas in a respectful way.


It is very easy in our fast-paced worlds to go to the same people when we want to bounce an idea around. Or we don't even take the time to pass it by someone else. What results is a good idea but it is not necessarily the best one nor will it necessarily take into account a good portion of the issues that would make it a successful one.


The 3 keys to brainstorming are:

1/ Don't judge ideas - look at each idea, no matter how far out and see the other person's perspective and consider the idea as a building block to add to - or simply think about why it is not a good idea (IE what are the barriers) and use that to build a new idea

2/ Have people from different backgrounds present - including the people who will be left to implement the idea and be responsible long term for it.

3/ Be aware that some people need to think out loud and some people need to think in their head. Allow both styles to flourish - it will be hard for the extrovert to give some quiet time and for the introvert to speak out loud before the thought is complete but it is most certainly worth it!


Leaving that meeting, my impression was that all parties felt that they had been listened to and that they seemed to leave the room a little lighter and happier on their feet! We will follow up on the action items over the next few weeks to make sure this good feeling lasts and the belief that everyone is being listened to and respected continues!