Don't Forget the Good Stuff.

It is said that creative thinking is one part inspiration to ninety-nine parts perspiration. The bulk is the process. The rest are serendipity. However when applied to a group the perspiration per person decreases while the inspiration increases.

So in theory, a team of four might look like this:

• i=4
• p=24

This is an oversimplification, however it illustrates how a group working on a shared goal can increase the chance for serendipity to occur.
How to apply this to your team project?

1. Communicate often.
   The more conversations on and about the goal positions the mind to make a map and thus connections.
2. Meet outside the workplace.
   Meals, drinks, events, etc. are great "Roads Not Taken" and are tangental by nature.
3. Record communication.
   All the conversations you have will hold value only when they are jotted down. Don't forget the good stuff.
4. Review
   Talk about previous conversations and refer to your notes to ensure clarity.
5. Paraphrase
   Its not enough to listen-active participation helps dissolve assumptions.

Enjoy!

Matthew, MB