Length:
20 minutes
Derived from Rudyard Kipling's poem "I keep six honest serving men ... " this technique helps you to explore any situation by asking the questions:
What...? Why...? When...? Who...? Where...? How...?
You'll see below some possibilities.
Examples:
- What is the challenge – more specifics? What criteria could we use to select the best solution?
- Why does this happen? Why is this relevant now?
- When does this happen? By when do we need a solution by?
- Who does the challenge affect most? Who might help us solve it? Who will take the solution forward?
- Where can we get help? Where is the challenge most relevant?
- How might we find a solution? How will we find the resources?
Here's how:
Take ten minutes or so - it might take a bit longer in a team - to sort out the most appropriate questions for your particular situation. Then spend another 10 minutes answering them to generate your ideas (again, this could be longer for a team session.
There is evidence that this technique can help you to generate more good quality creative ideas1.
1. See Vernon et al An evidence-based review of creative problem solving tools: A practitioner’s resource; Human Resource Development Review 2016, Vol 15(2) 230 - 259