Management Tip of the Day: Keep Innovation Jams Small and Focused

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile APRIL 22, 2013 Keep Innovation Jams Small and Focused Bringing together people from different backgrounds to creatively brainstorm a problem — otherwise known as "jamming" – has become a popular way to unearth new ideas. Although the process is widely hyped, many companies struggle to make it work. Here are three rules of thumb to help: Let participants choose. It's a mistake to assign people to a challenge. You'll see much more creative energy if you let participants decide which problems to work on. Keep the team small. Don't let everyone get involved. Instead, create teams of no more than four. This size affords diversity but also allows the team to engage quickly. Clearly define the problem. Make sure everyone understands the business, technological, and other challenges involved so each team member isn't trying to solve a different problem. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Make Your Next Innovation Jam Work" by Alessandro Di Fiore. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Master the Challenges of Leadership Special Collection Master the Challenges of Leadership will help you learn how to become a truly effective manager. This specially priced 2-volume set will prove to be an indispensable collection for not only first-time managers but all managers seeking to master the most daunting challenges of leadership-all at a savings of more than 25% off the individual component prices. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Avoid Visual Clichés When Presenting Find Out How Skilled a Job Candidate Really Is Aim for Smart Failure How to Connect With a Remote Colleague Allocate Your Time and Your Effort Act with Care When Someone Cries at Work Perfect Your Personal Elevator Pitch Use Personal Rituals to Make Changes Stick Get Customers to Advocate for You Choose the Right Chart for Your Slide All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + Video Case Study HBR's 10 Must Reads on Leadership HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2013 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)