Gregg Fraley, author of Jack's Notebook spoke at the March Ideation Meeting at Cafe Caffeine. Bijoy started with a call for participation in BootKarma, and an introduction to the BootBoards.

Here's a brief outline of Gregg's talk:

1. Make a wish list. No judgments, just list. Don't let your mind get in the way
2. CPS Method: Exploration: research, problem framing; Generation: ideation; Plan for action. Techniques include iterative divergent/convergent stages: List/choice, list/choice, etc.
3. Backdrop principles: Make lists, defer judgment
4. Generate Ideas: In what way might I....Use the best topic from your wish list. Make a list, go nuts. Hit the wall and keep going past it. The best ideas come after the wall. Re-frame and distill the problem or goal
5. Post-it Note Brainstorming; find your resource group and use it; brainstorm then organize ideas into categories: cluster and combine ideas
6. Re-frame your problem by using adjectives from an unrelated object (like a bottle or computer)
7. What would an influential person from your past advise? A teacher? Mentor? What would Abe Lincoln (or another important historical person) say?
8. Develop criteria for a reasonable solution (does it cost under a certain amount or is it actionable within a specific time-frame, use 4 generally) and rate your solutions on a 1-3 scale according to those criteria. Then improve on each idea to make it score better
9. Getting into Action: Make a list of people who can help; make a list of people who might hinder; make a list of resources; make a list of who would be excited about it
10. Take action. What is one thing you can do today before you go to bed? Remember: that which is measured improves

All attending seemed to get a great deal out of the meeting as Gregg had us each focus on a specific problem we are facing. Gregg can be reached at gregg AT greggfraley DOT com.

Additional reading: Jack's Notebook (CPS explained in a novel format), Creative Leadership (in-depth explanation of CPS, very technical)