We often try to solve problems by copying what’s worked before, but that can stifle imagination. Enter the “world’s first” approach.
In this novel ideation technique, every idea shared must be revolutionary—something nobody else is doing. That rule sets the tone for brainstorming, giving you and your team permission to dream bigger.
Instead of hedging your bets, you rally around original possibilities. That shift energizes the room, unlocking hidden potential.
Sure, not every concept will stick, but it’s the spirit of pushing beyond the ordinary that counts. If you want to awaken fresh ideas, aim for the world’s first… it’s the fastest way to spark a culture of bold innovation.
Innovation Technique: Trading Fours
Research in group creativity shows that shared authorship sparks more innovative outcomes. Jazz musicians have practiced this for decades through a technique called “Trading Fours.”
Instead of one person hogging the spotlight, each player riffs for four bars, then passes control. This sparks constant adaptation, forcing everyone to stay alert and build on each other’s cues.
The result? A richer collective composition. You can apply the same principle in your brainstorming sessions. Start with a concept—anything from a project brief to a random anecdote—and let every participant add just one sentence. This disciplined handoff fuels a fresh perspective.
When people actively co-create, they approach problems with broader insight and a stronger commitment to the final result.
Invent your own language.
We all hunger for an edge—a reason our team can stand out. A New Zealand Rugby team called “The All Blacks” has cracked that code by rallying around a shared lexicon of values, allowing them to maintain a top-rank status 80% of the time.
They don’t just say, “Work hard.” They declare, “No Dickheads” and “Sweep the Shed,” painting vivid expectations that spark buy-in. These principles unite talent, forge trust, and drive consistent wins.
You can replicate this magic by designing your own set of punchy, memorable slogans that reflect your highest ideals.
Embrace them, enforce them, and let them guide your rituals… because the right words can shape a culture capable of extraordinary performance.
Chip away at your biggest problems.
Many of us expect one grand solution to a complex problem. Yet behavior research shows incremental actions often lead to more reliable outcomes.
That’s where Idea Chipping comes in.
The concept is simple: brainstorm 20 small ways to address a challenge. Even if they’re not flawless, they spark continuous engagement and reduce the risk of giving up. By chipping away piece by piece, you shift from “all or nothing” thinking to progress that steadily grows.
Over time, these micro-adjustments compound into meaningful change.
To your creative success…
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About Josh
Josh Linkner is a New York Times bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, venture capital investor, professional jazz guitarist, and a globally recognized innovation expert. To learn more or to explore a collaboration, visit JoshLinkner.com
