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Ideation is the first step of the process and involves generating ideas or solutions to a problem. In this stage, being creative and thinking outside the box is essential. You can take time to brainstorm and discuss different options with others with valuable insights. The key is to explore any idea without judgment or criticism and develop a list of potential solutions.
This exercise is designed to help individuals and teams recognize when an idea has run its course and needs to be set aside. Understanding when to let go of an idea is as crucial as knowing when to pursue one.
An Idea Obituary is a thoughtful reflection and final acknowledgment of an idea’s life and death. It’s a process by which we take a closer look at an idea that didn’t succeed, dissect it, understand why it failed, and ultimately learn from it. The purpose is not to mourn the idea but to celebrate the lessons it has provided.
Start by describing the idea in detail. Explain its origin, who conceived it, and what goals or problems it aimed to address. The more detailed the description, the better we can understand its intended purpose.
Next, assess the effectiveness of the idea. Discuss the high points where it seemed promising, then examine where it started to falter. This step allows you to understand the journey of the idea from inception to demise.
This step involves identifying where the idea failed. Were external factors such as market changes or competitor actions contributing to its downfall? Or were there internal factors, such as misalignment with overall strategy or lack of resources? This helps us understand the circumstances that led to its demise.
Finally, reflect on what you’ve learned from the idea’s journey. How can this experience inform future ideation and execution? How can you apply these lessons moving forward? This crucial step turns the idea’s failure into valuable insights.
Once you’ve completed the steps above, it’s time to acknowledge the end of the idea formally. This doesn’t mean you’re discarding everything; instead, you’re embracing the lessons learned and committing to move forward with new insights.
After writing the idea obituary, take some time as a team to reflect on the process. Discuss any feelings, insights, or thoughts that arose during the exercise. Plan to utilize this process to continue learning and growing from your ideas.
Writing an Idea Obituary is a powerful exercise encouraging innovation and growth. It teaches us to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. We encourage you to use this exercise regularly in your ideation process. Whether it succeeds or fails, every idea brings us closer to our ultimate goal.