A recent New Yorker article about the wild success of Nathan Myhrvold's company Intellectual Ventures got me thinking on the blog about group problem solving -- an incredible tool for innovation and rapid progress. Group problem solving can help out in the workplace or in those great peer-to-peer networks that I believe are instrumental to success.

Myhrvold had the inspired idea to put geniuses together in "invention sessions," hoping that together they would solve problems and yield lucrative patents. The founding mission of Intellectual Ventures was to file 100 patents a year. Instead, they're filing 500 a year! In this roundtable environment, ideas flourished beyond all expectation, giving lie to the idea that scientific progress requires an apple plunking somebody on the head.

My consulting company is constantly pushing clients to give group problem solving a try. With that in mind, I'd like to walk you through some of the basics, distilled from years of experience leading group sessions and training the world's most successful companies to do the same.

Step One: Establish a larger goal or vision for the group to rally around. When the group rallies around a shared goal, individuals are more motivated to contribute.

Step Two: Invest time in developing targeted, smart questions. Providing structure and direction allows creativity to flourish.

Step Three: Assemble and distribute background facts. Concrete information forces the group to focus on issues, not personalities.

Step Four: Make sure the group reviews the questions and facts on their own before the session. Prepwork ensures that they come into the process ready to contribute good ideas.

Of course, group problem solving works best when you and your peers embrace those core values - intimacy, transparency, accountability, and generosity - that make participants feel safe to express themselves freely and treat others with care and respect.

But finally, don't forget to have fun! Crack jokes, relax, and smile. There's no need to suffocate the process with seriousness. Challenges are much easier to face when everyone is in a good mood, don't you think?

Warmly, Keith

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