In a systems approach to innovation, we recognize problems are complex, and there is no silver bullet or one best solution. In the process of generating and evaluating ideas, it is important to be thorough. Include the most radical and transformational ideas to the most simple and incremental. The organization should select the “best” idea from the large list of ideas, based on those that are resource and time efficient for the impact they create.

It is important, then, to spend more time generating ideas than narrowing them down. Yet, ideas that clearly have no chance of being actioned should be taken off the table. They can reappear in later iterations of the Compass.

Generating novel and useful ideas is best achieved with a team composed of people with diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

Ready to generate and select Ideas? Click below to open the worksheet for this space of the Compass.