The next time you share a recommendation, start with “I think this because…” before stating what you think. Watch how differently people engage when they understand your reasoning first.
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Small, doable experiments you can run in the next 30 seconds to stretch a skill.
Test your innovation skills
Get a random reflection prompt, a quick action to try today, or a "this or that" dilemma to see how you compare to others. Each one takes 30 seconds and is based on the i2 skills framework.
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Seek the Critic
Identify the person most likely to poke holes in your idea. Go to them first — before the stakeholder meeting, before the pitch. Ask: “What am I missing?”
Expect to Be Wrong
Before you test an idea, write down what result would make you change course. When the results come in, honour that commitment — even if it’s uncomfortable.
Pass the Mic
In your next group discussion, track who has and hasn’t spoken. When there’s a pause, turn to someone who’s been quiet and say: “I’d love to hear your take on this.”
Find the Shared “Why”
In your next disagreement, pause the debate and ask: “What outcome do we both want?” Start from the shared goal and work backwards to where your approaches diverge.
Ship It Scrappy
Take something you’ve been polishing and share it at 80% done. Tell the recipient: “This isn’t finished — I’d rather get your input now than perfect it alone.” Notice how much faster you move.
Hold Your First Instinct Lightly
When you feel drawn to a solution in the first 5 minutes of a discussion, write it on a sticky note — then set it aside. Spend the next 15 minutes exploring at least two alternatives before you look at it again.
Stay in the Search
The next time you feel the itch to decide, pause and say: “What haven’t we considered yet?” Give yourself one more round of exploration before committing.
Go Where You Wouldn’t
Seek inspiration from a completely unrelated field. Read one article, watch one talk, or visit one space that has nothing to do with your current project. Note what sparks.
Zoom Out Before You Zoom In
Before diving into a task, spend 10 minutes mapping out the broader landscape. What adjacent problems exist? What opportunities are you not seeing because you’ve already narrowed your focus?