Process

While every successful project starts by defining the challenge and following the same basic five-step solving process, every successful solution takes a different path to get there.

We have set plays but improvise freely.

1. Come Together

Clearly define the challenge.

Too many projects are started without a clear, agreed-upon understanding of the problem at hand.  It’s the single most important predictive factor of success.

This means restating the challenge in different ways, examining it from all sides,  unearthing any related challenges that may exist.  Challenging assumptions and asking questions.   Making sure everyone thinks we’re solving the same challenge.

Does everyone articulate the challenge the same way?  Does a possible solution exist already?  Are we sure there’s even a problem?   Are we sure it’s solvable or are there extenuating circumstances that make it better to figure out how to limit potential damages for the time being? Do we just want to verify the status quo or do we want to change things?  To what extent?  What questions are we missing?

THE JOY IS IN:
Moving forward to solve the challenge together with a shared vision

2. Mine for Gold

Gather and analyze data, unearth insights.

Collecting data and creating insights is the other single most important factor.

What information and data will help solve the challenge?  Gather, analyze, ask, answer, assess.

Scour qualitative information and quantitative data.  Set guard rails.  Fully understand the state of the business and the growth strategy.

See patterns that previously didn’t get seen.

And crucially, take the time to craft insights. It’s the strategic gold that inspires great ideas.

 THE JOY IS IN:
A razor-sharp insight around which to build solutions

3. Explode 

Light the fuse and explode with ideas.

What is the vast landscape of possible solutions?

Set appropriate expectations. Create measurable success criteria.  Design original, custom-built modules built around each specific project need.  Blow up the world then piece it back together.

Twist’s strength is in collecting the right people with cognitively diverse perspectives, filling them with insight, information, and inspiration, devising mechanisms for them to explore their universe and explode with original, strategic, change-inducing ideas.

 THE JOY IS IN:
Unearthing unexpected strategic solutions through collaboration

4. Unify 

Select the right ideas and move them forward.

How do we choose the right idea(s)?

Every idea goes through the Twist Think Through™ process, to ensure that framing and evaluation of ideas is consistent, and we efficiently get to the heart of each idea.  We hold each one up against the strategy, the insights, the guardrails, and the success criteria.  Analyze them based on those foundational measuring sticks.

We identify and embrace the sure things.  But also nurture ideas that may fail, encourage ones that challenge assumptions.  The commitment to solve means considering solutions that weren’t viable or effective in the past.  Even if a difficult idea doesn’t fly, it reveals a divergent point of view that may help prove the power of another.

Once selected, we flesh out ideas, put meat on the bones. Prioritize.  Create the Work Plan Road Map with accountability and timing. Identify the best partners to successfully bring it to life.  Create a system for periodic follow-ups.

This is an opportunity for stakeholders to unite.  A crucial and necessary component of the solving process.

THE JOY IS IN:
Solutions that fit the success criteria and excite the stakeholders

5. Check our work

Measure the success of the solutions.

Thorough solving of the challenge necessitates the inclusion of mechanisms to vet the potential solutions.

Facilitate qualitative and/or qualitative evaluative process.  Partner with client on predictive testing tools.

THE JOY IS IN:
Knowing that the chosen solutions meet strategic and financial goals