What's Driving You Crazy
There are mechanism to allow for the intentional devotion of time and effort towards creative thinking and group brainstorming about subtraction.
Subtraction Games
The best leaders and teams keep removing old things that get in the way. The Subtraction Game is to be played in team workshops and can make an impact on organizations in any industry. This game utilizes solo brainstorming, group discussion, and broader sharing of ideas to think of implement subtraction efforts. The detailed mechanisms for running this game is outlined in the How to Use Subtraction Games section.
Case study featuring Subtraction Games
The Subtraction Game’s Immediate Impact On An Insurance Firm
After our 30-minute Subtraction Game ended, the CEO of one big insurance company stood up and told his top 70 people that, in a week, he wanted an email from each of them with at least two subtraction targets. And, within a month, he wanted evidence that the changes were implemented in their teams and businesses. He announced a $5,000 bonus was riding on it because he wanted them to do it, not just talk about it. The CEO had those 70 executives send us their targets and, later, evidence of implementation. These executives made hundreds of changes, including ending non-performing product lines, getting rid of some standing meetings and shortening others, ending useless and time-consuming initiatives, terminating contracts with vendors that were expensive and difficult to work with, and eliminating unnecessary positions that employees had just left. This case study shows the mindset shift and resulting actions that can be catalysed by a Subtraction Game.
How to Use Subtraction Games
Subtraction games run for about 30 minutes and should be ran as follows:
First, participants should start with a solo brainstorming about their team or organization about provided prompts such as: What was once useful, but is now in the way? What is adding needless friction? What is scattering your attention?”
Next, we put them in groups or online “rooms” of two to eight, ask them to share “subtraction targets,” and brainstorm more. Each group picks a favorite feasible idea and a favorite wild idea, and outlines a rough plan for making the subtraction happen.
Then, we ask each group to share their targets and plans.