11 Course Model 2a: Development – constructing the idea into a concept
Developing the Purpose.
Why should people adopt or work on the challenge?
The purpose of solving a problem or creating an opportunity is the mission. Developing and bringing forward innovation is a leadership exercise. No matter how great the idea is… people need to move it forward from design, approval, and collaboration to implementation. Most innovation takes a group of others working in unison to bring an idea to reality.
The Mission Brief
People need to know the reason why they should invest themselves in a project. When starting a project to address a difficulty, or create a new opportunity, the approach should first be a methodical exercise to define the WHY. The mission brief is a one-page document that never describes the details of a solution. It identifies a cause to solve a problem and provides directions to create the solution. The mission brief explains the reason to commit resources and time to solve a problem or capitalize on potential. The brief provides guidelines to lead others, including decision makers, to competently understand and approve the need to adopt and participate in the effort.
Without a clear mission brief there is a good chance of spinning wheels, wasting time and resources. The strategy of the mission brief is to simplify understanding into the fewest and most crucial details that matter – on one page. Deploying this skill will help others focus on where to dedicate resources, time, energy, and money.
Parts of a Mission Brief (18)
SPECIAL NOTE: The Mission format, as in all other assignments, uses the inverted pyramid logic model.
| Name | Create a simple name that is reflective of the mission. |
|---|---|
| Background | Tell a story that includes the history and facts related to the reason WHY the mission is important… define the problem. |
| Mission | What is the approach or strategy of the effort to address the challenge?
Special Note: The Mission never proposes a specific solution. |
| Do not Want | Identify what kind of ideas that are NOT wanted. |
| Existing Boundaries | Resources and situations that must be worked into the solution to place boundaries on ideas regarding time, money, labor, environment, etc. |
| Research and Exploration | Define directions on where to go to stimulate thinking. In this section you should be giving guidance on where to research to find ideas to accomplish the mission. |
