Mindworks FAQ
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Here are some frequently asked questions about the Mindworks Approach together our answers. If you have questions which aren't covered below, please don't hesitate to email us.
The Mindworks Approach Online
We are now able to offer full online delivery of the Mindworks Approach, including coaching, to individuals and teams which want to improve existing situations and develop new ideas. Combining a range of internet based technologies, the Mindworks Learning and Coaching System is very easy to use.Online delivery provides many benefits for users. In particular, it unlocks them from having to think in specific ways at fixed times. To find out more about our online and offline products and services contact us by one of the methods below.
Isn't the nine step process just common sense?
The process is certainly based around the kind of thinking we all do in any case, but the most important aspect of the process is that it provides a structure without which thinking can easily become muddled or unproductive.
'Common sense' is an elusive concept. If there really was such a thing we'd all agree on everything: in practice, of course, that's far from the case. Part of the reason for that is that when we're discussing a problem or a situation we'd like to improve we all have different views of what the problem is or what needs to be addressed. By providing a simple structure the nine step process provides a basis for clarifying areas of agreement and, of course, areas of disagreement.
What do you mean by 'unproductive thinking'?
The best example of this is focusing too closely on the existing situation. Describing what's happening now isn't a good way of working out what should be happening in the future. Unproductive thinking can also occur when different people in a group are at different stages in a thiinking process - for example, when some people are busy planning implementation while others are still trying to understand exactly what it is they are trying to achieve.
Other than the nine steps, what does the Mindworks Approach involve?
The nine steps provide a basic structure which is supplemented by a range of thinking techniques. These are of two main types: idea generation techniques which provide a way of identifying new 'hows' for existing 'whats' (to use the terms we use in the Mindworks Approach). We also provide background theory summarised on quck-references cards.
What's included in the Starter Pack?
The starter pack includes a laminated card which provides an overview of the nine step process and a worked example, a series of technique and theory cards, a CD-ROM containing additional material including printable versions of our Ideas Grids and an MP3 audio guide to the Mindworks Approach, which are used for capturing and organising ideas, a set of three Mindworks Meeting Cards which are used to help ensure productive discussion in meetings and teams.
What material is available apart from the starter pack
Additional technique, theory and Mindworks Meeting Cards can be purchased separately together with other support material including more detailed case studies, but the Starter Pack contains everything you need to start exploiting the Mindworks Approach.
Do you provide a 'train the trainers' package
We talk about 'coaches' rather than trainers, and there's an important reason for that - but yes, we do. Please email us for further information.
Mindworks have been helping organisations and individuals to learn and apply new ways of thinking for over 15 years. Based on the UK, our products and services have been used all over the world.