TIM@w Episode #1 Gather
Creative Collaboration Is Changing the Way We Work
At Rainier Welding, a steel company in the Pacific Northwest, something remarkable happened. It didn’t begin with a strategy memo or a top-down directive. It began with a different kind of meeting—one that put independence, curiosity, and creativity at the forefront.
And the results? In our first podcast, business owner Kent Schluter said what the team did differently was amazing. “It changes the way I interact with the team.” And significantly, “Never have I heard someone say, When’s the next meeting?—until now.”
What changed?
We blended a creative problem-solving process with business. Right from the first session, something shifted. The team leaned in. They started building ideas together—adding, refining, evolving in real time. Energy and intellect were unlocked. People felt heard. They led.
Suddenly, the meeting wasn’t a chore—it was a catalyst.
Engagement Drives Profitability
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about fluffy team-building. It’s about creating a structure that harnesses diverse thinking, invites contribution, and drives results. When people engage, they take ownership. When they take ownership, they innovate. And when they innovate, businesses grow.
Higher engagement is not just a morale boost—it’s a profitability driver.
Diagnosing Before Deciding What to do Next.
Too often, businesses solve for symptoms instead of diagnosing the root cause. Real creative problem-solving starts with questions, not answers.
We use a classic tool from journalism: the 5 Ws and an H—Who, What, Where, Why, When, and How—to guide open exploration. It’s simple, powerful, and inclusive. The team doesn’t feel burdened by it. On the contrary—they’re energized by being invited in.
This approach builds a culture where collaboration is the norm, not the exception. Ideas are co-owned, and therefore stronger. Decision-making becomes more grounded. People feel safe sharing unpolished thoughts because they know they’ll be built upon—not dismissed.
Navigating Complexity with Curiosity
Every business—especially small and mid-sized ones—faces complexity and ambiguity. The key isn’t to eliminate it; it’s to navigate it well. And that requires a team that’s empowered to think, question, and contribute.
When you shift from a top-down model to one where diagnosis and collaboration come first, meetings become dynamic. Teams get smarter. Problems become opportunities. And yes—people start looking forward to the next meeting.
The Bottom Line
Creative Problem Solving can start anywhere. And it’s a cohesive soup-to-nuts framework for complex challenges.
Independence fuels engagement.
Engagement drives profitability.
Collaboration builds a resilient business.
Want to change the energy in your company? Start by changing how you gather, ask, and solve.
Learn to lean in and lead with your team for better results.
www.theinnovativeminatwork.com
tanya@theinnovativemindatwork.com
