One phrase I never like to hear during my consulting opportunities is:  “Well I have tried and done everything to improve/fix/advance in this area …so I don’t know what else is left?”  I know you have all heard it and I would guess that you too have uttered these words some time in your life/work history!  But as you can guess my corrective action approach is and has always been to go through an often-extensive list of alternative possibilities…and not surprisingly there are maybe one or two actions that were untested.

Given these experiences I thought it may be helpful to use a TOP 10 list of lets “Try One More Thing!” fun concepts for this week’s TRIPLE III TIME message.

1. Go Back To Go Forward:  Got back in time and find the origins of the challenge   issue.  History may help you see the future.

2. Phone A Friend:  Colleagues…a new set of eyes will always add insight to the      issue.

3. Draft An Idea Paper:  Sometimes just writing down details about a challenge and             seeing past ideas in writing…sprouts a new one.

4. GOOGLE IT:  In today’s high-tech world…sometimes the problems can be just a click away.

5. Break IT Into Smaller Pieces:  Addressing pieces of an issue often assists in         identifying brand new opportunities.

6. Assemble A Game-It Group:  Break the “I’ve tried everything” mind block and        assemble a small group and address the issue in an idea-generation game         fashion.

7. Attempt A “Visioning” Exercise:  In a creative way try drawing a picture/diagram    of a possible solution.

8. News Reporter Interview Technique:  If a reporter from the New York Times was             interviewing you about solutions…would your “innovative-spirit” fire up?

9. Go To An Inspirational Spot:  Location-Location-Location…may be an asset in      finding a new option.

10. What Would_________Do?:  Think of a LEADER you admire most…and ask        yourself What Would _________Do?

Bottomline:  So in the future before you shout “I’ve tried everything!”…check out this TOP 10 and “Try One More Thing!”