[Workshop Report] Leadership Core Program (Session 3) : Expanding Idea Generation

■Overview: A workshop to nurture the mindset of “just try drawing” without worrying about others’ judgments.
■Details: We looked at the faces of our group members and drew portraits based on how we felt. When we were children, drawing like this was easy. But as adults, we often stop because we worry about what others will think. This activity showed us that the most important thing is not how good the drawing is, but just trying to draw. This attitude is important as the first step when we create something new. We learned how hard and important it is to express our ideas freely without worrying about other people’s opinions.

■Overview: A workshop to emphasize the importance of quantity over quality in idea generation.
■Details: We used sheets of paper filled with many circles and tried to come up with as many ideas as possible within a time limit. Instead of aiming for perfect drawings, we focused on quickly turning our ideas into shapes by keeping our hands moving. Through this, we experienced the core of brainstorming—valuing quantity over quality in the early stages of idea generation.

■Overview: A workshop to practice brainstorming and forced idea generation.
■Details: We worked on the forced idea generation activity in groups using the contrasting themes of “the best school trip” and “the worst school trip.” Many participants were able to come up with ideas easily for the worst trip, but struggled more with the best trip. This showed how we often overthink when trying to create something “good” or “correct,” making brainstorming more difficult. Afterward, we exchanged plans with other groups and improved each other’s ideas. Through this, we experienced the power of accepting others’ ideas positively and building on them, which led to unique and creative concepts we wouldn’t have thought of alone.

■Overview: A workshop to learn that continuous improvement and innovation are possible through competition.
■Details: Participants were divided into two groups of eight, competing to pass a plush toy in a specified order as quickly as possible. After the first round, both the winning and losing teams aimed to improve their methods. After hearing that previous teams had achieved significantly faster times, both groups challenged their assumptions and innovated further. As a result, they drastically improved their times in the third round, learning that even when limits seem reached, finding better new strategies is still possible.

■Overview: A workshop to acquire creative thinking methods by reversing or amplifying common assumptions.
■Details: Using the theme “university,” participants explored ideas by reversing (doing the opposite) or amplifying (taking to extremes) various elements. For example, referring to a fast-food chain that offers free meals if not served within a time limit, participants considered how university systems might be radically reimagined.

■Overview: A workshop to develop the ability to clearly communicate novel ideas.
■Details: Each participant selected one interesting idea from Workshop 5 (Idea Generation through Reversal and Amplification) and wrote a newspaper article about future based on it. We focused on making catchy headlines, clear structure, and easy-to-understand writing. Finally, everyone shared their articles within the group. Sharing within groups fostered not only creative thinking but also the importance of logic, organization, and audience perspective in communication.