Mental Fermentation: A valuable vehicle of open communication

Some People Ferment Info Much Quicker than Others

When you have an idea that you would like to introduce to a co-worker or your team, you may wish to introduce the general idea to provide them the opportunity to mentally process the idea.  Much like the process of fermentation, it takes the brain some time to slowly gain an understanding of your point of view.

Keep in mind, that introducing a new idea to an individual or a team simply time to consider:

• If it is actually a better solution or approach that what is currently implemented
  • i.e. Is it worth the risk?;
• If it is worth the investment in time and cost;
• If it will have a positive or negative effect on “the business”;

This will also require turning on your EQ (Emotional Quotient – one’s ability to recognize the emotions of others and interacting accordingly), as some people require a longer fermentation time.  For example, the more conservative someone is, the longer the fermentation time that may be required.

A Fermentation Story

When I was a Product Manager, a big part of my role was marketing.  I would spend a great amount of time, effort and money in developing various marketing tools to be used in the field by the Territory Managers (field force).  I had no interest in ‘checking boxes’ and simply doing what has been done in the past, only to find that no one in the field was utilizing the tools!

My approach to getting “buy in” was the mental fermentation process, with a hefty dose of communication (mostly in the form of listening).  I would let everyone on the team in on my projects.  The goal was never to lose control, but to GAIN control by leveraging the mental fermentation process.  By letting everyone in on my latest projects, I was not only able to derive some valuable feedback, but also to slowly let the team in on the value that was to come (in the form of promotional materials).  The best part was that everyone enjoyed it and it was fun… and it gave me an excuse to get on the road and visit with customers (where the magic happens!).

Fermenting the “Path to Trust”

In order for the Mental Fermentation process to actually work, I had to have created a safe environment that created trust between myself and the team.  How did I do this?  By implementing the basic tenets of Improv (more on this in a future Blog), and even the “Keith Morrison Effect” (my favourite – there will be a Blog on this as well).  Essentially, I LISTENED.  I listened and considered EVERYTHING!  No idea was stupid.  No feedback was offensive.  Even the craziest idea was met with a “Yes”, and a “Yes, and…” where I would add my own suggestions to support their idea.

This didn’t mean that I implemented all of the feedback I received.  I lowered my ego-defenses and opened up my mind to what each of my teammates thought.  Essentially (using a drama term), I “suspended my disbelief” (another future blog!) and imagined the possibilities.  The best part is that this approach is so much fun, and I learned so much from my co-workers!