Five lessons I learned facilitating Innovation Games at the PDMA 2010 conference.

1. It is OK for participants to struggle with the game. This is a GOOD thing. It shows they are thinking. Engaging thought is not easy.

2. You are not facilitating problem SOLVING, you are facilitating problem UNDERSTANDING. This is important and as a perfectionist, I forget this. A LOT.

3. When you practice anything, you build muscle memory. Innovation Games facilitation is no exception. Muscle memory gives you confidence that you'll be able to perform when you venture into unknown situations.

4. Playing Speed Games is totally worth it and still generates a ton of meaningful stuff.

5. Facilitating w/ complete strangers w/ no knowledge of what an Innovation Game is helps you get better at elevator pitches.

I became a certified facilitator 6 months ago and honestly, I don't think I could have learned these lessons w/o having practiced. I don't think you can learn these things by reading a LinkedIn post. Soooo, get out there, play, and build up that muscle memory!