| NLB
wants staff to ask stupid questions |
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“Ask Stupid Questions” (ASQ)
is a forum for people to ask any question they
want regarding a particular theme. It is believed
that the most outrageous or ridiculous questions
will generate the most original perspectives. From
these questions, the participants will brainstorm
WOW ideas that can be further developed and refined
into business plans or proposals.
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| Discover
your potential at NLB through the Aspiration
Pathfinder programme. |
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The National Library
Board (NLB) launched a series of ASQ forums for
its staff in August 2000 to get ideas on its key
projects.
ASQ forums adopt a fusion approach where techniques from theatre, art, and
in future even magic, are adapted and integrated to encourage participants
to share, create and innovate. The music, prizes, food and an informal game
show-talk show format provide a conducive environment for participants to
innovate without inhibition.
NLB has successfully conducted over 10 sessions so far. The topics covered
include envisioning the library of the future, professionalism in NLB, the
new National Library Building and how to remake the human capital group in
NLB.
One of the questions asked during the forum on envisioning the library of the
future was: Can librarians catalyse learning rather than just give information?
This idea was further developed into Aspiration Pathfinder, a library learning
programme that encourages the development of skills and the capacity for creativity
by exposing participants to people, experiences and information. (See this
story for more details of the programme.)
ASQ has been lauded by management and innovation gurus from around the world.
Author of Intellectual Capital Thomas Stewart was intrigued by these “gatherings
where permission to look ignorant was cheerfully, even enthusiastically, granted”.
Mr Geoff Mulgan from the Forward Planning Office of UK’s Prime Minister’s
Office thought it demonstrated that the Public Service can be innovative. Mr
Stephen Shapiro, founder of the 24/7 Global Innovation Network, said that ASQ
provides participants with the skills for innovation.
The ASQ method is so popular that NLB has received requests to conduct sessions
for more than 20 organisations, including Tan Tock Seng Hospital, the Public
Utilities Board, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and the Singapore Sports
Council.
From a core team of about five staff, the number of ASQ practitioners in NLB
has quintupled to over 20 facilitators. These full-time NLB staff, who come
from different departments in NLB, bring their diverse expertise in innovation,
creativity, knowledge management and behavioural science to create a multi-dimensional
learning service.
Agencies keen to engage NLB’s ASQ practitioners can call Ms Lee Mei Chen,
Executive, Invent, at 6332 1891 or send an email to mei_chen_lee@nlb.gov.sg.
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