BRAINSTORMING
This technique is designed to help you generate a large number of ideas in a short period of time. Brainstorming requires that the group is able to let go of the need to be “correct” or “right” in exchange for high quality output and creativity. The goal is to get as many ideas out on the table in as short a time as possible. The focus is on quantity not quality. The critiquing can come later!
USE BRAINSTORMING:
To generate lists of potential causes of a problem, potential solutions, impacted people, supporting activities, data sources and so on. The factors are endless:
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To control the contribution of members (prevents a situation in which a few members dominate idea generation or eat up all the air time);
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To encourage silent team members to contribute ideas; or
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To stimulate lateral thinking and to generate a variety of creative ideas (gets the group to look at a situation differently).
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Inadequate decision-making skills
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Insufficient knowledge of individual team-member roles
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Poor feedback related to team performance
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HOW:
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1)
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Appoint a facilitator and a scribe;
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2)
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Determine the specific topic (make sure everyone is clear before you begin);
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Determine if thinking time is needed and take the time if it is needed;
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Decide on an appropriate time limit for the session;
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Establish guidelines for the process that everyone can live with;
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6)
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Decide on type of brainstorming to use (i.e. around the table approach or spontaneous approach);
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7)
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End on time. |