Brainstorming Methods

Poll

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Author:
Kal Bishop

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.

There are distinct processes that enhance problem identification and idea generation and, similarly, distinct processes that enhance idea selection, development and commercialisation. Whilst there is no sure fire route to commercial success, these processes improve the probability that good ideas will be generated and selected and that investment in developing and commercialising those ideas will not be wasted.

One common method in the problem identification and idea generation phase is the use of brainstorming. In fact, it is not unfair to say that whenever managers have a problem to solve, they are likely to herd people into a room with a flip chart and conduct (usually an ineffective) brainstorming session.

There are a number of reasons why people hate brainstorming sessions. Further, there are a number of reasons why proper brainstorming management yields superior results.

a) Brainstorming dilutes ideas. Many individuals who think that they may be onto the something find that their ideas become diluted as a result of compromise.

b) The sum of ideas produced by individuals acting alone is greater than the sum of ideas produced by those individuals acting in groups. Thus proper brainstorming management includes asking participants to address the problem and generate ideas before the actual brainstorming session.

c) Large groups produce negatives such as groupthink, evaluation apprehension and status deference which causes people to shut down.

d) Idea generation is a cognitive process and relies on the team leader having the skills to elicit that cognitive activity from individuals. Often team leaders are assigned that role for other reasons.

e) Large groups are often dominated by higher status and more forceful personalities, thus lessening the impact of other participants. Often team leaders do not have the skills to manage all people.

Kal Bishop, MBA

About the Author : Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com. Source: www.isnare.com

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Brainpower... Improve Your Brainstorming Skills Here are some tips to help you become better at brainstorming. It’s easier to brainstorm earlier in the day because your energy levels are usually higher. You should also make sure that you are in a comfortable place with lots of natural light. A good place is a coffee shop with large windows. DONT sit in a room with florescent lights. These will suck the life out of you and you’ll fell less alive than in a room full of sunlight. There are a number of implements that you can use for brainstorming - a white board, pencil and paper or even an audio recorder - but my favorite tool is a software program called FreeMind, which allows you to create tree charts from your thoughts. It’s also free and open source. You can download it at freemind.sourceforge.net A good brainstorming session should last around one hour. After that, your mind will probably start to slow down. If you find yourself needing more time, extend the hour, or get some rest. Let your subconscious do some thinking for you and then continue the next day. During a brainstorming session don’t discount any ideas, either of yours or of a coworker’s. Accept every suggestion, even if it sounds silly. When you acknowledge everyone’s thoughts they’ll be more motivated to think creatively, which in turn, could solve the goal you are trying to achieve. Everyone thinks that they can brainstorm. But you can always improve your skills and effectiveness. The more you practice, the easier it gets to be creative. And one last tip - have fun. If you’re less formal and enjoy yourself, you’ll have more success at brainstorming. About the Author Noam A. is the founder of Tivon www.tivonsoftware.com , a company which creates software for you to easily track your work...