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Brainstorming: The Silent Storm

9/9/2014

8 Comments

 
Brainstorming meetings are a widespread practice, but brainstorming may actually be counterproductive when it turns into a blurt-fest, with early—and often least creative ideas—given an inordinate amount of attention.

"Early ideas tend to have disproportionate influence over the rest of the conversation," says Loran Nordgren, a professor at the Kellogg School of Management, in a recent Fast Company article. Her studies show that groups in which individuals write first and share ideas in an organized manner afterward generate 20 percent more ideas than “shout it out” forums.

We are not surprised!  For years we have taught a collaborative protocol for brainstorming in which the first step is silence. For two minutes, team participants reflect on the question in writing, unconstrained by convention. Phase 2 involves round robin input where each group member shares one idea at a time until all ideas are recorded in the group memory (on flip chart paper). The key in this step: No evaluation! Initiating brainstorming with these two phases eliminates disproportionate influence of early ideas—and brings the quietest voices into the meeting.


We want to hear: What have been your brainstorming experiences?  Were the meetings more or less productive when speaking or writing came first? Please share your responses here.
8 Comments
Merry Bauman link
9/9/2014 03:11:30 am

Brainstorming seems to work well for us by following the Glaser pattern fairly closely. We bring up a subject, give it some thought, and then one person writes them on a flip chart. No discussion until everyone has input. Then each item suggested gets attention and discussion. If there is a lot of them, then sometimes it is best to prioritize the items for discussion. The act of writing them on the flip chart seems to give weight to the ideas presented. Controlling the discussions so that everyone leaves with a feeling that they really contributed in a positive way, and it was a win/win that was productive - is the goal. Brainstorming is a great tool for business, and can often produce some really productive ideas that might have not been offered without that process. We use it often.
The only problem I have experienced was when dealing with someone who wanted everything their way and was not really open to anyone else's ideas or suggestions. You cannot brainstorm in a productive way in that situation.

Reply
susan
9/9/2014 09:46:21 am

So glad our brainstorming protocol has worked for you, Merry. Yes: It is touch when there is someone in the meeting who wants everything their way. One option (when the rest of the group is in agreement) is to ask the person: What are your main concerns"? Sometimes they are easy to address.

Reply
Simon Shaw
9/9/2014 07:21:23 am

In my experience "brainstorming" meetings have often been a forum for those with the loudest voices to dominate others. many people and shy and do not feel confident enough to yell out ideas. It takes a skilfull moderator or manager to get everyone involved.
I agree with Merry - the Glaser Pattern is a win/win tool.

Reply
susan
9/9/2014 09:49:25 am

Thanks for this, Simon. We agree that brainstorming sessions can be dominated by the loudest voices. In many ways our protocol is based on our 5 years of graduate studies when we worked with clinically shy communicators. Much of our group process work has evolved from those experiences. Really glad you have find our tools useful.

Reply
George McCully
9/10/2014 10:00:33 am

I have not been involved with "brainstorming" where we considered the topic silently for a few minutes prior to beginning. It seems like an excellent idea. However I have always insisted that during the session no analysis of any idea proposed was open for discussion. Using this model the sessions in which I have been involved have been very productive and the end product has been amazing. Nice blog

Reply
susan
9/12/2014 01:28:33 am

Thanks for this, George. Do try the silent 2 minutes -- really adds to the brainstorming experience. Totally agree that evaluating at the beginning of the process absolutely dilutes the impact of brainstorming.

Reply
Dick Swenson
9/16/2014 01:57:16 pm

The Glaser approach does quell 'the loudest voice' and nothing will manage the 'I want it my way.'

The more serious problem in my eyes is how the ideas are dealt with after stage 1.

It seems to me that they should all be summarized as best as can be, written on a sheet for duplication and then distributed for a second 'Glaser stage,' i.e., a review by each person with some sort of commentary being provided and a ranking.

I believe that 'pondering' should be promoted with blurting just being provocation.

Reply
Susan
9/17/2014 02:25:58 am

We agree Dick. Check out yesterday's post. Think it will resonate.

Reply

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  • Courses
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