Techniques for leading unbiased solution— Brainstorming

19th Mar,2022, our LBS teacher Dr.Yetunde Anibaba give us an ABS session with a role play. It is really interesting to make a good decision with suffcient discussion with diferent sides. In the end, our teacher gives us a summary of the problem-solving method. I like the brainstorming.

The main parts are as below:

• work best when people are comfortable about Voicing their ideas
• leader must be scrupulously netutral for this to present the dilemma in an unbiased fashion
• ensure there is a blank sheet/ board avialable
• write down every idea
• let the team know upfront that no idea is stupid, and no one is allowed to express any opinion on others ideas during the discussion
• with introverts, you can ask them to write down their ideas and pass it anonymously.

Then I take it as an additional model to study it and get below useful information and make the brainstorming be effective. now share as below.

Brainstorming is a group creativity technique by which efforts are made to find a conclusion for a specific problem by gathering a list of ideas spontaneously contributed by its members.

In other words, brainstorming is a situation where a group of people meets to generate new ideas and solutions around a specific domain of interest by removing inhibitions. People are able to think more freely and they suggest as many spontaneous new ideas as possible. All the ideas are noted down without criticism and after the brainstorming session, the ideas are evaluated.

based on different types, brainstorming may contain:

Nominal group technique;

Group passing technique

Team idea mapping method

Individual brainstorming

Directed brainstorming

Guided brainstorming

A guided brainstorming session is time set aside to brainstorm either individually or as a collective group about a particular subject under the constraints of perspective and time. This type of brainstorming removes all causes for conflict and constrains conversations while stimulating critical and creative thinking in an engaging, balanced environment.

Participants are asked to adopt different mindsets for a pre-defined period of time while contributing their ideas to a central mind map drawn by a pre-appointed scribe. Having examined a multi-perspective point of view, participants seemingly see the simple solutions that collectively create greater growth. Action is assigned individually.

Following a guided brainstorming session participants emerge with ideas ranked for further brainstorming, research and questions remaining unanswered and a prioritized, assigned, actionable list that leaves everyone with a clear understanding of what needs to happen next and the ability to visualize the combined future focus and greater goals of the group nicely

Question brainstorming.

This process involves brainstorming the questions, rather than trying to come up with immediate answers and short-term solutions. Theoretically, this technique should not inhibit participation as there is no need to provide solutions. The answers to the questions form the framework for constructing future action plans. Once the list of questions is set, it may be necessary to prioritize them to reach the best solution in an orderly way.

Methods to improving brainstorming sessions

There are a number of ways that groups can improve the effectiveness and quality of their brainstorming sessions.

• Avoid face-to-face groups: Using face-to-face groups can increase production blocking, evaluation apprehension, social matching and social loafing.
• Stick to the rules: Brainstorming rules should be followed, and feedback should be given to members that violate these rules. Violations of brainstorming rules tend to lead to mediocre ideas.
• Pay attention to everyone’s ideas: People tend to pay more attention to their own ideas, however brainstorming requires exposure to the ideas of others. A method to encourage members to pay attention to others’ ideas is to make them list the ideas out or ask them to repeat others’ ideas.
• Include both individual and group approaches: One method that helps members integrate their ideas into the group is brainwriting. This is where members write their ideas on a piece of paper and then pass it along to others who add their own ideas.
• Take breaks: Allow silence during group discussions so that members have time to think things through.
• Do not rush: Allow plenty of time for members to complete the task. Although working under pressure tends to lead to more solutions initially, the quality is usually lower than if more time is spent on the task.
• Stay persistent: Members should stay focused and persist at the task even when productivity is low.
• Facilitate the session: A skilled discussion leader should lead and coordinate the brainstorming sessions. This leader can motivate members, correct mistakes, and provide a clear standard of work. They can also be used to keep track of all the ideas and make sure that these ideas are available to everyone.

Jason YANG from LBS EMBA 27