Brainstorming for Idea Generation and Problem Solving

Brainstorming (or brain storming as many people spell it) is a problem solving technique using collaboration among a group. It seeks to generate a large number of ideas by allowing people to express their ideas creatively. Usual inhibitors to free expression of ideas are sought to be eliminated by laying down some ground rules for the session.

The ground rules include absolute prohibition any criticism during the session, even through facial or voice gestures that signal ridicule or disapproval. The idea behind the prohibition is that people should not feel inhibited to express even apparently ridiculous thoughts. The premise is that some of these ridiculous ideas might turn out to be the foundation for an innovative and effective problem solution.

Traditional brainstorming by getting a group of people together and explaining the ground rules to them have not proved successful in improving neither the quality nor quantity of ideas. Distractions, the tendency to put out less than their best effort in group working, apprehensions about the response of others in the group and the tendency of some people to hold forth on their ideas preventing others expressing theirs all reduce the effectiveness of traditional brainstorming.

Even traditional brain storming sessions can, however, help in boosting morale, improve team working and make work more enjoyable.

Attempts have been made to improve the methods of brainstorming to improve its results. These attempts typically focus on removing the inhibitive factors and other undesirable aspects by, say enabling anonymous participation.

Brainstorming Session Rules

1. Focus is on generating as wide a number and variety of ideas as possible and not on elaborating them at the session
2. Absolutely no criticism at this stage; just express what comes to mind without fear of being criticized
3. Make it clear that out-of-way suggestions and ideas are particularly welcome
4. Try to combine ideas to produce one that is more than the sum of the combined ideas

Brainstorming Technique

• Define the problem and develop a simple question for the brainstorming session, e.g. How can we eliminate late coming of employees. Complex problems should be broken down into several such questions, each handled through separate sessions
• Invite participants to the session in advance with a note telling them about the planned session, the question that needs to be answered and even examples of some answers. Ask them to start thinking about ways to solve the problem
• Invitations are sent to a carefully selected group of ten or fewer persons, including those associated with the project and some outsiders with interest in the problem. One person is selected exclusively for noting down the ideas suggested during the session
•  Prepare in advance some “lead questions” to stimulate the idea generation process when the session tends to lose steam. Certain standard questions can usually stimulate the discussion, e.g. can we combine these ideas?

The steps above are just the preparation for the brain storming session. We will look at the conduct of the brainstorming session itself in a separate article.