Brainstorm

Human performance technology offers a variety of guiding rules, methods, and tools to resolving business challenges, concerns, or seek worthwhile opportunities. Regardless of how an organization, team, or an individual may apply the principles of human performance technology, choosing a valid approach to both starting and progressing with brainstorming can be as challenging as any implementation process.

Considering which brainstorming tactic to use to help guide first steps can be daunting, but luckily there are basic types and simple rules to help. Brainstorming is a method used to discover possible solutions (and the impact of the solution) to sufficiently resolve a known issue or generating new ideas. Brainstorming was introduced and developed by Alex Osborn in the early 1950s and offers a wide range of flexible options for application. It may be done independently or as a group with the initial purpose and overall objection likely to influence which brainstorming type to consider.

The components and exact process involved may vary depending on the type of brainstorming being to be conducted. Some more common (and simpler) types include associative brainstorming, using a word storm method, and mind mapping. It’s also important to note that despite the number of people involved or the approach taken, technology or gadgets are not necessary (in many instances) to effectively brainstorm.

Associative brainstorming combines adjectives or descriptive phrases (these words or phrases may be predetermined so it’s somewhat relative but more often it’s random) to the identified problem or situation to inspire new ideas.
A word storm is a group of related words grouped together to help visualize a connection.
Mind mapping is an interconnecting web of words and phrases to help visualize and organize ideas.

Osborn proposed for general rules to ensuring brainstorming for brainstorming. The four general rules of brainstorming are as follows:

1. Make quality a priority.
2. Refrain from judging ideas.
3. Welcome “oddballs” or seemingly strange or crazy ideas.
4. Combine and refine ideas.

Forbes writer, Susan Adams, shares four steps to help groups with brainstorming. The steps are as follows:

1. Define and outline the problem needing to be solved.
2. Create objectives or a set of criteria for possible solutions.
3. Attempt to provide solutions individually, when working in groups.
4. Come together as a group after everyone has individually clarified the problem, defined objectives, and has considered possible solutions.

The components and exact process involved may vary depending on the type of brainstorming being done. Some more common (and simpler) types include associative brainstorming, using a word storm method, and mind mapping. Despite the number of people involved or the approach taken, technology or gadgets are not necessary (in many instances) to effectively brainstorm.

References

Basic Types of Brainstorming. (2014, July 09). Retrieved April 15, 2019, from https://thebusinessprofessor.com/knowledge-base/basic-types-of-brainstorming/

Adams, S. (2013, March 06). 4 Steps to Successful Brainstorming. Retrieved April 15, 2019, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2013/03/05/4-steps-to-successful-brainstorming/#3e5bda599215