Brainstorm Your Problems Into Solution

Brainstorming is a solution-strategy that occurs most naturally within groups of individuals. When someone within a group perceives a problem, the group engages the problem. The group then generates a number of ideas in order to find a solution to the problem.

If you have adopted a solution-strategy approach to solving problems, brainstorming is a technique that definitely belongs in your toolbox. You should be aware of its strengths and weaknesses so that you can lead the group to better solutions. Brainstorming is well-suited to any business or social organization.

So, let’s consider the strengths and weaknesses of brainstorming. By the way, the strengths of brainstorming far outweigh the weaknesses. As with any solution-strategy, you must know when it is the best solution-strategy to use. Since we are focusing on the mechanisms of solution-strategies, you, in your role as a thought leader, should be aware of the weaknesses of brainstorming so that you can minimize their impact on your brainstorming sessions.

Here are some of the weaknesses of brainstorming as I see it.

Individuals working independently may be more effective than a group that uses brainstorming. Gaining and maintaining focus within a group is not easy when compared to the focus of an individual. Interpersonal interactions may cause distraction. Generally speaking, brainstorming is not the most efficient solution-strategy. Ideas occur at random, and good ideas from timid team members may be lost to the ideas of louder team members.

Here are some of the strengths of brainstorming as I see it.

Brainstorming is the most natural group-base solution-strategy available. It happens spontaneously when groups of people are confronted with a problem. Due to constraints in time, space, or materials, brainstorming may be the only solution-strategy available. Brainstorming sessions are very easy to set up. Beyond a piece of paper and a pencil, or a white board, there are practically no material requirements.

Brainstorming has a positive impact on the team. A positive brainstorming session boosts morale. Interaction within the group improves teamwork and leaves the team with a feeling of ownership of the result. Brainstorming sessions that generate positive results makes work more fun! Possibly the most important feature of brainstorming is the synergistic effect. Brainstorming creates an environment of ideas richer than is possible within the mind of an individual problem solver.

In closing, the efficiency of brainstorming increases under the control of a skilled facilitator. You, as a thought leader skilled in the solution-strategy approach to solving problem, should take the role of facilitator in a brainstorming session. By virtue of your increased awareness of brainstorming as a solution-strategy, its strengths, and its weaknesses, you will never be a passive participant in a brainstorming session again.

Problems caught in a brainstorm under your leadership will melt into solution.

Chris Fillebrown

©2009, Chris Fillebrown, All Rights Reserved

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Tagged as: Brainstorming, Facilitator, Frame of Reference, Solution-Strategies