We've Got A Problem Bring Out The Fine China

Why is brainstorming rolled out like fine china for special occasions?  Suppose brainstorming was the new problem solving? Let’s rethink the brainstorm definition and see what can be used daily.

Leadership 3. Photo by Betsey Merkel.

We've Got a Problem Bring Out the Fine China by Cavana Faithwalker
With supporting contributions from Tom Romito and community members of the Stockyard, Clark Fulton & Brooklyn Centre neighborhoods in Cleveland, Ohio.

---

Think about the last time you were involved in a problem solving session, did it involve brainstorming? 

A Google search generated 181,000 pages on "brainstorming"! And there were 183,000 Google pages of “how to” books. 

Though there are probably as many definitions on this topic as there are Google pages, I really liked this definition of a brainstorm from Mindtools.com:

"Brainstorming combines a relaxed, informal approach to problem solving with lateral thinking. It encourages people to come up with thoughts and ideas that can, at first, seem a bit crazy. Some of these ideas can be crafted into original, creative solutions to a problem, while others can spark even more ideas. This helps to get people unstuck by "jolting" them out of their normal ways of thinking.

"Therefore, during brainstorming sessions, people should avoid criticizing or rewarding ideas. You're trying to open up possibilities and break down incorrect assumptions about the problem's limits. Judgment and analysis at this stage stunts idea generation and limit creativity.

"Evaluate ideas at the end of the session – this is the time to explore solutions further, using conventional approaches."

The plethora of advice that covers the creative “think outside the box” goals, the “let’s get the shy talking and the extrovert to shut up”. This usually involves a swipe at two of Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences: Spatial-Visual and Verbal-Linguistic.  

“Brainstorming combines a relaxed, informal approach to problem solving with lateral thinking.”

Why is brainstorming rolled out like fine china for special occasion?  Suppose brainstorming was the new problem solving? Maybe all brainstorming is, is purposeful, thoughtful, processed problem solving.

Let’s rethink the brainstorm definition and see what can be used daily.

In one article at I-Open, valuing was discussed - not in terms of giving value or appreciating - but in terms of evaluating, assessing, estimating, or appraising.  Let’s value brainstorming.

‘Relaxed’ can sometimes be difficult many times when the pressure is on. 

1.) There are many ways to relax that expand the individual in a broad range of circumstances, such as the work environment. One easy, short, potent way to relax is through a minute or two of mindful relaxation and deep breathing. This can be followed by a brief minute or two of visioning.  Seems too much to ask? 

What reasons are there, for not taking a few minutes to prepare?  You don’t have to get in the lotus position or best mudras of peace and wisdom. You don’t even have to close your eyes but ya could if you’re in your office alone before the meeting, or in your car, in the parking lot, or fill in the blank.

2.) Informal? What do you think keeps informality at problem solving sessions from everyday use? 

Informality often leads to more intimate gatherings and can  shift or relegate the chain of command to a more equitable field where ideas are equally attended to and valued.  

Photo: Tom Romito

"Have everyone take two deep, cleansing breaths, then return to normal breathing. Follow by asking people to meditate for 60 seconds on a scene they love, such as a sunny beach, a mountain vista, a tropical pond." -Tom Romito

---

"Wow this is great! Love it! This could be visioning by connecting this feeling to envisioning a great solution." - Cavana Faithwalker

“It encourages people to come up with thoughts and ideas that can, at first, seem a bit crazy. “ 

"When I'm facilitating and someone answers a question that I ask with just one or two words, I say "Give me more" or "I want more." Then I draw the person out with follow up questions." - Tom Romito

• “Encouraging thoughts and ideas,” sounds like it should be standard fare not fine china but often gives way to everyday hubris...”no I don’t think that will work…” which can lead to a round from the group think chorus, “No, no, that won’t work, that won’t work.”  
  

• This could be because the naysayer(s) know(s) from experience or see(s) something the person suggesting doesn’t see and more.  When we think of brainstorming if nothing else we think, “accept all ideas.”  Can some form of accepting all ideas happen all the time? It can help create an atmosphere where ideas can be silly and the idea progenitor not judged or embarrassed. I’ve been at plenty of quiet meetings because folks didn’t want to proffer an idea that might seem, well, stupid.
  

• Suppose every time this is the case, that is, for example, you as, the naysayer, ‘know’ for some reason the idea is dud, instead of dismissing the idea could you possibly respond with, “hmm, tell us more...” or “Let’s say we go in that direction, what happens when...?” 
  

What you’ve done is Respect the person’s contribution, and invest time in developing them not only as a person who has been validated but as an employee who is exercising critical thinking skills at “each” juncture of communication, and provided a safer environment for “encouraging thoughts and ideas.”  Think it can’t be done? It worked for Socrates...

“Therefore, during brainstorming sessions, people should avoid criticizing or rewarding ideas."

“Some of these ideas can be crafted into original, creative solutions to a problem, while others can spark even more ideas. This helps to get people unstuck by "jolting" them out of their normal ways of thinking.”

When is it ever not a good idea to get jolted or unstuck out of normal ways of thinking? You may be doing something that you can do in your sleep, the team has done it so many times. Wouldn’t it be nice to be awake, mindful and present?

Rarely, if ever, have I been involved in planning sessions and the like that someone didn’t joke about a solution, encouraged by the laughter, another silly idea comes and then another and then we brush them to the side and get down to business.  

Next time, maybe consider those business, brainstorming, and start jotting stuff down, just to put folks in the frame of mind of valuing the offerings as opposed to rote applying “common sense wisdom of experience,” and over looking a good idea..

You're trying to open up possibilities and break down incorrect assumptions about the problem's limits. Judgment and analysis at this stage stunts idea generation and limit creativity.” Did I mention Socrates? Why ever immediately criticize or reward ideas?

“Evaluate ideas at the end of the session – this is the time to explore solutions further, using conventional approaches.” 

I don’t know if this is right; but, consider each individual offering a part of the group offering and the facilitator collects the offering, then suggests a process that helps the group stir the offering up, mix and match, organize, categorize, etcetera then value and apply to whatever matrixes there are to apply.

"I gather all of the inputs on flip charts as we go through the session. Then I work on consensus on priorities for action. I use "sensing" to get a feel for what they group wants. Multi-voting also works, but is a little artificial and stilted." - Tom Romito

Stacked. Photo by Betsey Merkel.

When introducing brainstorming sessions speak directly to dissent or divergence, that you want to give it space and hear it.  With “how to” action points, invite the entire company to actively look to recognize it up to the surface and give it it’s due.  

Let's Recap...

Is there a certain relationship ideal for problem solving or team planning that is easy and ideal for all idea exchange situations?

1.)  Practice mindfulness at least 5 minutes which will help you think before you think.
2.)  Listen, consider, and honor what is being said.
3.)  Respect everyone’s offering of an idea or suggestion.

Article: Meditation for Entrepreneurs by Tom Romito

4.)  Be socratic and ask questions to help the offerer develop by vetting the solution and helping carry it through to it’s conclusion. You can even offer suggestions that help it work even if it is initially ill conceived and headed to eventual dismissal.
5.)   Leave room in your head for silly ideas from yourself and others.
6.)   Create space for dissent.
7.)   Your thoughts, ideas, additions, elaborations?

One last suggestion for large group engagements that can greatly enhance the process above, make them smaller.

October 25, 2014-Citizens work together in a small break out group to inform a Stockyard, Clark Fulton & Brooklyn Centre Community Development Office strategic plan. At the Archwood United Church of Christ in Old Brooklyn, Ohio. Related:  A Short Story About Brainstorming by Tom Romito.

In his book review of, “Community: The Structure of Belonging,” by Peter Block,  Scott London quotes, “The small group is "the unit of transformation," and continues, "because it creates a sense of intimacy." 

“The intimacy makes the process personal. It provides the structure where people overcome isolation and where the experience of belonging is created."  

"The small group is "the unit of transformation because it creates a sense of intimacy." - Peter Block

Peter Block technicians say “knee to knee groups of three,” or something like that to reorder large groups into more authentic fruitful circles and then direct attention back to the whole afterward.

"In Facilitation, we call these breakout groups. I use them in strategic planning workshops to conduct a SWOT analysis. I send small groups off to work on specific segments, then bring them back together to report out and get consensus from the whole group on core strategies." - Tom Romito

"This is a little more specific than what I think of as break out groups in that it is ideally 3 people per group. If the group is bigger it is always an odd number. Report outs are by the entire or most of the group." - Cavana Faithwalker

What Do You Think? 

---

I like the idea of a story with commentary from other writers and readers. It could include dissent, even back and forth and then invite readers to comment. Even if they just say who they agree with the most. Thanks.

Related Articles: 

• A Short Story About Brainstorming by Tom Romito
• Engaging The Community In New Ways by Gloria Ferris

---

Photo: Cavana Faithwalker

Cavana Faithwalker is an Organizational, Community and Personal Empowerment Strategist and Facilitator.

Cavana Faithwalker was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He has a degree in public art marketing and management from Cleveland State University. “So my degree is mix of urban studies, marketing and communications and studio art." Read the rest of Cavana's story here.

---

Support I-Open
Ensure education, economic and workforce development services such as knowledge sharing, communications and engagement for a network of community and economic developers. Send your donation to I-Open by clicking on the secure PayPal donate button below.

---