According to an article published on Recruiter.com, one of the main weaknesses of brainstorming is the short length of each session. Participants often feel that if something comes to their mind at the end, it's not worth saying.
Another problem is the so-called groupthink, when employees prefer to agree with anything rather than expressing their true opinion which is in the minority or unpopular.
Other negative features of brainstorming include fear of criticism, or some people feeling that they don't have to contribute to the discussion because others will do it for them.
To achieve better results, give your people more time to think, and ensure that introverts, who are often sidelined, can express their opinions. Try the following techniques.
1. Brainwriting
The written form of brainstorming gives participants the opportunity to concentrate and express themselves more calmly. Ideas are shared only after they are coherently formulated.
2. Brainswarming
The basis of this technique is a problem or a goal written on paper or board. Participants then write down their proposals which are put under the goal using a diagram. Individual steps are further divided downwards to sub-tasks.
The possibilities to proceed are simultaneously put on the paper or board from the opposite side, i.e. upwards. Appropriate solutions are found in the middle - when the two structures begin to intersect.
You can watch an illustrative video on this technique here.
3. Passive brainstorming
Prepare a blank board and ask colleagues to write down everything that comes to mind in connection with an issue or project during the week. They'll have more time to add more details they wouldn't have come up with during a short brainstorming session.
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