From: Jim Miller Sr. (jjmsr@LSFCU.ORG)
Date: Mon Jan 31 2000 - 16:08:25 CST
"Brainstorming" is a technique which has been around a long time - heck,
I remember using it in college about 30+ years ago in planning sessions
for student government. That may be why people assume everyone knows
it.
Basically it is a structured conversation which prohibits negative input
and therefore (theoretically) fosters positive idea generation.
Basically, you go around the table asking each person to contribute an
idea. The idea may build on a previous idea, but may not contradict or
criticize a previous idea. Usually, all the ideas are written down on
large sheets of paper (chart pads) so that they can be put up around the
room for later discussion by all.
Once you have generated all the positive ideas that you think the group
can come up with, you may use some "voting" technique to select a few
of the ideas that the group feels are the best or that they can reach
consensus on.
The basic concept is to keep it positive and avoid criticism of other
peoples ideas in order to create a non-threatening atmosphere for the
generation of new ideas.
Hope that helps.
YIS
Jim Miller, Sr.
International Representative
Northern New Jersey Council
JJMSR@LSFCU.ORG
http://www.stefford.com/scoutingresume/
ASTA #3105
