What is Brainstorming and how is it helpful?
brainstorming definition is a technique that has a creative character and can be practiced individually or in a group.
The concept includes defining a simple or a complex problem for which a solution is generated from different ideas that are later accepted or rejected.
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The participants in the process of brainstorming present and reveal new ideas as potential solutions for a specific problem. In this process. Brainstorming helps stimulate the human mind toward creative problem-solving.
Osborn’s approach and his few simple rules from the beginning until this moment have helped in solving many important issues.
Brainstorming as a group activity has become a revolutionary technique. That can find its use in both small and large enterprises regardless of the industry in which they are operating. Moreover, it can be beneficial for individuals who are in need of a solution to a specific problem.
This creative thinking technique as a group activity usually starts with a gathering of a group of people. As an informal method of problem-solving, group brainstorming stimulates creative thinking. The proposals that come up in these constructive meetings can provoke interesting and unusual ideas that later could become a creative solution to a problem.
Finding the Right Type
Group brainstorming helps people to activate their minds and think freely since during these group sessions there isn’t a criticism of ideas. On the contrary, there is an encouragement of unconventional ideas.
In a company of any scale, team brainstorming that includes a group of six to eight people is optimal for generating quality ideas and proposals. A variety of studies have shown that when people brainstorm together, they spontaneously exchange ideas that tend to grow and converge.
It is important to emphasize that during the stage of proposing and generating ideas people shouldn’t criticize and discourage proposals that are based on thinking that is different from their perspective. Additionally, each member of the team should also avoid rewarding ideas that they consider to be standing out.
This way they will stay away from judgment and will open possibilities for effective idea generation.
In the end. Every idea should be analyzed and evaluated to discover the best solutions.
Group brainstorming sessions can be informal, which means that there may not be a person in the position of a discussion leader.
However, in most companies where this activity is practiced, there is one facilitator who conducts the discussion in order to ease the process and lead the people in the right direction so that more ideas surface.
Individual brainstorming techniques, on the opposite, involves storming by yourself.
The difference between group and individual brainstorming is that they take different approaches, which can have different outcomes. Individual brainstorming can stimulate the production of a wider and better array of ideas.
This happens because some people due to numerous reasons may experience blocking while participating in group brainstorming.
Depending on one’s individual character and point of openness while participating in team activities, some people could have a problem presenting their ideas in front of a big group.
In contrast, during individual brainstorming, they could inspire themselves to explore different ways of generating creative ideas. For some, Individual brainstorming can stimulate the generation of more creative ideas.
When you are on your own, you may feel more flexible to reveal to yourself as many unconventional ideas as possible. Because you won’t have to think about others’ views and judgments.
When people practice individual brainstorming they don’t have the possibility to learn from other’s experiences and expertise. As well as to absorb the ideas that could help them in developing their own. In the end, We can conclude that both types have advantages and disadvantages.
Group brainstorming can sometimes cause a blockage in those who prefer the individualistic approach to resolving problems and achieving objectives. Individual brainstorming could limit creative thinking in those who are more inclined towards team collaboration.
