Brainstorming Session Ideas, Techniques and Examples

The Effects of Group Discussions and Brainstorming

Brainstorming is considered an effective mode of generating ideas both in workplaces and in institutions. Although many people have had faith in this form of coming up with ideas, some people think that it poses a major challenge especially when one set goal is to be attained. With brainstorming, two or more persons come together to discuss a certain topic or agenda, then present their finding and conclusions to a higher body. During the brainstorming experience, several negativities have been identified and are considered to be poisonous especially where critical and quality is to be ensured. Some of the negative effects of brainstorming include:

1. Social mooching

It goes beyond reasonable doubts that, whenever a team is subjected to a task, more than half of the participants relax and do not contribute at all. Instead of focusing on the brighter idea and discussing matters at hand, many of them start sharing stories, segregate into smaller groups and start chatting on unrelated topics. The highest responsibility is thus dispersed to fewer active members in the group, thus compromising the projected quality and goal.

2. Limited production as less ideas are generated

Under most circumstances, members participating in a group discussion tend to hold their points back, simply because they think it is not enough. This is because they feel intimidated especially if persons of higher ranks within the organization are present. However, when asked to jot down what their points are and present it anonymously, more than 75% of credible and high quality points come from the lowly placed in the discussion platform. When only a few people out of a bigger group contribute to a discussion, points are very limited as compared to when each individual is mandated to present a point of view. This factor creates a major production block which can cost a firm much more.

3. Limited or diverted attention

This is another blow that attacks many group discussions and mainly team work. Many are the times when you will find only a few people participating in topics being discussed, and most of them will distance themselves from giving points. The reason to this is because they either find something else to talk about, especially if the discussion takes longer, and with many participants. Other factors that lead to a diverted attention in brainstorming happen when facilitators undertake an apprehension evaluation, which demeans some members, thus withdrawing from participation.

How to increase teamwork productivity

Many bright ideas come from a brainstorming experience, and this can only be achieved if all parties come prepared for the event. However, a few factors have to be considered before the teamwork begins. First, the group needs to set up goals on what is to be achieved at the end of the session, and participants also need to prepare in advance before taking part. If you are the facilitator or chair any group discussion, it would be wise of criticism is avoided at all times. When a member presents his or her point, no one has to criticize it, but should embark on making it better, however low it is. This will motivate all the members to present what they feel and had prepared for.