Tools for Brainstorming the Cause of a Problem
When seeking answers, many groups and individuals turn to brainstorming. Brainstorming allows people to use nonlinear thinking to generate creative ideas. One advantage of brainstorming is the extent of ideas that can be generated. Some may generate ideas for new business ventures. Others may use these brainstorming tools to identify causes behind their problems.
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Group Brainstorming
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Brainstorming may be more effective as a group effort. All members can weigh in the problems, giving their own take on the underlying reasons. According to MindTools.com, brainstorming as a group provides deeper, more fleshed-out answers. Group brainstorming can be combined with a tool called the affinity technique. This technique involves a group quickly generating ideas, then using the group to organize those ideas into different categories. Each category is then distilled into one idea consisting of one phrase.
Fishbone Diagram
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The fishbone diagram not only helps people generate more ideas but also brings organization to those ideas. This fishbone represents six major causes that branch out from one problem. Participants are asked to generate ideas behind each of the six major causes. The American Society for Quality suggests asking "why?" to delve into real issues that may be contributing to problems.
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Brainwriting
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With the brainwriting method, individuals jot their ideas on a piece of paper. Then they pass the paper along to other participants who also record their ideas. Ideally, according to Creatingminds.org, earlier ideas should spur the addition of newer ideas. The paper should be passed around until everyone has added input or until the paper is fully completed. This method works well in group situations where members may be afraid to speak up.
Social Brainstorming
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A relatively new tool to brainstorming, social brainstorming involves the use of social network sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Social media has a wider reach than traditional brainstorming methods. This method not only allow individuals to reach people who live in different areas of the country but also allow you to reach people who belong to different social groups such as mothers, teenagers, businessmen, etc. Receiving ideas from a different population segments helps identify causes that are more plausible. Social brainstorming also provides an inexpensive way to reach many people for brainstorming sessions.
Brainstorming Guidelines
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To receive the best results out of brainstorming sessions, facilitators must foster a judgment-free environment. The surroundings should be made as psychologically and physically comfortable as possible. Comfortable temperatures and frequent breaks, for example, help brainstorming become more effective.
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References
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