Brainstorming

Figure 7.10a Team problem-solving process.

Brainstorming is a technique developed in the 1930s by the Father of Brainstorming, Alex F. Osborn. According to Osborn, “It is easier to tone down a wild idea than to think up a new one.” Brainstorming is used to generate a large quantity of ideas within a short time. Brainstorming ignites the creativity of team members and is used to do the following:

Figure 7.10b Team problem-solving process.

◾ Generate ideas on any subject or area ◾ Identify problems deserving a team focus ◾ Identify possible causes of a problem ◾ Identify the causes of a problem’s symptom ◾ Identify possible solutions to a problem ◾ Identify obstacles to implementing a solution