Group brainstorming, as we know it in the present day, has been around going back to the 1930s. For essentially the most part, it hasn’t altered too much during the prior seventy-plus years, except in one respect: the event of new ideation techniques.

Ideation strategies are, quite merely, novel thought-provoking workout routines designed to help groups sort out challenges in ways they may not otherwise consider. Some make it easier for groups to view issues from unique perspectives; others present effective processes to help stimulate creativeness, overcome shyness, facilitate collaboration, and much more.

In brief, ideation strategies make it achievable for groups to generate a higher breadth and depth of ideas (i.e., extra, better concepts).

Anyone who takes even a few moments to Google “ideation techniques” will learn that there are dozens, hundreds, around. Some are properly-recognized and extensively documented; others are much less-so.

We recently performed a survey to search out just how folks stand on ideation techniques-which of them they can name, which of them they use in brainstorms, and what they think about them. The outcomes are interesting, if not utterly surprising.

When questioned whether they consider knowing and utilizing totally different ideation methods is beneficial to brainstorming, the answer was a resounding “Yes!”

However, when offered an inventory of properly-identified ideation techniques, just one had relatively broad experience-Mind Mapping-included in Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats and the popularly-used S.W.O.T. Analysis. All others listed had lower than 7% awareness.

And when asked what unique strategies (not listed within the survey) they used, over fifty four% of them listed no further strategies in any case; and fewer than 10% listed greater than two.

It is important to notice that this survey was performed amongst viewers that in all probability extra tuned-in to superior brainstorming and ideation techniques than the common business person. And even so, it is clear that even amongst this group, a very select few know, understand and use a range of ideation techniques.

Furthermore, this end result isn’t completely surprising. In our own ongoing research, we discover that fewer than 10% of people in any business even creativity-focused organizations like marketing and design) have had any education whatsoever in brainstorming and group ideation. Those who have sometimes know one or two ideation techniques, but nothing about brainstorming session structure or facilitation skills.

And so it could appear that while we understand and acknowledge the value of having a library of ideation methods at our disposal, few of us take some time to determine and learn these techniques.

During this era of the “innovation financial system,” it\’s bewildering that people and organizations nonetheless don’t recognize the importance of concept generation. Enterprise success at present requires consistent reevaluation and reinvention of one’s business offerings. Once organizations might thrive for a substantial time on a single nice concept; right now they want a great idea yearly, and in some instances every single month or week.

Solely by taking the focused initiative to coach oneself in a number of ideation techniques-and to supply education throughout one’s group in effective brainstorm procedures and facilitation-can anybody hope to grow and thrive in today’s cutthroat global environment.

Innovation begins with ideas. No original concepts, no innovation.

What number of jaw-dropping concepts did you and your staff come up with today?

Author Bio: SmartStorming (R)\’s Mitchell Rigie & Keith Harmeyer help organizations solve tough business challenges in new, more innovative ways than they ever imagined possible – with advanced brainstorm leadership training, creative brainstorming techniques , and a variety of proven tools organizations need to generate ground-breaking ideas that drive innovation. Please visit their blog at SmartStorming-blog.com.

Category: Business
Keywords: brainstorming,innovation,creativity,ideas,ideation,solutions,leadership,management,innovative