Brainstorming a cycle time event

Brainstorming a cycle time "twist" By Charles E. Wilson, Ph.D. Aka. LakotaPerhaps this approach will "void" the need for attempting to involve inactive players. Using this technique, I have as yet to discover a non-participant. The team has gathered and voted on as many as 98 ideas in one hour. This process seems to be effective and efficient as designed. See what you think.In brainstorming the biggest challenge seems to be found in writing the issue or problem statement clearly. DO NOT start Brainstorming until the topic is written down and visible for all participants.Rules for brainstorming include: No discussion of ideasNo critiques, either vocal or by body language.Continue until no more ideas or a liberal amount of time has past. Oral Brain Storming Typically requires someone to record the ideas, frequently 2 or 3 people writing on flip charts so everyone can see the work. A facilitator generally starts around the room asking each person in turn for an idea which is to be recorded. This is the "old school" style of brainstorming. During a persons turn they offer an idea or say “pass”. If a person says pass, they can offer an idea on the next round. This process is repeated until everyone has said they “pass” twice in a row. The facilitator then asks if there are any ideas as yet documented. With no more ideas, the brain storming is finished.  Processing the Brainstorming: • Number the ideas• Have the group identify ideas that are the same. • Assign a letter to all ideas that are the same.• Write a single statement for each letter group. "Twist" to the old Brainstorming process First, this new process will reduce the need for several facilitators writing, scratching out what they have written, and turning their backs to the participants -- which invites "side bar" discussions. The new process of brainstorming involves everyone, quickly, quietly, effectively, and efficiently. Check out this idea.Use "Post It’s" With the issue clearly written where everyone can see, provide a pad of 3M “Post It” Notes and a writing instrument. I prefer water based markers. The large 4” X 6” “Post its” are excellent -- but smaller sizes can be used.Rules: • One Idea per “Post It”– “And” indicates there are two ideas -- write another “Post It”.– “Or” indicates there are two ideas -- write another “Post It”.– “A list” indicates there are multiple ideas -- write a “Post It” For each idea: • Use a noun or verb statement.• Single words do not serve well.• Maximum of 7 words per “Post It• Print large enough to read• Continue until all ideas are on a Post It”.Processing: (Place post it’s on edge of table to be picked up and placed on the paper being used -- or -- stand around the paper as a group, writing and placing your post it ideas on the collection paper as they go. The team can arrange the ideas into "families" without the need to scratch out and start over -- as we experience with traditional brainstorming sessions. • Place “Post its” with the same general idea -- into groups or families.• Write a statement or topic title for the Grouping that covers the ideas in that Group.Group Voting Group voting is used to Rank the Vital Few opportunities, key products and services, customers, probable causes, barriers and best team solutions.Steps: 1. Select and explain the technique to all attendees.2. Post Voting items on a flip chart.3. Clearly define criteria to be used for deciding one’s vote.4. Ask participants to make voting selections.5. Collect all votes.6. Read each vote or ask participants to make a mark next to the items for which they are voting. 7. Tally all votes for each item on the list.8. Construct a Pareto chart from the voting list resulting from step (7).CAUTION: Do not mistake the votes as facts. These are the opinions of those present and voting. As example, if you are working on why customers leave you for your competition, voting on the ideas you think are the reason does not make it so. Collect real data from customers who have left and make your Pareto from the real data. This is a common mistake -- especially if the data is somewhat difficult to obtain.Multiple Voting: 1. Each person votes for a predetermined number of ideas. Generally 1/4 of the total list.2. Each vote carries the same weight as every other.3. Only one vote, per idea, and per person is allowed.Rank Ordering: 1. Each person votes for a predetermined number of ideas. Generally 1/4 of the total list.2. Select a weight system such as when “N” items are to be voted on, give “N” votes to the top item, “N” minus one to the next items and so on until the last item receives one vote. Quick Polls: 1. Simple show of hands -- each person gets one vote. Usually no more than 3 or 4 choices.2. Everyone has three cards -- green, yellow, red. On a topic or question they hold up the card for their opinion. Green is yes, red is no, and yellow is undecided.I hope this brainstorming process becomes an added value to your skill sets. Can you see how this process eliminates the need for multiple facilitators, keeps the leader focused on the team and process, speeds the process, involves all team members, generates a wealth of ideas very quickly, and organizes all without a mess?About the Author Charles E. Wilson, Ph. D. is President/CEO of Lakota Training & Development. As well he owns and operates LTD Publishing and Six Sigma Doctor. WIlson is the author of several books, including "Six Sigma Deployment". He serves on TreQna Board of Directors, the Board of Directors for Brazoria County Dream Center, and has responsibility for knowledge development for TreQna University. Dr. Wilson holds multiple degrees in Psychology. He is a motivational speaker, training facilitator, training developer, management coach, business improvement consultant, and author. Charlie has 36 years of experience in the business and coaching worlds. Please visit http://treqnauniversity.org/default.aspx to learn more about effective and unique “blended learning” and “be able to do” skills approach for Six Sigma training. Page 1 http://treqnauniversity.org/default.aspx Brainstorming A Cycle time Twist TreQna University www.treqnauniversity.org