It Takes Collaboration and Individual Performance

How was your most recent brainstorming session?

What's your experience at group creativity?

Chances are, your performance has been mixed. Getting people together is a wonderful way to get lots of ideas, and sometimes when you get lots of ideas you get great ideas. But not always.

People want to get along. A skillful facilitator can make sure (most of the time) that the group does get along. What is more difficult is assuring the sponsor of the session that the outcomes will be what they want.

Some people work well in groups, and some work well individually. Some great ideas come when people think on their own.

These are some of the points brought out in the summary article from the Wharton School of Business. Here's there promo and link:

How Group Dynamics May Be Killing Innovation
To come up with the next iPad or Amazon, the pacesetters of the future need solitary brainstorming time, according to new Wharton research. In a paper titled, "Idea Generation and the Quality of the Best Idea," Wharton professors Christian Terwiesch and Karl Ulrich argue that group dynamics are the enemy of businesses trying to develop one-of-a-kind new products, unique ways to save money or distinctive marketing strategies.

Bookmark and save this stimulating read. Take it out before planning or attending your next problem solving or creativity session. It is worth considering.

-- Douglas Brent Smith

http://frontrangeleadership.com

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