Creative Problem Solving

Brainstorming &

Nominal Group Technique

Brainstorming:

Introduced by Alex Osborn, 1939 Creative problem-solving technique Atmosphere free of criticism All members must participate Implemented during the “solutions step” of

the Standard Agenda

Guidelines to Brainstorming: Don’t evaluate ideas while brainstorming Avoid “self-censorship” or clarification Encourage Zany ideas Expand or “piggy back” on the ideas of

other group members Record all ideas Encourage participation from all group

members

Nominal Group Technique Individuals work by themselves to generate a list

of ideas on a problem Meet as a group to record ideas Interact to clarify ideas Select 5 favorite ideas – rank from most to least

favorite Rankings are averaged – ideas with highest

averages are selected by the group