Most people think that group brainstorming is a creative process. Actually it reduces innovation and creativity. People make better decisions when allowed to express their views before they have had a chance to listen to anybody else. Countless studies have shown that once discussion begins, the people who speak first tend to persuade others of their position, even when their positions are wrong.
Teams make better decisions when you have them vote first, then have them discussion (a shout out for my fans of Robert’s Rules of Order), rather than decide by consensus. Think back to your high school and college days… did you get into more trouble on your own? Or when you were with a group of your “best buds”? Does the thought “what was I thinking??!?!?” sound familiar?
Team sessions have an important place, though. They excel at vetting and improving on ideas. Being able to play off of others’ thoughts is powerful (and fun)! Have people brainstorm on their own first. Then post all the ideas and gather the team to discuss, vet and improve on the them.
“None of us is as dumb as all of us.” - Anon
“The best way to have good ideas, is to have lots of ideas.” - Linus Pauling
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