Modern man one has to live in a constantly changing world, where what was considered science fiction only yesterday is becoming everyday and the norm today. Of course, the current time can be called wonderful and incredibly interesting, but it, in turn, makes each of us live at a frantic pace and solve tasks that require a significant investment of time and effort. In search of the right answer, a person has to re-read a lot of literature and ask friends for advice. But this does not always help in solving the problem. And here a technique comes to the rescue, which allows you to find the only answer from the many options that will allow you to successfully cope with the task. What is this method? It's called the method brainstorming. What is it and how can it be used in practice? Let's try to deal with this issue.

The essence of the method

The way to successfully solve the problem, which is also called brainstorming, is to activate the creative potential that a whole group of people has. To do this, a small team gathers, each member of which takes part in the discussion. The conversation concerns one or another previously voiced problem.

The purpose of the brainstorming method is to collect the maximum number of ideas that are designed to solve the problem. Moreover, this must be done in the shortest possible time. The brainstorming method makes it possible to optimize the creative thinking of the team and obtain the most effective idea for its subsequent implementation.

Scope of application

Using the brainstorming method (MMS) is by far one of the most effective ways to conduct peer review. It is used in scientific and technical areas, in management, and even in cases where it is necessary to solve personal problems. The brainstorming method also finds its application in games. In other words, wherever an effective and quick way out of the current situation is required.

The scope of the brainstorming method is extensive and applies to cases where:

• the object under study is not subject to strict formalization or mathematical description;
• the characteristics of the object of study are insufficiently substantiated due to the lack of detailed statistics;
• the functioning of the object is multivariate and depends on a large number factors;
• there is a need to predict complex phenomena from the economic sphere, which are constantly evolving and dynamically developing;
• the existing situation does not accept other ways of solving the problem.

The conditions described above cover a fairly wide range of economic and social processes. Other methods have a similar scope. expert assessments. Brainstorming should not be in situations where the object in question is well studied and predictable.

History of creation

The founder of the brainstorming method is the well-known copywriter, founder of the information company BBD&O Alex Osborne. MMS was invented in the middle of the 20th century and today it is in great demand by leaders seeking to adopt special, fundamentally new and creative solutions, which are based on the factor of "collective intelligence".

Practice of use in universities

Brainstorming is also used as a teaching method. It is studied in universities, which allows solving specialized issues and involving students in research work.

In order to teach the brainstorming method, in higher educational institutions specially created educational methods are used. They allow you to train the originality of thinking, as well as its flexibility - semantic and figurative.

Brainstorming as a learning method allows future specialists to produce a maximum of ideas in a short period of time and develops in them the ability not to miss new, most productive areas of activity.

Types of MMS

Brainstorming, used as one of the teaching methods, involves the development by students of its various subspecies.

1. Brain ring. This subspecies of MMS is characterized by a written formulation by the group members of all the ways to solve the problem. Discussing write down their own ideas, and then exchange sheets. Such actions allow the thought put forward by one person to be developed with the help of the intellect and imagination of other people. This technique showed its effectiveness especially brightly at one of the meetings of pharmacists. Having gathered for a meeting where they discussed the creation of a new product, they, after combining the two notes, were able to develop a unique product. They became a shampoo-conditioner, that is, a 2-in-1 product.
2. Using the whiteboard. Leaflets filled with people discussing some problem are attached to it. The results of such an intellectual assault are not only visual, but can also be easily combined and sorted.
3. Japanese technique. This one was invented by Kawakita together with Koboyashi and named rice hail by them. Similar technique involves the arrival of all participants in the brainstorming to a single result. When applied this method people fill out the cards, reflecting on them their version of the solution to the problem. After that, all the sheets are grouped in the context of the options presented on them, which allows you to get a unified vision of the problem.
4. Delphi method. This is a specialized way. It is used to predict economic and social processes. When implementing the Delphi method, participants fill out cards that all members of the team can familiarize themselves with (it can include from 10 to 150 people).

Brainstorming is a way of solving a specific complex problem by stimulating mental activity.

At the same time, participants are invited to express as many solutions as possible, including the most incredible and fantastic ones. At the end, through analysis, the most promising ways to solve problems for practical work with them.

Such a psychological assault is also used as a method of peer review. A well-organized and developed process involves the synchronous activity of a group of people in accordance with a clearly defined task.

Stages and principles of the process

In the process of preparing and conducting a brainstorming session, three fundamentally different stages are clearly distinguished.

They are different in organization and methods of conducting:

• Formulation of the problem

In the process of implementation, this is very milestone, during which the main thing is a clear formulation of the problem proposed for solution. A selection of participants is made, suitable for their professional qualities and breadth of outlook. Determination of the moderator of the process and the distribution of roles between the participants depending on the task and determine the methods of brainstorming.

• Idea generation

The most important step in the whole process. Established rules must be performed strictly, otherwise it will not give results. And the rules are:

1. the main task is to put forward as many ideas as possible. There should be no restrictions here;
2. critical statements during brainstorming should be excluded, even if they have a positive connotation. This distracts participants from the creative process;
3. any ideas are welcome, even if they look absurd;
4. it is advisable to create combined or improved ideas.

Sorting, evaluating and selecting ideas from the brainstorming session in order to further development. This stage is often forgotten, but it is the one that allows you to group and isolate the most important results of a brainstorming session. Unlike the previous stage, evaluation actions are required here.

Methods of brainstorming, selection and evaluation of ideas can be different, and the results depend on the same understanding of the problem by all participants in the process.

• Synectics method

In essence, synectics is the combination of heterogeneous components. As a brainstorming method, it is based on a combination of psychological and social motives for collective activity. It is the improvement and development of brainstorming techniques.

When conducting synectic brainstorming, criticism is allowed to the extent that it contributes to honing and improving the ideas expressed.

As a rule, synectic approaches are practiced as part of a permanent group, when people know each other well, and personal relationships step aside in the name of the creative process.

In the process of developing and improving brainstorming using the synectics method, four types of analogies were distinguished:

1. Direct analogies - the case when the object under study has direct analogues in nature or technology. An example - in the study of methods of coloring and color schemes the colorings of stones, plants, birds, and so on, common in nature, were considered.
2. The analogies are symbolic - while in the process of brainstorming it is required to formulate in the form of a paradox in just a few words the essence of an object or phenomenon.
3. A fantastic analogy involves the presentation of fantastic phenomena or performers, for example, a runway appears under the wheels of an aircraft landing gear when there is a distance of 1 meter from the ground surface.
4. Personal analogy (empathy) - representing oneself as a part of a phenomenon or object and analyzing one's feelings at the same time. An example - you are an engine piston and during operation you feel the shocks of flashes of a combustible mixture and the friction of the body against the walls of the cylinder. At the same time, you need to understand what needs to be done so that this process is more pleasant and comfortable for yourself. Such a technique in brainstorming helps to get rid of the inertia of thinking, contributing to a more complete abstraction from the usual course of the process.

Thus, synectics brainstorming is a way of moving away from existing trivial solutions to a problem, searching for analogies and ideas about an object or phenomenon, allowing them to be revealed in unexpected and, at times, paradoxical forms.

The composition of the participants in the psychological assault

In practice, the brainstorming group is divided into two parts, one of them generates ideas, the second analyzes and criticizes them, introducing new elements and points of approach to the problem.

In this variant, each idea, as it were, goes through an initial run-in during the discussion and is presented in a form ready for use.

At the same time, the role of the moderator of the process is very important, whose duty is to unobtrusively and effectively guide the brainstorming process, preventing it from getting bogged down in trifles and particulars.

The main positive aspects of the process

Brainstorming has beneficial effects due to certain circumstances:

1. The joint work of several people, each of whom is endowed with a set of knowledge and experience peculiar only to him, leads to a synergistic effect in which positive results brainstorming processes are amplified many times over during the search optimal solution.
2. The actual process teamwork is a fascinating, largely playful action, endowing it with a special creative potential.
3. A trusting, friendly environment is essential for brainstorming. This circumstance helps to perceive criticism positively, to improvise, showing the maximum of one's own potential, and enhances the atmosphere of a positive attitude and mutual trust.
4. Brainstorming gives effective results in many areas of activity. This is science, and production, and management, and politics, and many other areas of activity.
5. However, if the work is organized incorrectly, the effect may be just the opposite, or it will not be at all. In order to properly use brainstorming, brainstorming rules have been developed.

Rules for Effective Application

• Preliminary preparation

Each of the prospective participants must be notified about it in advance, at least 2-3 days before the proposed event. This will help him think through approaches to the problem, collect Additional information and by the time you start to already have ready-made proposals and ideas.

• Number of participants

There should be as many of them as possible, prepared in different fields of knowledge, different levels and different temperaments. As a result, brainstorming gives more ideas, sometimes the most surprising.

In addition, for students attending such events, brainstorming is a learning method.

• Clarification of positions

Before the start of the event, it is necessary to remind those present about the topic and essence of the problem under discussion in order to set the participants on the same wave of perception. In addition, you need to make sure the mood of the audience and the correct wording of the topic.

• Fixing the results

Throughout the brainstorming process, notes should be kept and notes taken as the discussion progresses. Moreover, it is best if all participants are engaged in this. This will save you from the possible loss of valuable information and provides an opportunity for additional resources, since when taking notes, the participant additionally formulates for himself the essence of what he heard.

• The prohibition of criticism

It is itself an inhibitory factor. Even the most fantastic or ridiculous solutions cannot be rejected. Being revised and supplemented subsequently, they are often the desired result of brainstorming.

• "Fountain" of ideas

Everyone who takes part in the process must understand that brainstorming requires him to generate maximum number ideas. It is common for inexperienced participants to think over and formulate an idea more precisely, weighing the pros and cons. This is mistake. We need to release it quickly. This is the meaning of the brainstorming idea.

• Attracting strangers

If one of the results of the assault is to generate a large number of ideas, then the intended audience size may not be enough. Then outsiders are attracted to the event, at first glance, even uninvolved in the topic under discussion. From their mass, non-trivial approaches are often put forward that contribute to the achievement of the task.

• Modification of ideas

In the process of discussion and analysis, there is often a modification of ideas, a combination of several into one, when they are mutually reinforcing. Brainstorming is especially effective when people are involved in the generation various levels knowledge, status and position.

• Process visualization

A very effective way is to graphically display the discussion in the idea of ​​drawings, graphs, tables. In the process of visualization, the wording is refined, the idea is honed and takes on a more perfect form.

• Negative results

Imagine a situation where the process did not go as planned, and the results obtained are far from the intended ones. This is not a tragedy. By studying and formulating the results of the discussion, additional ideas can be isolated, sometimes in the most unexpected directions.

Brainstorming rules have been developed over a long period of practice and seem to be mandatory.

Application as a teaching method

The brainstorming method used in the learning process can effectively solve the following tasks:

1. Development of students' creative activity;
2. Skills of applying theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems;
3. Activate learning and cognitive activity students;
4. Forming their attitudes and opinions;
5. To create in students the ability to concentrate their own efforts on the solution specific tasks brainstorming method;
6. Promotes the development of life skills and professional attitudes;
7. Development of teamwork skills;
8. Raising respect for the opinions of others;
9. Respect for the right of any person to freedom of speech.

When organizing brainstorming classes, the teacher, acting as a moderator of the process, must set a clearly defined task for the audience, indicating the desired end result.

An important point is to clearly convey to the participants the rules for conducting classes when the brainstorming method is used.

All participants should be divided into two groups - idea generators and analysts in approximately equal numbers. At the same time, the presence of people capable of putting forward their own ideas is mandatory in the group of analysts.

Need to be given Special attention the formation of relevant and practically valuable topics that will definitely be of interest to the audience. One of the requirements is that the task should have a set of options solutions and is put forward for discussion using the brainstorming method as a learning task that may have a practical implementation in the future.

Use brainstorming as a teaching method, which allows students not only to acquire knowledge more deeply, but to become a socially active person. The skills to “hear” the opponent, respect the opinions of others are instilled. Thus, it is obvious that such methods form the cultural level of a person.

The impact that the described methodology has on the ability to apply the acquired knowledge in practical activities, is difficult to overestimate.

brainstorming) - an operational method of solving a problem based on stimulating creative activity, in which the participants in the discussion are asked to express as many possible solutions as possible, including the most fantastic ones. Then, from the total number of ideas expressed, the most successful ones are selected that can be used in practice. It is a method of expert evaluation.

Stages and rules of brainstorming

Properly organized brainstorming includes three mandatory steps. The stages differ in the organization and rules for their implementation:

1. Formulation of the problem. Preliminary stage. At the beginning of the second stage, the problem should be clearly formulated. There is a selection of participants in the assault, the definition of a leader and the distribution of other roles of participants depending on the problem posed and the chosen method of conducting the assault.
2. Generation of ideas. The main stage on which the success (see below) of the entire brainstorming largely depends. Therefore, it is very important to follow the rules for this stage:
   • The main thing is the number of ideas. Don't make any restrictions.
   • A complete ban on criticism and any (including positive) assessment of the ideas expressed, since the assessment distracts from the main task and knocks down the creative mood.
   • Unusual and even absurd ideas are welcome.
   • Combine and improve any ideas.
3. Grouping, selecting and evaluating ideas. This stage is often forgotten, but it is the one that allows you to highlight the most valuable ideas and give the final result of the brainstorming. At this stage, unlike the second, the assessment is not limited, but, on the contrary, is welcomed. Methods for analyzing and evaluating ideas can be very different. The success of this stage directly depends on how “equally” the participants understand the criteria for selecting and evaluating ideas.

brain attacks

For brainstorming, two groups are usually created:

• participants offering new options for solving the problem;
• members of the commission processing the proposed solutions.

There are individual and collective brain attacks.

A team of several specialists and a moderator participate in a brainstorming session. Before the brainstorming session itself, the facilitator makes a clear statement of the problem to be solved. During the brainstorming, participants express their ideas aimed at solving the task, both logical and absurd.

In the process of brainstorming, as a rule, at first the solutions are not very original, but after some time, typical, template solutions are exhausted, and the participants begin to have unusual ideas. The facilitator writes down or otherwise records all the ideas that come up during the brainstorming session.

Then, when all ideas are expressed, they are analyzed, developed and selected. As a result, the most efficient and often non-trivial solution of the problem is found.

Success

The success of brainstorming is highly dependent on the psychological atmosphere and the activity of the discussion, so the role of the leader in brainstorming is very important. It is he who can “break the deadlock” and breathe fresh energy into the process.

Brainstorming is credited to Alex Osborne.

One of the extensions of the brainstorming method is the synectics method.

Links

• Creative thought on a short leash Coyne, Clifford, Dye / Harvard Business Review Russia / April 2008 - in particular, what can be wrong with brainstorming

• Something they don't write about brainstorming. Undocumented features of the most hyped creative technique Sokolov Alexander Borisovich, TREKO.RU

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010 .

Synonyms:

See what "Brainstorming" is in other dictionaries:

brainstorm- (ITIL Service Design) (ITIL Service Operation) A technique that helps a team generate ideas. Ideas are not analyzed during the actual brainstorming, this happens later. Brainstorming is often used in problem management to... ... Technical Translator's Handbook

Ex., number of synonyms: 3 brainstorming (3) brainstorming (3) brain teaser ... Synonym dictionary

Brain attack, see DELPHI METHOD. Raizberg B.A., Lozovsky L.Sh., Starodubtseva E.B. Modern economic dictionary. 2nd ed., rev. M .: INFRA M. 479 s .. 1999 ... Economic dictionary

brainstorm- "BRAIN STORM" proposed by A. Osborne in the 40s. 20th century a way of organizing group generation of ideas, on the basis of which other methods of group creative thinking. This method is primarily aimed at... Encyclopedia of Epistemology and Philosophy of Science

BRAINSTORM- BRAINSTORM. Same as brainstorming... New dictionary methodological terms and concepts (theory and practice of teaching languages)

Brainstorm- An approach to problem solving in which people come together and spontaneously come up with all sorts of suggestions on how to solve a problem. It is important that at this stage not a single proposal is subjected to critical evaluation, otherwise it may be violated ... ... Great Psychological Encyclopedia

brainstorm- a method of quick search for solutions based on their generation in the process of brainstorming conducted by a group of specialists and selection best solution based on expert assessments. The Delphi method is used for expert forecasting by ... ... Dictionary of economic terms

BRAINSTORM- (from the English brain storming) a method of intensifying the process of group search for problem solving. It provides for the stimulation of creativity and productivity on the basis of the proposal that in the usual methods of discussion and decision ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary in psychology and pedagogy

Brainstorm- teaching method, one of modern forms group classes in secondary and higher educational institutions. Problem M.sh. search or development of the optimal solution to the problem. Preliminary stage M.sh. is a situational analysis. M.sh.… … Pedagogical terminological dictionary

BRAINSTORM An approach to problem solving in which people come together and spontaneously come up with all sorts of suggestions about how to solve a problem... Dictionary of Career Guidance and Psychological Support

Sometimes in the life of any person there are such moments when, in order to answer a question, it is necessary to use brainstorming. It can be both collective and single, it all depends on your capabilities and situation.

What is brainstorming?

First, let's figure out what it is. Brainstorming is a kind of active thinking, for example, thinking about a thought that surprised us, trying to draw conclusions, writing an article, and much more. You must understand that for most of their lives, almost all people think passively. A mini-model of brainstorming can be considered the solution of any geometric problem. This way of thinking was proposed by the American Alex Osborne back in the 40s of the last century. Its main idea is to separate the generation of ideas from criticism.

What is it for?

If you are tired of uncertainty, nonsense and inner emptiness, then it's time to change yourself, and brainstorming will help you with this. This means that your thoughts should be updated: turn off the phone, TV, computer, retire for a few hours and prepare a clean notebook with a pen. Then ask yourself questions such as "what is the meaning of your life?" Constantly think what is the most important thing in life? What is its meaning? What is your purpose and where should you focus your maximum efforts? There may be a lot more questions on this list, you yourself can decide which will be here and which will not.

Organization of brainstorming

If you have set a task for yourself, but cannot solve it, then this method will help you. This means that you should not limit your space and time, but should try to think differently than always. The most accessible is an individual way of conducting it, with the help of which you will save not only your time, but also the time of other people. However, it is considered more efficient. It usually involves 5 to 10 people.

But where should you start if you don't know what brainstorming is? It consists of three main components, namely:

• Questions of organization and statement of the problem.

It is necessary to gather people (for group brainstorming) and decide on what task you are facing. You also need to choose a moderator who will write down all the ideas that arise and monitor the process of solving the problem. It is good if it is an energetic and active person.

• Actually brainstorming.

These are direct suggestions. various methods problem solving, the number of which is not limited.

First you need to remove all repetitive and unrelated options in this topic. Most suitable ideas are being revised.

You must understand that brainstorming is a very effective method most challenging tasks. The process of finding an answer to a question must be treated with such responsibility, as if your life depends on whether you find it or not. You need to write down absolutely all the ideas, thoughts, words and concepts that appear in your head, so that later you have plenty to choose from.

Today I will tell you about what is brainstorming (brainstorming) what it is for, why it is interesting and useful, and how to use it correctly brainstorming method on practice.

Surely you have already heard about this concept, and after reading this article, you will get a clearer and more competent idea about brainstorming and how to conduct it.

What is brainstorming?

The term "brainstorming" is borrowed from of English language(brainstorming), and even in Russian it is often used literally: brainstorming. You can also find synonyms for this concept - brainstorming, method round table.

Brainstorming is a method of collective discussion of a problem in order to identify the optimal solution, based on the consideration of a large number of creative ideas participants, their collective analysis and selection the best option.

The brainstorming method was developed by an American creative figure, founder of an advertising agency, copywriter Alex Osborne back in the first half of the 20th century (it turns out that there were already people involved in those days). He successfully proved in practice that people alone are often afraid to express their original and non-standard ideas for fear of meeting disapproval from colleagues or superiors. Therefore, the brainstorming he developed implied a complete ban on criticism and condemnation of initial stage idea expressions.

brainstorming technology consists of two basic rules:

2. Gradual transformation of the number of proposed ideas into quality.

Since then, the brainstorming method has been repeatedly researched and improved, but its basic principles and rules have remained unchanged. More importantly, the researchers concluded:

The number of creative ideas received during brainstorming significantly exceeds the number of ideas given out by its participants individually.

Since Alex Osborne first used brainstorming in his advertising agency to develop advertising ideas, many people still have the stereotype that brainstorming is only suitable for work and business in the field of marketing and advertising, or only for some creative work. Undoubtedly, in these areas, brainstorming does lead to good results, however, they are by no means exclusive to the application of this method.

The round table method is successfully used both in business management (management) and in financial sector, and even to solve personal or family problems (in this case, the family can gather for a brainstorming session).

Brainstorming is very effective method finding the optimal solution to the current problem, even at the level of a single person or family.

Well, brainstorming at the level of a business structure, an enterprise, along with finding the best solution to a problem, helps to strengthen team spirit and is one of the ways of non-material motivation of staff. After all, each participant in a brain attack feels their importance, their participation in solving a common strategic task.

Let's take a closer look at what brainstorming technology is and how to conduct it correctly.

Brainstorming rules.

1. Brainstorming participants should not be too few and too many. Optimal quantity people for brainstorming - 8-10 people.

2. All participants in a brainstorming session (or at least some of them) must be experts in the issue under discussion, that is, have good level theoretical and practical training.

3. When conducting a brainstorming session, it is allowed to express any, even the most crazy ideas, their number coming from each participant is not limited.

4. Participants of the round table are not allowed to criticize the ideas expressed by other participants.

5. For brainstorming, a leader (moderator) is selected who monitors compliance with the rules and coordinates the actions of all participants.

How to brainstorm?

Brainstorming participants sit comfortably in their seats (ideally at a large round table). The moderator takes the floor and sets a task for the participants: a problem for which a solution must be found. Already at this stage, he should indicate the importance of the problem, and the importance of the opinion on this issue of each of the participants of the round table, thereby motivating them and stimulating thought processes.

Next, the moderator should designate the rules for brainstorming, that is, set aside a certain time for expressing one idea, as well as for the subsequent discussion of the ideas expressed and the search for the optimal solution.

Then the brainstorming begins, and the moderator in turn gives each participant of the round table the floor to express their ideas. After the presentations, he should encourage the participants and stimulate the development of the most creative ideas (for this, it is advisable to prepare some leading questions in advance so that the supply of ideas does not run out too quickly).

The moderator must ensure that all participants comply with the rules, tactfully suppress all attempts at criticism (and they will certainly be!), Demonstrate their positive attitude and equal treatment of all participants. In no case should a moderator be a biased person who supports a specific idea and tries to impose it on others, using the alleged brainstorming method.

If a we are talking about how to brainstorm in a work team, then the leader should not assign the role of moderator to himself - this way the participants will feel psychologically uncomfortable and will be afraid to express certain ideas. It is best if an employee of the same rank as all other participants is elected as a moderator, and the leader takes on the function of an outside observer, subsequently taking part in the discussion of all the ideas already expressed.

Brainstorming technology.

The whole technology of brainstorming can be divided into 3 stages.

1. Formulation of the problem. At the initial stage of the brainstorming, the participants of the round table are selected, and they are given a task for which they must find the optimal solution. Also at this stage, a moderator is appointed, and the rules for brainstorming are determined.

2. Generation of ideas. At the second stage, brainstorming participants take turns expressing their ideas, offering their own options for solving the problem. Here it is important to collect as many options as possible, even if they are absurd and crazy (many brilliant ideas at first seemed just like that). It is also allowed to combine several ideas of the round table participants into one.

3. Expert analysis. And finally, the last main stage brainstorming, where participants begin to discuss the received ideas to identify the best option. At this stage (only at it!) It is already allowed to subject ideas to analysis, evaluation, criticism. So, gradually total weight expressed ideas, a group of the best is formed, they are refined, combined, and the best solution is obtained as a result.

Brainstorming doesn't need to be done for the sake of the process itself. If the manager has already determined for himself the way to solve the problem, and wants to brainstorm "for show" - this will only lead to a negative effect among employees.

Brainstorming is necessary precisely in order to find best way problem solving, and not to create the appearance of participation of the team or to persuade others to their point of view.

In the course of its evolution, the brainstorming method has served Starting point for the emergence of new methods for finding the optimal solution to problems, such as, in which you can brainstorm with only one participant, or the synectics method, which I will analyze in detail in one of the following publications on Financial Genius.

I think that now you have a clearer idea of ​​what brainstorming is, how to conduct it correctly, and how to use it to find the best, non-standard, and maybe even ingenious ways to solve problems and difficulties that have arisen. If you ever try to actually brainstorm, you will see how effective this method is, what interesting results it will bring to you.

See you soon on the site where you will find many useful tips and recommendations for becoming successful and financially independent. Join the number of our regular readers, recommend to friends and participate in discussions in the comments and on the forum.