Competency: Brainstorm
Introduction:
This is the competency used to create a long list of possibilities. It is often an important step in moving from what ‘is” to what “should be.” While brainstorming is typically done in a group, so that the group members feed off of each other, it doesn’t necessarily have to be done in a group, as we can do it individually as well.
Used for
It often occurs early in a thinking project (algorithm) and provides the fodder for many of the competencies that follow. We can use it with reference to a piece of content. For example, we use it in the learning system to create a list of good ideas from some learning event, We engage with some content (video, podcast, article, etc.) and then ask, “What are some good ideas we could get from this information?”
We can use it to generate possible solutions to a problem. In that case, we state the problem, and use it to create a long list of possible actions.
Input/ Output
The starting point for this competency is a question, and the end result is a long list of items created in response to that question.
How to
The brainstorming process is to ask questions relative to a shared experience, a piece of information, or a possible solution. We just ask the questions of ourselves or others and then record the answers. Since there is no one right answer (at least at this point) we generate multiple possibilities and create a long list. We can do this on a cellphone, a laptop, a piece of paper, a whiteboard or any other means of capturing written words. The medium is less important than the ideas expressed.
So, first, we ask ourselves the question and then we capture each idea, as expressed, and write it down as clearly as we can.
When we brainstorm, it is important to not edit the answers – that comes later— but simply to generate and record them.
“What are some possibilities?”
“What are some good ideas?”
“What could be done?”
“What are some ways this could be done?”
When we brainstorm by ourselves, we can dedicate a chunk of time to it, or we can add a little bit each day to our lists, as the ideas come to us.
For example, let’s say you have a recording app on your cell phone and give the question brainstorming time as you drive. Each time that you get an idea, over a period of several days, you capture it. When you sense that you have exhausted the topic, transcribe your recording so that you have it in writing.
Variations
The process is similar when we are brainstorming in a group. Our focus is to create a long list of ideas from those contributed by the group members, instead of just our own ideas.
When we brainstorm in a group, it’s common to limit the brainstorming session to a specific time – like “for the next hour.”
