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The traditional framework for brainstorms involves identifying a problem, listing solutions within a set of parameters, and then choosing the best.
But research on creativity and innovation suggests that truly innovative solutions result not from searching for a “correct answer,” but from the collision of different ideas, perspectives and life experiences.
Rather than encouraging convergent thinking, as traditional brainstorm sessions do, the goal should be to encourage divergent thinking: the practice of finding new ways to look at a problem and generating multiple solutions. In divergent thinking, the emphasis isn’t to agree on the best idea—it’s to get as far away as possible from the most obvious answer.
Via David Hain
This is an interesting take on a management stalwart - the brainstorm. I'm involved in quite a few brainstorming sessions with different organizations and I'm often interested to see how groups norm around this kind of activity. I was always taught that 'any idea is a good idea' and no evaluation should be made until the 'storming' session is over but not everyone thinks that way.
What I like about this approach, is the acknowledgement of the power of colliding perspectives. Not only do they help us to see and think differently but they also help us learn as well!
Matthew Farmer
Emerging World