Schlagwort-Archiv: Criticism

What disturbs the brain storm?

Joint thinking is determined by the effort of at least two people to create ideas. An efficacious approach is the brainstorming. To make it work certain influences have to be avoided, which obstruct the production of ideas. But what disturbs the brain storm?

Brainstorm

The following aspects hinder the barrier-free gushing of ideas in groups.

  • Suppress criticism
    As long as a thought so long is not thought through, it behaves like a seedling. A certain size must be reached, in order to be viable. That is also true for ideas. For this reason each form of criticism or valuation should be suppressed, so that the idea can reach a certain maturity level.
  • Natural thinking
    The difficulty is the letting out of an idea. For this reason ALL thoughts should be able to reach the surface barrier-free. Co-thinkers can limit each other quickly, if they keep their contribution due to fear of criticism. On the other side something similar can happen, if too much consideration is shown to others, in order not to injure them by, for example, too many own contributions. It is suggested to make the goal of the brainstorming to your own and to produce courageously and respectful your own contributions.
  • No Comments
    The clear cut between the production of ideas and the later selection and evaluation is essential, in order to come to as many as possible free thoughts. Especially killer phrases, like “Nobody understands”, “This is senseless”, “This is politically not correct”, “This never went well”, “This is not allowed”, “Typical!”, pollutes the process. It is better to make it clear to the involved people that the proposals will be discussed in the next step and that meanwhile any comments are forbidden.
  • Be aware of Groupthink
    In groups again and again patterns evolve that drive the cooperation in unwanted directions. This includes the tendency of trying to finish as fast as possible, dominant participants, who take over the control of the group or the attitude that the majority will fix the problem. To reduce these group effects, the meetings should be short.

Such trends can be avoided by assigning the facilitation of the brainstorming to a neutral person. The task consists of recognizing the previous aspects and to eliminate barriers.

Bottom line: In brainstorming, the participants stand in one another’s way. Anticipatory restraint leads to worse results, than could be actually possible. For this reason the disturbances in the brainstorm should be designated and explicitly forbidden in the beginning of the session. The best remedies are neutral third parties, who lead the brainstorming, in order to come in a group to the best possible results.

Define your reality

On media channels like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn private and business statements find their way timely into the public. Particularly the business statements form an indispensable part of the Corporate Identity. It is an advantage on the long term to sent effective and consistent messages, since the Internet keeps news for a long time available. In case of conflict they should be arranged in such a way that the public receives the impression that you engage yourself in the search for a solution, without making any concessions. In order to get over a crisis with little damage, you define your reality.

Eigene Wirklichkeit

In exceptional situations formulations are often used, like „… without sense and emergency… “, „… It would be irresponsible, if we played on time. … “or „… We are only concerned about de-escalation and pacification of the total situation. … “. Assessments are made, without assessing.

What can we learn from it?

  • Take care of your own point of view
    Always specify your perspective and offer thereby the public your assessment. Avoid dark sides in your presentation.
  • Stay constantly honest
    Always remain with the truth in everything that you communicate. Due to the general visibility, false statements will find sooner or later their way to light.
  • Be ruthless positive
    Remain always positive. Avoid negative statements and obvious accusations.
  • Avoid criticism
    Show your interest and compassion for the victims of the current conflict and emphasize their needs, without criticizing.
  • Provide alternatives
    Find alternative ways, which could provide a solution, and announce them without further details at an early stage.
  • Communicate, communicate, communicate
    Strive for a large public with your efforts. This produces support that makes pressure on the responsible people.

Bottom line: Define your reality as positive as possible. The public remembers gladly optimistic messages. You put pressure to act on other participants. The hour of the truth always takes place later. However, you ensure that the ball does not lie on your side for the moment. Who will eventually bear the consequences of the problems, defines only the future.