As noted previously, ALL of the individual activities can be used by groups, but not
all of the group activities can be used by individuals. If all or most of your training or
idea generation involves groups, then this distinction is not relevant. Any of the activ-
ities will suffice with respect to this distinction. However, the individual-only activi-
ties obviously can serve a training role in helping individuals learn how to apply the
activities as individuals.- Brainstorming vs. brainwriting: Classifies each activity as using verbal idea generation
only, written only, or a combination of both. As discussed previously, brainstorming
activities involve verbal idea generation while brainwriting involves the silent, writ-
ten generation of ideas in a group. A few of the activities classified as both will appear
within a chapter on either brainwriting or brainstorming. The classification, however,
is based on the primary emphasis being on either brainwriting or brainstorming. For
instance, Brainsketching [94] requires participants to draw pictures as individuals and
then pass them around the group. The pictures then are used as stimuli for partici-
pants to use in brainstorming ideas.
Some research suggests that brainwriting—regardless of the stimulus source—may
outperform brainstorming. Thus, unrelated brainwriting activities have the highest
theoretical potential to produce hot ideas. Note that the operative word is “theoreti-
cal.” The best may represent all categories, depending on the user and the problem. - Top ten activity: Indicates activities included in my top ten lists for individual or group
activities. - Related activities in this book: Lists other activities generally related to the activity
described. The criteria for inclusion were relatively specific. Broader criteria would
have meant a much larger number of other activities and the result would not be that
helpful. For instance, an activity that involves participants drawing something and
passing it to other group members would be related to other activities that include
drawing. However, it would not be considered as related to activities that involve
passing words to other group members. - Suggested uses: The two primary uses of all activities in this book are idea generation
and training in how to use idea generation procedures. Thus, the primary objectives
of each activity reflect these uses and are very clear-cut.
The 101 activities also have specific applications suited to different types of organiza-
tional problems. They are not, however, as clear-cut as the two primary objectives
involving idea generation. As a result, this probably is the most subjective element of
the classification scheme used to guide activity selection.
There is little research available to guide these decisions. My general recommenda-
tions are based more on intuition and experience than on any scientific criteria, so
take that into account when using the guide for specific topics. The uses listed are for
problems involving: Strategy, New Products/Processes/Services, Advertising/Mar-
keting, and Human Resources (see the legend in the selection guide). This is not to
say you should limit your choices to the recommended activities or that you should
not consider other types of problems. Again, experience will be your best guide. - Estimated time requirements:Suggests the minimum amount of time required for an
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