1. Group Brainstorming 1. A set of rules for “idea-generating groups
2. Not a panacea, but one of the
best ways for face-to-face groups
to generate ideas.
3. Increases speed, quality,
commitment, and fun

2. IDEO’ s Brainstorming Rules
Defer judgment
Build on the ideas of others
Have only one conversation at a time
Stay focused on the topic
Encourage wild ideas

3. Agenda for In-Class Brainstorming Exercise
1. Selected representatives leave the room -- no
talking to one another (5 to 10 minutes)
2. Group brainstorming and decision-making by
representatives in front of class (30 minutes)
3. Analysis and discussion of in-class group and
brainstorming in general (30 to 35 minutes)

4. Assignment for Group Part 1: Brainstorming
How can Hanes increase the
sales of pantyhose to men?
Write ideas on the board !

5. Assignment for Group Part 2: Decision-making:
What was the wildest idea?
What was the most exciting
idea?
What was the most practical

6. Volunteers for the Brainstorming Group?
Three men, Three women
Leave the room!

7. In Class: Four "Specialists" on Aspects of Group Dynamics
Roles
Norms
Communications
Interruptions

8. Overall Assessment What are the strengths of the group
process used by the brainstorming
group?
Do you have any suggestions about how
the group could have improved its
process?

9. Role Specialists Who was the task leader of the group?
What other roles emerged in the group?
Was there any "jockeying" between
members for these roles?

10. Norm Specialists What were some of the key norms that
seemed to be used by the group at the
outset?
What norms developed during the course
of the brainstorming session?
Where there any subtle (or not so subtle)
conflicts about what the group's norms
should be?

11. Communication Specialists
Who talked the most?
Who talked the least?
Who talked to whom?
Which members rarely talked to one
another?

12. Interruption Specialists
Who interrupted other members the
most?
Who was interrupted by other members
the most?
Which members, if any, engaged in
"interruption battles," where each tried
to interrupt the other?

13. Group Process: Overall Assessment
What are the strengths of the group
process used by the brainstorming
group?
Do you have any suggestions about how
the group could have improved its
process?

14. Brainstorming Exercise 2:
What can the David Eccles School of Business do to gain a much higher ranking in its undergraduate business program?

15. Final Points 1. There are so many things going in in
most groups at once that is impossible for
any one person to comprehend all of
them.
2. As a result, group members may be
unaware, or only dimly aware, of how the
group’s process affects their decision
3. When do you focus on group process?
Perhaps only when it is “broken.”