In a large-scale Brainstorming session with more than 4 participants, it is generally observed that 2 to 3 active members do most of the talking. The introverts prefer to spare a moment to think things through before speaking, and usually shy out to put across their thoughts. While the ones who take lead, usually overpower with their ideas, the introvert members usually follow. To curb this aspect, Brainwriting exercise has been introduced in organizations to help team members deliver their full potential.
Brainwriting is the new way to ensure maximum participation of all members of the group and a fair hearing for all. This process gives a person time to jot down their ideas instead of speaking them out loud. Hence, this way a walk-through of the ideas jotted by individuals gives a wider range to explore when compared to a brainstorming session.
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How is Brainwriting different from Brainstorming?
Both Brainstorming and Brainwriting are ends of the same rope but they do have some differences between them that are noticeable. We have been aware of the idea of brainstorming since elementary. It is a pretty simple method and extremely effective but it has certain limitations. When it comes to brainstorming, only the domineering voices and hive mentality gets the priority and multiple innovative ideas get subdued. The method of brainwriting not just increases output but also makes provisions for more introverted team members to contribute in a way that doesn’t force them to alter their personality.
5 Imperative Ways to tackle Challenges better with Brainwriting
Given below are some likely five situations where Brainwriting executes a better solution to problems compared to Brainstorming.
Brainwriting promotes overall Team Participation
Lack of team participation is one of the most common problems associated with Brainstorming. Every meeting session with fellow managers the focus is taken away by the most eloquent and outspoken guys of the team. It usually drowns out the voice and ideas of others. The major ideas pit into the meeting turns out to be of one person only.
Brainwriting has just the correct solution to this problem. In this case, every person present in the meeting is given time to write out their ideas. Thereafter the ideas are weighed upon based on their value to the project. The evaluation is not on the basis of who can present it louder than others. The ideas are presented anonymously. Once the time period of say twenty minutes are over everyone has to hand over their ideas anonymously and then they are weighed upon based on their merit.
Brainwriting encourages team members to Actively Ideate
Brainstorming gives way to hive mentality and innovative ideas never see the desk. It mostly happens that a member of the team thinks of some out-of-the-box interesting ideas but they never see the light. It mostly happens this way because the ideas were so different from the ones that were presented by the others. These ideas are lost in the process of Brainstorming
Brainwriting is the best solution to this problem where everyone writes down their ideas. The person who had thought through innovative ideas writes them down and doesn’t have to worry that it may not be the same as what others are thinking. The members can build up on the ideas already jotted down on the paper or add their new ones.
This is also a very inherent plus point of Brainwriting – where not only new and innovative ideas are discovered but members can expand on the ideas given out by other members.
Brainwriting improves team’s Research Abilities
Poor research leads to Low-quality ideas and this a common scenario in a Brainstorming session. The end of the week lunch, after reaching the desired target is the place for the next target meetings. It is here that new ideas are brainstormed. However, these turn out to be not so good as the previously rejected ideas make their way to the table with certain changed in them. By the time it is next week the members realize that the ideas were not good enough and they have to go through the entire procedure again. It wastes time and resources.
Brainwriting is the perfect solution to this problem and plenty of ideas are generated firing a Brainwriting session – mostly a mix of both good and bad ideas because of all the research that goes in. The team will be able to separate the good and the bad ideas. The procedure also helps to overcome the blockage of good ideas that any of the team members could be facing. This process ensures that there are no bad ideas getting produced.
Brainwriting is a great Team-Hook
Most introvert contributors are lost in a Brainstorming session as they are not fast with their speech. They respond to being asked directly. It mostly happens that the person will send you a lengthy mail outlining his ideas later in the day and the entire meeting session may seem useless.
The Brainwriting solution gives even the most introverted contributor a chance to produce their ideas. Individuals are comfortable with writing down their ideas instead detail which improves the quality of the project. Brainwriting also helps the eloquent speaks give voice to the less-confident participants. This helps in keeping all the team members hooked to the meeting.
Brainwriting ensures full Team’s Involvement
Brainstorming is of little importance when it comes to the holiday season and most members seem to be more interested in their planning than bothering much about the meeting. All participant’s donors take part and most just waive off with a nod here and there. At the end of the meeting, there are very few ideas that coke your way. The brainstorming session seems to be a complete waste of time.
Brainwriting comes to the rescue in all such situations. There is no chance for anyone to back out when it comes to Brainwriting as everyone needs to write and contribute. Most team members put their ideas on a common document and then share it with the moderator, to select from the potential ideas.
Takeaway
While brainwriting is fairly a new concept, the motive behind this exercise is to encourage team members to actively participate in a discussion and present their thoughts. Active participation from maximum members of a team definitely improves productivity and also helps one bring different perspectives to the table. While Brainstorming should also remain an integral part of team collaboration, Brainwriting is definitely the way ahead. And if your organization is looking for more effective ways for their teams to perform, check out these Project Management Software, which would help increase team productivity significantly.
