Hughes Leahy Karlovic

How can organizations get the most out of a brainstorming session?

Brainstorming was first detailed out by Alex Osborn, co founder of B.B.D.O, in Chapter 33 of his 1948 book, “Your Creative Power”. Osborn believed that in the right situation where group members are “storming” the problem and attacking the same objective, multiple ideas would surface in a short period of time. Additionally, Osborn outlined rules that should be followed to conduct a successful session. The most important rule was to ensure that the group abstains from negative feedback and criticisms during the session, as not to damage the creativity of others in the group and thus deterring that member’s willingness to participate.

There are many methods to brainstorming and while there is no one right way to brainstorm, there are techniques that have become generally accepted ways to perform this type of exercise. Some brainstorming[1] examples include: 

• Nominal Group Technique h...

A few weeks ago, my friend lost her purse at a party. Technically, it was several weeks ago at the Coolfire Halloween Party, but it’s a valid story nonetheless. So she loses her purse in the haze of Nelly magic, and I offer to call her phone to see if some Good Samaritan happened to pick it up. She responds with an all-knowing smile and pulls her phone out from a clever hidden panel in her sailor costume, “Please, you think I leave this guy just anywhere?”

Imagine that. Your keys, your wallet, even your favorite handbag, you leave anywhere. But your phone? Never. By pulling her phone out of her purse and literally attaching it to herself, my friend made a clear choice. And she’s not the only one. http://www.businessinsider.com/bii-mobile-insights-top-mobile-predictions-for-20132-2012-12">Ninety-one percent of Americans report having their mobile device within reach 24/7. If our phones were made of plush and had arms and legs, they’d be teddy bears.

These devices have become among our most valued possessions, and yet the majority of the brands tha...