Brainstorming - Definition & Purpose

What is Brainstorming?
# An idea generating technique which uses the thinking capacity of a group of people.

# The technique for soliciting a quantity of ideas quickly in a non critical work environment.

# A technique which encourages teamwork and creativity

What is the purpose of Brainstorming?
# Encourages creative thinking

# Applies the principle " The whole is greater than the sum of its parts".

# Helps a group create as many ideas as possible in a short time.

Brainstorming - Hints and Cautions

# Any idea is acceptable

# Only one idea at a time from a team member

# Be imaginative, play off ideas

# No comments, criticism, discussion of praise

# Do not allow negativism

# Do not allow domination by one or two individuals

# Anyone can contribute

# Do not have a gripe session

# Everyone agrees on the question or issue being brainstormed – write it down

# Record on the flip chart in the words of the speaker – don’t interpret

# Do it quickly

Brainstorming - When, Why & How do we use it?

When do we use it?
# To identify quality problems.
# To suggest causes of quality problems.
# To suggest ways to improve processes.
# To suggest ways of implementing improvement activities.

Why do I use it ?
# Encourages team members to work together in a cooperative fashion.
# It generates a lot of ideas in a short amount of time.

How do I use it ?
Structured
# Every person in the group must give an idea as their turn arises in the rotation or pass until the next round.
# Often forces even shy people to participate .
# Can create pressure to contribute.

Unstructured
# Group members simply give ideas as they come to mind .
# Tends to create a more relaxed atmosphere.
# Can cause domination by more vocal members.

Attributes of a Leader of Profound Knowledge

# Creates more leaders

# Focuses on the customer

# Knows when to coach and when to judge

# Removes obstacles to joy in work

# Understands variation

# Works to improve the system

# Creates trust

# Forgives a mistake

# Listens

# Continually improves his education

The Value of Time

To understand the value of ONE YEAR
Ask the student who has failed in the examination.

To understand the value of ONE MONTH
Ask the mother who has delivered a premature baby.

To understand the value of ONE WEEK
Ask the editor of a weekly.

To understand the value of ONE DAY
Ask a daily wages earner.

To understand the value of ONE HOUR
Ask the lover whose beloved is late.

To understand the value of ONE MINUTE
Ask a person who has missed his flight.

To understand the value of ONE SECOND
Ask a person who has survived an accident.

To understand the value of ONE HUNDREDTH OF A SECOND
Ask the athlete who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.

THE CLASSIC TIME WASTERS & THEIR CAUSES

TIME WASTERS -------: CAUSES
Television ----------------: Uncontrolled entertainment
Unscheduled visitors --: Enjoyment of socialising
Phone calls --------------: Escaping real tasks
Crisis Management ----: Lack of planning
Breakdowns -------------: Lack of proper care
Health Breakdown -----: ?????
Haste ---------------------: Impatience with detail
Paper work & reading : Knowledge explosion
Routine & trivia --------: Lack of priorities
Undue socializing -----: Lack of priorities
Non Delegation --------: Fear of incompetence of others
Over Commitment -----: Broad Interests
Meetings ----------------: Poor leadership
Old Fashioned Tools : Resistance to change
of work

TIME MANAGEMENT

Some people do not plan their time because they feel that planning of tasks is wastage of time. They do not understand that by planning the tasks that they have to do , they are making an investment of time, which will double itself, then treble & so on…… In fact Planning takes the pain out of our daily life.

SOME OF THE DETERRENTS TO PLANNING ARE
# Ignorance
# Procrastination
# Sheer Habit
# Consider it as Time Wastage
# Too much overburdened
# Benefits not known
# Sheep Mentality
# Fear of Odd-Man-Out Syndrome
# Individual Resistance
# Consider it as Mechanical Activity

THE TEN MANTRAS FOR PLANNING FOR PERFECTION
# A place for everything
# Everything at its place
# Plan your day
# Write your plans
# Delegate work
# Attend first time to immediate not emergent
# Set goals & review them
# Learn single handling
# Put technology to use
# Use Brainstorming
# Use space

HOW TO SAVE TIME
# Plan your Day
# Plan your Week
# Plan your Month
# Plan your Year
# Learn to say No
# Be punctual
# Screen your phone calls
# Attend to " Urgent " before " Important"
# De-clutter your home & office
# Acquaint yourself with latest Time Management rules
# Don’t waste minutes to save coins
# A place for everything
# Learn single handling
# Manage your health