Really interesting piece, Doug. I actually went away and read the Lehrer article too - which didn't strike me as particularly persuasive. What seems clear from both is that building a culture in which team members feel comfortable - or, at least, encouraged - to share their ideas and work with others to figure out whether those ideas should be discarded or refined pays off. Group brainstorming can be useful in creating that culture when it's facilitated well, as can thoughtful office design, but it strikes me the most important thing will always be the skills and attitudes of managers. Do they truly value their people? Are they genuinely open to hearing and adopting ideas other their own? Do they model respectful curiosity, and require it of others? Do they make a point of reporting back once decisions are taken so folks understand why some ideas worked and others didn't? I witnessed you do all those things as Deputy and truly appreciated the effort you put into making team members feel heard and valued, even when (especially when) our ideas weren't adopted. Look forward to the next instalment!
There are better articles on brainstorming but, ironically I suppose, the Lehrer article generated the most ideas for my post. I probably should have said that in the post. Thanks for the kind words about me but - I mean AND - you needed very little encouragement to share your views. I always appreciated your presence at a meeting and around the office. BTW, I think now, after reading your comment, I ought to have been more explicit about the connection between BS and culture. I do have some ideas about cultural curation, so perhaps I'll have an opportunity to weave them together. Thanks again. It's good to have you reading my stuff.
It's true that getting me to share ideas was never a challenge - but ensuring I felt heard and valued - even when may ideas weren't especially welcome - sometimes was, and you excelled at that. Thanks for sharing your insights and experience in this way. I'm sure others find it as entertaining and thought-provoking as I do.
Really interesting piece, Doug. I actually went away and read the Lehrer article too - which didn't strike me as particularly persuasive. What seems clear from both is that building a culture in which team members feel comfortable - or, at least, encouraged - to share their ideas and work with others to figure out whether those ideas should be discarded or refined pays off. Group brainstorming can be useful in creating that culture when it's facilitated well, as can thoughtful office design, but it strikes me the most important thing will always be the skills and attitudes of managers. Do they truly value their people? Are they genuinely open to hearing and adopting ideas other their own? Do they model respectful curiosity, and require it of others? Do they make a point of reporting back once decisions are taken so folks understand why some ideas worked and others didn't? I witnessed you do all those things as Deputy and truly appreciated the effort you put into making team members feel heard and valued, even when (especially when) our ideas weren't adopted. Look forward to the next instalment!
There are better articles on brainstorming but, ironically I suppose, the Lehrer article generated the most ideas for my post. I probably should have said that in the post. Thanks for the kind words about me but - I mean AND - you needed very little encouragement to share your views. I always appreciated your presence at a meeting and around the office. BTW, I think now, after reading your comment, I ought to have been more explicit about the connection between BS and culture. I do have some ideas about cultural curation, so perhaps I'll have an opportunity to weave them together. Thanks again. It's good to have you reading my stuff.
It's true that getting me to share ideas was never a challenge - but ensuring I felt heard and valued - even when may ideas weren't especially welcome - sometimes was, and you excelled at that. Thanks for sharing your insights and experience in this way. I'm sure others find it as entertaining and thought-provoking as I do.