Why Traditional Brainstorming Rarely Produces Breakthroughs

BIG IDEA In A Few Words

Organizational leaders face the recurring challenge of needing new ideas to jumpstart projects, upgrade ministries or address underperforming initiatives. Higher stakes bring greater pressure. For years the default approach for generating new ideas has been traditional brainstorming in the absence of critical reflection. But traditional brainstorming doesn’t work. Research shows criticism leads to more and better ideas by encouraging participants to fully engage with the work of others. Dissent, even when it is wrong, can improve creativity by activating the power of surprise. Focused thinking exercises are good for solving analytical problems but relaxing activities are better for creative breakthroughs.