Posted By Charlotte Carter, NYSDRA Executive Director, Friday, July 15, 2016

Updated: Friday, July 15, 2016Mediators, facilitators, and consensus builders have long held brainstorming in high esteem. We assume that it is fair, inclusive, and productive.

Beth Tener, of New Directions Collaborative, says it is “Time to Rethink Brainstorming.” She cites research that shows that we do better when we take a few minutes to think separately and then pool our ideas. Traditional brainstorming actually inhibits participation, especially for introverts, and limits the generation of good ideas.

Ms. Tener has done her due diligence and describes an easy alternative brainstorming process called 1-2- 4-All. I’m eager to try this variation in a mediation setting, or in a staff or board meeting.

What applications can you think of?