Quality Tool – Brainstorming

<p><strong>Basics</strong></p>

<p>Based on&nbsp;<a href="http://sureshlulla.com/2020/09/09/quality-tool-flow-diagram/">Quality Capsule 10</a>, we are probably now adept at Analysing a Flow Diagram.</p>

<p>In this Quality Capsule, I wish to share some interesting techniques for Brainstorming.</p>

<p>Let us start with, why should we use brainstorming? My answer: To get team members to pool their knowledge and creativity, in generating &ldquo;waves&rdquo; of ideas, while diagnosing a chronic problem, as well as designing a remedial solution.</p>

<p>Please reread the sentence and revisit&nbsp;<a href="http://sureshlulla.com/2020/08/05/structured-quality-improvement/">Quality Capsule 5</a>&nbsp;on Structured Quality Improvement.</p>

<p>Next, what does brainstorming do? My answers:</p>

<ul>
<li>Discourage &ldquo;same old way&rdquo; of thinking, by creating more and more ideas that team members can build upon</li>
<li>Allow each person to be creative while focusing on a team&rsquo;s common objective.</li>
</ul>

<p>Finally, what does it mean to be creative? My answers:</p>

<ul>
<li>To consistently produce a volume of ideas</li>
<li>To put existing or new ideas together in multiple combinations</li>
<li>To make connections between the chronic problem and seemingly unrelated facts or observations.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Four Phases of Brainstorming</strong></p>

<p><img alt="" src="http://sureshlulla.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Quality-Capsule_-Inside-Article-Diagram-011.png" /></p>

<p><strong>Potential Misapplications and Pitfalls</strong></p>

<p>Brainstorming is not a substitute for data. This is the most serious misapplication.</p>

<p>While brainstorming is a very useful tool for Structured Quality Improvement, it cannot be used to:</p>

<ul>
<li>Prioritize projects</li>
<li>Analyze the symptoms</li>
<li>Test hypotheses</li>
<li>Identify the root cause</li>
<li>Verify the effectiveness of a solution.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Recommendation</strong></p>

<p>In order to stimulate right-brain creative thinking, I recommend that team members be trained on:</p>

<ul>
<li>Classic Brainstorming</li>
<li>Imaginary Brainstorming</li>
<li>Brainwriting 6-3-5</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Insight</strong></p>

<p>For a brainstorming session, a related flow diagram can facilitate a flood of ideas.</p>

<p>An effective surgeon works with multi-tools. An effective qualitist also works with multi-tools. Do you agree?</p>

<p><strong>Next</strong></p>

<p>In my next edu-blog, on Wednesday 23 September, I will introduce Cause-Effect Diagrams.</p>