Many times, standard operating procedures don’t bring out the highest quality results. These standard processes might have great potential and capabilities, but they lack divergent thinking. Brainstorming is invaluable and beneficial, and a company is highly advised to perform it every once in a while to produce and assemble some great ideas. Numerous tools such as FMEA, 5 whys, etc. require the need to have a Six Sigma brainstorming session in order to achieve some extremely productive results.
What is Brainstorming?
Brainstorming is a group activity where a certain number of people discuss ideas under the supervision of a facilitator. It is a platform to put forward thoughts on the table and arrive at a solution or generate greater ideas.
Brainstorming has everything to do with a human being’s imagination and its reach. This not only allows us to explore our creativity but also examines our capabilities. It is a state of mind; and not to mention great ideas come when the brain is shaken upside down.
Why Is It Important for Your Business?
In the business environment, plenty of companies organize brainstorming sessions to generate ideas and bring out the best of employees. The idea behind these fruitful brainstorming sessions is to have every employee’s opinion on a respective project for it to flourish. During such sessions, you may shun an idea because it’s amusing; but we forget that such ideas if executed well, can contribute to business improvement. The primary objective of brainstorming is to produce ‘out of the box yet approachable’ ideas.
A Six Sigma brainstorming session thrives on a solution-oriented culture. This is usually practiced during the Define phase of DMAIC when we discern the problem.
How to Brainstorm?
- The engagement of employees depends on the theme of the brainstorming session and takes place under the guidance of a qualified facilitator.
- Agenda circulation of the upcoming brainstorming session is equally necessary to have your employees be ready with their ideas beforehand.
- During the session, the facilitator should let one person note down each idea on a kanban board. Appreciation of ideas eventually boosts the morale of employees to motivate them to provide more unique ideas.
- At the end of the session, it’s best to pick at least 3 to 4 alternative solutions or ideas. This can help you to fall back on something if one of those ideas doesn’t work out.
If new ideas are generated from a Six Sigma brainstorming session that may lead to future business improvement, then it can be said the brainstorming session was a success!
