TeamStorming
Description
TeamStorming is a structured brainstorming technique used to intentionally explore optionality and challenge both assumptions and even facts. The purpose of doing so is to challenge “conventional wisdom” and innovate potential new solutions to challenging problems.
Inputs
- Participants (a small group of 7-10 is ideal, 1 “outsider” is necessary)
- “Focal question” – the primary concern to focus brainstorming / ideation toward
- Post-it notes or cards and pens
- Whiteboard and dry erase markers
Approach
Problem introduction
With the participants together, present the focal question for the session by writing it on the whiteboard in order to enable the group to refer back to it throughout the session.
Solution Ideation
Begin by having everyone ideate on solutions to the focal question by writing as many ideas as quickly as possible on post-its or note cards.
One person at a time, have participants read their ideas and place their solutions on the whiteboard. As following participants take their turn, they should (1) deduplicate if an appreciably similar solution has already been presented, and (2) begin grouping categorically-related solutions together.
Facilitators and participants now group all the solutions on the board into categories (affinity mapping).
Constraint Identification
Next, have everyone ideate on constraints to the problem by writing them on post-its or the whiteboard. Constraints may be expressed as governing (“we cannot hire more people” or “we cannot spend more than x amount,”) or enabling (“the solution must be able to work at scale” or “the solution cannot lower our reliability rating”).
Again going around the room, the participants read out the constraints they have identified, and place them on the board in proximity to the solutions and solution categories. Continue to deduplicate additional constraints and group where categorically appropriate (affinity map).
Discuss the constraints and challenge participants to innovate new ways to neutralize, circumvent, or overcome the constraints. Add those innovations to the board and map them to the constraint(s) to which they apply.
Review and move forward
Review the board again. Given the innovations, constraints, and solutions now, ask whether there are any new possibilities. If new possible solutions arise, add them to the board.
Using Dot Voting, select the potential solutions, their constraints and innovations, most capable of addressing the focal question. Poll the team on the appropriate number of solutions to work on for next steps. Be bold, but do not attempt to develop every solution.
Agree on concrete next steps (use 1-2-4-All if necessary) to begin to implement the solutions identified.
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