The Check List Method and Reverse Brainstorming Idea Generation The Check List Method and Reverse Brainstorming

Check List Method

What is the Technique? The checklist method is a type of job aid used to reduce failure by compensating for potential limits of human memory and attention. It helps to ensure consistency and completeness in carrying out a task.

What is the process? Develop a series of stimulating questions Ensure the points are focused Meet the needs of the situation

What are the advantages? Can be used in collaboration with brainstorming Comprehensively deals with the issue through a series of question You can see the beginning, middle and end of what needs to be done. Checklists organize what needs to be accomplished so nothing is forgotten. Checklists let you put tasks in order so you can accomplish the most important things first.

It provides a simple method to record observation. Checklists can help us stay more organized by assuring we don't skip any steps in a process. They are easy to use and effective. It helps productivity; by having a checklist you can complete repetitive tasks more quickly and efficiently, and with fewer mistakes

What are the disadvantages? Though this helps some people tackle tasks in front of them, it can also be distracting. If you are the type who prefers to take things one step at a time, you might feel overwhelmed by a checklist Organizing a checklist might be too time-consuming. Some people get caught up in the details of the list when they should have been focused on actual work. It is difficult to make actual ranking for employees Loses the details of the event

When may the technique be best used? When going to the grocery. Used by some investors as a critical part of their investment process Often used in industry in operations procedures. Checklists are used in healthcare practice to ensure that clinical practice guidelines are followed.

Reverse Brainstorming

What is the Technique? Reverse Brainstorming is much more effective. It’s another way of brainstorming. This reverse brainstorming technique can help to solve problems and leads to the development of creative ideas everyone participates in. It’s a technique to approach problems that initially appear difficult from a different perspective. This method is also known as ‘negative brainstorming’. It is a way to bring a new perspective to idea generation that can be especially helpful when a team is cynical about a project or lacking energy. If you have members of your team who are hostile or worn out, this approach can take advantage of the hostility or fatigue.

What is the process? Develop a question for brainstorming and then convert it to a negative question. Let the brainstorming team know about the specific question and ask them to do a little homework and generate a few items before the group session. Write the questions on the board or display it on the online brainstorming tool.

Describe the guidelines for the brainstorming session. No criticism of negative ideas. New and wild negative ideas are welcome. No war stories; just describe the negative item so that everyone understands what you mean Only one person can speak at a time. Conduct a short warm-up exercise using a negative question that is not related to your main question.

Ask if there are any questions. Begin the reverse brainstorming. After you generate the negative ideas, schedule a “conversion” meeting where you convert the negative ideas into positive ideas 9. Prioritize the ideas and decide which ones you want to consider (this can be done in a separate session, perhaps with different people).    10. Archive the negative and positive ideas and tag them for future use.

What are the advantages? Generates ways to overcome potential problems through discussion The process can be engaging and often fun Extend the use of brainstorming to bring out new ideas It is sometimes easier to find the negatives than the positives It can lead to innovative and interesting results It can sometimes reveal important issues and challenges

What are the disadvantages? It is easy to get off track without good facilitation Reverse brainstorming can take longer than typical brainstorming Participants may have difficulty “flipping” negative comments to find positive solutions Should not be used if individuals are not able to conceptually reverse the problem

When may the technique be best to use? This method can be used simply to provide a different perspective on a particular problem. It is also useful when you have a team with low morale, serious cynicism, or open hostility. Reverse brainstorming can sometimes brings smiles to a group that has struggled with new ideas to old and difficult problems. You can use this method as a complement to other ideation methods.