Question

How can the principles of Pixar's 'Braintrust' be utilized in a small business setting to improve product quality?

The principles of Pixar's 'Braintrust' can be utilized in a small business setting to improve product quality by creating a team of experts who can provide candid feedback and problem-solving ideas. This team should meet regularly to discuss the product's strengths and weaknesses, and suggest improvements. The key is to foster an environment of trust and respect, where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. This approach encourages creativity and innovation, leading to higher quality products.

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Initially, there were only five members of the "Braintrust:" John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter, Lee Unkrich and Joe Ranft. These men were some of Pixar's best and brightest, with expertise in storytelling, editing, directing, animation and screenwriting. Individually, each had a knack for solving fundamental problems for films in development. Together, they were an unstoppable force that ensured each Pixar film was of the highest quality possible. Directors with films in development would schedule meetings of the "Braintrust" every one to two months throughout the development process. The intent of the meetings was to provide a space for candor in solving a film's fundamental inadequacies. What was working? What was falling flat? Which characters, lines or animations could be improved?

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