What are the potential drawbacks of focusing on quantity over quality of ideas?

Focusing on quantity over quality of ideas can lead to several potential drawbacks. Firstly, it can result in a lack of depth in the ideas generated, as the focus is on producing as many ideas as possible rather than developing a few well-thought-out ones. Secondly, it can lead to a waste of resources, as time and effort are spent on generating and evaluating a large number of ideas, many of which may not be viable. Lastly, it can lead to decision paralysis, as the sheer number of ideas can make it difficult to decide which ones to pursue.

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Brainstorming Techniques

How can you accelerate the cerebral engines that power those “Aha!” moments? And what sets a good idea apart from just any average idea? Whether it’s...

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As two-time Nobel Prize winner and science pioneer Linus Pauling said, "The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas." Why is that so? Since when is quantity more important than quality? Broadly speaking, the act of ideation and solution seeking can be divided into two phases: divergent thinking and convergent thinking.

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One can cultivate the habit of regular brainstorming by setting aside dedicated time for brainstorming sessions, encouraging an open and non-judgmental environment, and promoting divergent thinking. It's also beneficial to keep a record of all ideas, no matter how insignificant they may seem at the time. Regular practice and persistence are key to making brainstorming a habit.

There are several ways to manage the flow of ideas during a brainstorming session. First, set clear guidelines for the session, including a time limit and the expectation that all ideas are welcome. Second, use a facilitator to guide the discussion and ensure everyone has a chance to contribute. Third, use visual aids like whiteboards or sticky notes to capture and organize ideas. Fourth, encourage participants to build on each other's ideas. Finally, after the session, review and categorize the ideas, and decide on next steps.

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