Brainstorming Sessions

Correct Answer: 6-12 participants to balance diverse perspectives and manageable interactions

The optimal size for a brainstorming session is 6-12 participants because: This range provides: - Enough diversity of thought and perspectives - Manageable group dynamics - Adequate participation opportunities for all members - Effective facilitation potential - Balance between idea generation and discussion time Why other options are suboptimal: Smaller groups (3-5) limit diverse perspectives and reduce creative potential, though they may be good for final decision-making. Larger groups (15-20 or 25-30): - Make it difficult for all members to contribute - Create coordination challenges - Lead to social loafing - Extend meeting duration - Make facilitation more complex - May cause some participants to feel hesitant about speaking up Research in group dynamics and brainstorming effectiveness consistently shows that mid-sized groups (6-12) produce the best results for idea generation and problem-solving sessions.

Correct Answer: It ensures equal participation from all team members

Round-robin brainstorming is specifically designed to ensure equal participation from all team members by giving each person a turn to contribute ideas in a structured sequence. This approach prevents more vocal or dominant personalities from monopolizing the discussion and encourages quieter team members to contribute their thoughts. Each participant gets an equal opportunity to speak, leading to more diverse perspectives and better idea generation. The other options are incorrect because: Maximizing complex ideas through structured analysis is not a primary feature of round-robin - it's actually focused on quick, equal contributions from everyone. The technique does not prioritize experienced members' guidance - it treats all participants as equals. Round-robin is not about promoting competition - it's designed to be collaborative and inclusive, fostering a supportive environment where all ideas are welcomed equally.

Correct Answer: Remind the group of the 'no judgment' rule and encourage all ideas to be captured first

The best approach is to remind the group of the 'no judgment' rule and encourage all ideas to be captured first. This is optimal because: 1. It maintains the core principle of brainstorming - generating ideas freely 2. It addresses the disruptive behavior constructively 3. It keeps the session moving forward productively 4. It reinforces proper brainstorming etiquette for everyone Other options are less effective because: Asking the participant to leave is too extreme and could create tension in the team. Documenting criticisms as risks shifts focus from idea generation to evaluation too early in the process. Pausing for detailed discussions of criticisms derails the creative flow and wastes valuable brainstorming time. The chosen approach maintains session momentum while tactfully managing the challenging behavior.