This document discusses brainstorming techniques used by companies like Oracle, Apple, and Google. It begins with an introduction to brainstorming and outlines individual and group brainstorming techniques. It then discusses the origins of brainstorming from Alex Osborn in 1942 and more recent research showing brainstorming in groups may result in fewer ideas than individuals working alone. The document suggests large tech companies still use group brainstorming because it enhances buy-in and implementation of ideas. It provides tips for personal and group brainstorming, and why group brainstorming can fail due to issues like social loafing or production blocking. Finally, it discusses how silence can be used effectively in brainstorming sessions.
1. BRAINSTORM LIKE
ORACLE, APPLE, AND
GOOGLE
Dan Glasscock, MS, MBA
Oracle, North America Sales
Strategy & Business Development, Database Cloud
Daniel.Glasscock@gmail.com
@DanGlasscock
DanGlasscock
2. AGENDA
Introduction to Brainstorming
Individual Brainstorming Techniques
Group Brainstorming Techniques
3. BRAINSTORMING FACT AND FICTION
Alex Osborn
Advertising Executive
1942
Get People together!
Toss out as many ideas as possible!
Build on people generated ideas!
Don’t Critize
Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic
Harvard Entrepreneurial Lab
Review of 800 teams
Decades of studies
Brainstorming results in fewer Ideas than
the individuals would have developed alone
4. WHY DO ORACLE, APPLE AND GOOGLE
BRAINSTORM
Enhances buy-in and implementation
Regardless of the quality of those ideas.
8. WHY BRAINSTORMING FAILS
Social Loafing – Me to
Social anxiety – I’m afraid
Regression to the mean – A players become B players
Production Blocking
Lack of Execution
Source: Why Group Brainstorming is a waste of time, HBR, 2015
9. THE POWER OF SILENCE
Build Trust
Emphasize a Point
Negotiate
Empower Others
Get the Answer
Center yourself
Source: 6 Ways Leaders use Silence to Increase Their Power, Forbes 2017
Gets Things Done