Tool 23: Buzz Group

AKA

Buzzing

Classification

Team Building (TB)

Tool description

The buzz group technique is of great assistance to team facilitators or presenters when there is a lack of participation or intra-group communication and more involvement is desired. It can be used to initiate discussion on perceived problems, to share experiences and lessons learned, or to achieve team consensus.

Typical application

• To explore in detail, and with full participation, process improvement opportunities or ideas for problem resolution.

• To receive each participant's feedback on some issue or experience.

• To involve all persons in the learning process.

Problem-solving phase

→	Select and define problem or opportunity
→	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
→	Develop and plan possible solutions or change
	Implement and evaluate solution or change
	Measure and report solution or change results
→	Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

	Research/statistics
1	Creativity/innovation
	Engineering
3	Project management
	Manufacturing
	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
	Servicing/support
	Customer/quality metrics
2	Change management

links to other tools

before

• Circle response

• Circles of Knowledge

• Round Robin Brainstorming

• Interview technique

• Surveying

after

• Consensus decision

• Phillips 66

• Critical Dialogue

• Wildest Idea Technique

• Presentation

Notes and key points

• Buzz group size: 4–6 participants.

• Position chairs in a circle so that participants face each other.

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 The team facilitator, instructor, or presenter states the purpose for buzzing, asks participants to face one another, and informs all buzz groups that they have approximately eight minutes to "buzz" their topic. Each buzz group selects a spokesperson.

• STEP 2 A problem, issue, or idea is displayed to all buzz groups. Groups begin to sort, discuss, or summarize information. See example Identify Cycle Time Reduction Tools.

• STEP 3 After the allowed time limit, buzz groups are asked to report their findings or ideas.

• STEP 4 The facilitator, instructor, or presenter records findings or ideas on flip charts for everyone to see.

• STEP 5 Information generated is dated and used on the spot or saved for later reference.

Example of tool application