Tool 170: Round Robin Brainstorming

AKA

N/A

Classification

Idea Generating (IG)

Tool description

The round robin brainstorming tool is a variation of the classical brainstorming in that the team facilitator calls in turn on participants (round robin style) to give their ideas, which are then recorded on a flip chart. This technique is ideal in providing every participant, including those less expressive, an equal chance to contribute, and it greatly slows down the more dominant individuals.

Typical application

• To gather ideas quickly and without filtering from participants.

• To generate ideas, possible root causes, or potential solutions.

• To ensure that every participant of a team receives equal recognition to voice their ideas.

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
	Project management
	Manufacturing
	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
	Servicing/support
3	Customer/quality metrics
2	Change management

links to other tools

before

• Demographic Analysis

• Sticking Dots

• Buzz Group

• Interview Technique

• Checklist

after

• Wildest Idea Technique

• Starbursting

• Consensus Decision Making

• Criteria Filtering

• Multivoting

Notes and key points

• The round robin brainstorming tool:
  Advantages

  • An egalitarian status among participants.

  • No individual domination of the process.

  • Broader participation (including less expressive participants).

  • More focused ideas.

  • Hitchhiking or "piggy-backing" on ideas of others.

  Disadvantages

  • Difficulty for participants to wait their turn.

  • Perception of wasting time when waiting one's turn.

  • Stifled spontaneity.

  • Perceived pressure on participants to respond when their turn comes up.

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 The team acquires an "outside-the-group" facilitator.

• STEP 2 The facilitator explains the round robin brainstorming process and displays a flip chart with the following rules: one idea at time, take turns, no idea evaluation, "pass" is allowed, wild ideas accepted, piggy-back of ideas.

• STEP 3 A problem statement or topic is displayed to all participants. See example Reduce the Student "No Show" Rate in Scheduled Training.

• STEP 4 Participants call out, round robin, their ideas. The facilitator records all ideas on a flip chart. Often, when participants see the ideas of others, they build on these or think of other related ideas.

• STEP 5 This process continues, and ideas are recorded until all participants have passed during a round.

• STEP 6 The facilitator dates the flip charts, thanks the participants, and closes the session.

Example of tool application

Reduce the Student "No Show" Rate in Scheduled Training	Date xx/xx/xx
Confirm seats Mail reminder notices Check registration Early registration Distribute schedule Notify supervisor Inform students of changes Bill the department Notify supervisor on "no shows" Record all "no shows" Verify classroom schedule Ensure no scheduling conflict	Mail advanced sign-up form Call students just before class E-mail students Mail roster to department head Check administrative process Prove training report monthly Ask students how to improve Call other training units Benchmark the process Overbook Charge fee regardless