Identifying
and Controlling Hazards
Course 101
Safety Certified Supervisor Series
MODULE
SIX: PROBLEM SOLVING TECHNIQUES
Solving safety
problems
Brainstorming
You're probably familiar with this
problem solving technique. Brainstorming can be used by individuals or groups
quite successfully to quickly develop a list of possible solutions to problems.
There are six basic and unalterable rules to the group process of brainstorming
that set it apart from other problem-solving procedures.
They are:
- Define the issue. Make
sure everyone is clear on the problem you are going to brainstorm.
- Critical non-judgment.
Defer judgment on any idea that is expressed.
- This even includes encouraging
comments to others or qualifying phrases attached to your own suggestions.
- Organized chaos. The
session should be as freewheeling as possible, with each person voicing
whatever ideas come to mind - - no holds barred. Ideas may be expressed
in rapid, machine-gun, fashion. Don't limit the creativity.
- Similar originality. Participants
are encouraged to hitchhike or piggyback on the ideas of others. When one
person's suggestion sparks an idea by another, it should be instantly expressed.
Lots of "ah-ha's"...
- Quantity, not quality.
The more ideas the better. The goal of brainstorming is to get as many ideas
as possible. Evaluation and elimination can be accomplished later.
- Brief summary statements.
Don't go into great detailed explanations of your idea. You want the recorder
to be able to have time to write down all ideas as team members think of
them
.
