Which guideline is NOT part of effective brainstorming?

Which guideline is NOT part of effective brainstorming?

• A. Suspend judgment
• B. Encourage free wheeling
• C. Focus on quality over quantity
• D. Combine and improve ideas

Answer: (C)

Focusing on quality over quantity contradicts a fundamental principle of effective brainstorming, which is to prioritize the generation of a vast array of ideas over their immediate quality or practicality. In brainstorming sessions, the goal is to foster an open and uninhibited environment where participants can contribute freely without fear of judgment. This often leads to more innovative and creative ideas that can be refined later in the process. In contrast, the other guidelines support the brainstorming process by encouraging participants to temporarily set aside critical evaluation (suspend judgment), to express wild and unfiltered ideas (encourage free wheeling), and to build on each other’s contributions (combine and improve ideas), all of which stimulate creative thought and collaboration. By prioritizing quantity, brainstorming allows for diverse perspectives and unique solutions to emerge, which are then assessed later for quality and feasibility.

Focusing on quality over quantity contradicts a fundamental principle of effective brainstorming, which is to prioritize the generation of a vast array of ideas over their immediate quality or practicality. In brainstorming sessions, the goal is to foster an open and uninhibited environment where participants can contribute freely without fear of judgment. This often leads to more innovative and creative ideas that can be refined later in the process.

In contrast, the other guidelines support the brainstorming process by encouraging participants to temporarily set aside critical evaluation (suspend judgment), to express wild and unfiltered ideas (encourage free wheeling), and to build on each other’s contributions (combine and improve ideas), all of which stimulate creative thought and collaboration.

By prioritizing quantity, brainstorming allows for diverse perspectives and unique solutions to emerge, which are then assessed later for quality and feasibility.