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It depends on the group. Small groups where everyone knows each other and are skilled at communication, experienced at problem-solving with each other, and don

It depends on the group. Small groups where everyone knows each other and are skilled at communication, experienced at problem-solving with each other, and don't have psychological safety issues--- sure, they can brainstorm together and stimulate creative thinking. I expect that what the hbr guy has in mind is a table of shark-like MBA's, each with something to prove, hide, or vanquish. Yeah, that's not good for a brainstorming session, it will just become a feeding frenzy.

ghaff 6y ago
Enough with the stereotypes. We can probably agree that a table of people who are all trying to "win" whatever their degrees and motivations is probably not the best way to tackle a problem.
- Frost1x 6y ago
  Definitely. In environments where there's clearly a form of competition (most business environments), brainstorming often turns into a silly exercise of ego and political play more than a judgement free arena to generate ideas and offer true constructive criticism. If you're in a business environment where you have a team where everyone isn't trying to make sure they have an opportunity to get paid more than you, receive a promotion before you, have their idea "win" for RDD, or have more job security when resourcss are tight, then count your blessings. I've worked in these environments and you can truly innovate, it's marvelous and fun even if the work is challenging. It requires teams who are understanding of one another, have humility, and are shielded by some manager or business policy who/that allows for this sort of dynamic. It's pretty rare, unfortunately.
  - ghaff 6y ago
    I guess I've had a better experience in general.
    - ilikeerp 6y ago
      Or maybe you were never a shark, never progressed beyond the bottom levels and were never really in charge of anything substantial? My kids sometimes feel like they've made life changing and important decisions when in reality I just gave them a choice between two pairs of shoes to go to the park. The tech equivalent is owning a small product at a big company, feels like you're the man but the CEO doesn't give a toss and you're not strategic.
      - ghaff 6y ago
        What a destructive attitude.
        ilikeerp 6y ago
        Sorry if that sounded mean but he just dismissed everything the parent said based on him thinking his professional life hasn't presented common challenges. I'm saying that if he has never dealt with competitive behaviours then maybe he's not really competing, even if he thinks he is. I've been through that revelation myself and used it as motivation to up my game. The fact you jumpes up my arse just because I said something that you consider unkind really highlights the lack of diversity in thought in your life. Maybe you're surrounded by yes men and you yourself cannot handle competitive behaviours either.
stunt 6y ago
Yeah I wanted to say this as well. Most of these explanations are about cultural issues that many organizations face. I had both lucrative and productive brainstorming sessions and also messy ones on different teams and companies.

ghaff 6y ago

Enough with the stereotypes. We can probably agree that a table of people who are all trying to "win" whatever their degrees and motivations is probably not the best way to tackle a problem.

Frost1x 6y ago
Definitely. In environments where there's clearly a form of competition (most business environments), brainstorming often turns into a silly exercise of ego and political play more than a judgement free arena to generate ideas and offer true constructive criticism. If you're in a business environment where you have a team where everyone isn't trying to make sure they have an opportunity to get paid more than you, receive a promotion before you, have their idea "win" for RDD, or have more job security when resourcss are tight, then count your blessings. I've worked in these environments and you can truly innovate, it's marvelous and fun even if the work is challenging. It requires teams who are understanding of one another, have humility, and are shielded by some manager or business policy who/that allows for this sort of dynamic. It's pretty rare, unfortunately.
- ghaff 6y ago
  I guess I've had a better experience in general.
  - ilikeerp 6y ago
    Or maybe you were never a shark, never progressed beyond the bottom levels and were never really in charge of anything substantial? My kids sometimes feel like they've made life changing and important decisions when in reality I just gave them a choice between two pairs of shoes to go to the park. The tech equivalent is owning a small product at a big company, feels like you're the man but the CEO doesn't give a toss and you're not strategic.
    - ghaff 6y ago
      What a destructive attitude.
      - ilikeerp 6y ago
        Sorry if that sounded mean but he just dismissed everything the parent said based on him thinking his professional life hasn't presented common challenges. I'm saying that if he has never dealt with competitive behaviours then maybe he's not really competing, even if he thinks he is. I've been through that revelation myself and used it as motivation to up my game. The fact you jumpes up my arse just because I said something that you consider unkind really highlights the lack of diversity in thought in your life. Maybe you're surrounded by yes men and you yourself cannot handle competitive behaviours either.

stunt 6y ago

Yeah I wanted to say this as well. Most of these explanations are about cultural issues that many organizations face. I had both lucrative and productive brainstorming sessions and also messy ones on different teams and companies.