Facilitators have developed some basic structures for brainstorming, problem solving,
and creative thinking. For example, some programs have a first section where all ideas are
taken, without any negative comment allowed. A second section allows for a period of
private consideration by smaller groups. The third section brings all of the groups back
together to examine their findings and to promote further discussion. It should be noted
that not all groups or individuals will respond well (i.e., creatively) to a specific structure.
The groups and individuals should help to determine the structure, with no “canned program”
arbitrarily accepted without this input. It is like saying, “Hey, let’s all think creatively,
but within this box.” We have seen some recommendations that managers should
maintain a confidential file on each and every employee. The purpose of doing so purportedly
is for the manager to monitor productivity for time-management purposes. While
such activities might work well for operations that just “turn the crank,” they work poorly
for the creative process. Usually it is an accounting/time-management professional who
is interested in eking out greatest the profitability from existing operations; unfortunately,
there often is no place within their models for creativity, although their salaries and those
of all within the company might ultimately depend upon that creativity and the basic operations
that might have resulted from past creativity.