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Group brainstorming may not be as effective as individual ideation from "summary" of Quiet by Susan Cain
When it comes to generating new ideas, many people believe that collaboration is key. The idea of bouncing ideas off one another in a group setting seems to be the most effective way to come up with innovative solutions. However, research suggests otherwise. While group brainstorming may seem like a good idea on the surface, the reality is that it may not be as effective as individual ideation. One reason for this is the phenomenon known as "social loafing". In a group setting, individuals may feel less motivated to contribute their ideas, thinking that others will pick up the slack. This can lead to a situation where only a few people are actively participating, while others are simply coasting along. As a result, the quality of the ideas generated may suffer. Another issue with group brainstorming is the tendency for groupthink to occur. In a group setting, individuals may feel pressured to conform to the group's ideas, even if they have reservations. This can stifle creativity and result in a lack of diverse perspectives. In contrast, when individuals brainstorm on their own, they are free to explore a wider range of ideas without feeling the pressure to conform. Furthermore, studies have shown that individuals are often more productive when working alone. When brainstorming individually, people have the freedom to think deeply and focus on their own ideas without being influenced by others. This can lead to more creative and original solutions to problems.- While group brainstorming may have its benefits, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks as well. Individual ideation allows for more focused and independent thinking, which can lead to more innovative solutions. By understanding the limitations of group brainstorming, individuals can make more informed decisions about how to approach the creative process.
