ABSTRACT
Good risk management requires divergent thinking; it improves with the number of ideas and perspectives being considered. Brainstorming is a proven effective methodology for generating ideas but many professionals regard it as a gimmick. A good process can be built on four ideas: no evaluation, unusual ideas are encouraged, quantity counts, and combine and improve ideas as you go. The “3× Yeah” process is offered as an effective brainstorming technique. Brainwriting, including poolwriting, gallery writing, and electronic brainwriting are also considered. Four pitfalls to be avoided are described: group domination, free riding, “groupthink,” and “groupshift.” Colored-dot voting is offered as an effective evaluation technique. It may help to have a facilitator but experience is also an effective teacher.
