Definition Inverse Brainstorming

H

HSSE Auditor

#61
Sorry, this post hasn't helped me.

What is different about "inverse brainstorming" from "normal brainstorming" apart from it looks at negative aspects rather than solutions?
My take is that there is a philosophical difference. I think it will take some more enlightenment for me to get it. :( since I have low karma :(
 
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Helmut Jilling

Auditor / Consultant
#62
Sorry, this post hasn't helped me.

What is different about "inverse brainstorming" from "normal brainstorming" apart from it looks at negative aspects rather than solutions?

I think we are all saying the same thing. If some want to put another term on it, that is fine. But, when I am brainstorming, I explore whatever options are relevant. If negative is appropriate, we do those too. We don't stop, and announce we shall now do "Inverse Brainstorming." We simply say, "Now, what about this aspect..."

If some folks want to make that a different exercise, OK, but that is what we mean by an "unnecessary term." We are not against the technique. I am sure most of us use it. We just don't see the need for calling it something different.
 

Helmut Jilling

Auditor / Consultant
#63
Hi Paul,

It is impossible to 'invent' anything in this universe,one can only discover or rediscover.Inverse Brainstorming is not another 'unnecessary'term,and is not in conflict with the wonderful tool called 'Brainstorming'.

No one is telling you that you have been doing it wrong by using it in FMEA.On the contrary,I am asking you to try the wonderful tool of I.B.and then decide to reject or accept it.Fair enough?!

I can understand that it is normal psycology to follow what you have been following for a long time,and the mind refuses to entertain any new entrant.But you will not be able to see green through a red goggle.Hence,you have to change your perspective,to understand others point of view.

I am not disagreeing with your stand,you are absolutely right by your lights.Still I feel,it is useful to explore this beautiful world,by unfolding a galaxy of new ideas.

Bon Voyage

Umang

Umang, I think you are taking general comments too personally. We are not against this "idea" of I.B. I think most of us use it regularly as part of brainstorming. If not, I recommend they should.

We are questioning why it needs to have a different term. It is not such a radical new concept - it is one aspect of brainstorming. Everyone should use it, but let's not make a new quality movement out of it.

There are many bright people at the Cove, and we will disagree with each other from time to time. I have argued with each of the regular posters over one thing or another over the years. The universe of ideas is an excellent forum, but w ewill never see everything the same. Take what you wish, and leave the rest. But please don't let personal feelings restrict the ability to have good discussion.
 

Ajit Basrur

Staff member
Admin
#64
Hi all,

Firstly, Umang pl do not feel disheartened - in the Cove we have excellant discussions and sometimes exchange lot of heaty posts too ;)

But at the end of the day, the posts are all very healthy - not against the poster but on the contents of the posts. Do not take it seriously. We look forward to your active participation and continue such interesting topics.

Dear Elsmar Covers,

Its not that this is a new term but an existing term. I am attaching a pdf talking about "Oppurtunities - Obstacles Quotient" (Refer page 14)

:agree1::agree1::agree1:
 

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Randy

Super Moderator
#65
I've read through (or at least tried to read through in between periods of napping from boredom) and have determined that a few of the contributors, including the original poster, might profit by getting out of the house more, expanding thier horizons and reading things other than "Quality for----" and "Statistics are our Friends" or whatever mentally confining things they read. :sarcasm:

Am I nasty and rude or what?

Guys, "Inverse brainstorming" pre-dates the "Bonze Age" and is thousands of years old.

Plato and Socrates used it in their teachings (read it, you'll find it). Sun Tsu discussed the process in "The Art of War" and if we dig deep enough there may even be mention of it on walls in ancient sites in the old cities of Karnak and Thebes in Egypt, on clay tablets found aound the ancient Caldean city of Ur and maybe in some very old sites in the Indus valley.

There is nothing new under the sun, the only things that change are the wrappers and the faces.
 
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H

HSSE Auditor

#66
More recently, Robert E. Lee and General Jackson used it while sitting on a cracker box in the "wilderness", and just prior to putting the boot to Hooker, and the cold steel to his minions. :)
 
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