When searching for fresh ideas in a typical setting, a good leader leads the conversation but a great leader allows a free flow of ideas without hindrance. Both leaders should resist the temptation to evaluate the ideas immediately even when some of them don’t seem to make sense.
The two leaders will achieve results but the risk in the former approach is that the best idea may reside with the owner, particularly when the bias of the leader has been unconsciously revealed. Not many have the courage to dissent from their leader’s viewpoint.
Brainstorming is a popular tool used in idea generation. The commonest of brainstorming involves gathering a pool of ideas from team members, usually in a formal or informal setting where each person has the opportunity to speak to contribute their ideas.
The shortcoming in this technique is the advantage it gives to the vocal members over the shy and timid ones in the room, who may choose to keep their ideas close to their chest for lack of oratory prowess. Many times, the team suffers the consequence without knowing.
The first ideas are not necessarily the best, neither are the outspoken members the ones with the greatest ideas. A great leader pays attention to the quietest members of their team. Their silence is usually not an adequate measure of their intelligence.
The world that is evolving is not only dynamic but it is not patient with stereotypes. The new world is tilting towards brainwriting technique whereby all members of the team have equal opportunity to write their ideas without the fear of being criticised and evaluated.
The unfiltered access to information through self-study in an information technology driven world has equipped many people more than what they display. Tapping their brain in a group setting requires more than polished oration.
The idea is not to replace brainstorming with brainwriting but brainwriting allows a wider array of ideas, even from those who do not possess the gift of public speaking. Some are good at speaking while some are good at writing. A great leader is the one who knows how to explore the strength of his team members without exception.
The famous Cowboy put it succinctly – “The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one who gets people to do the greatest things” ~Ronald Reagan (40th President Of The United States).
When the storm brews and settles but it appears you are still not satisfied with the ideas on the table, try brainwriting.
Thank God it’s Monday.
©️Akin Oluwadare Jnr
15 June 2026
