6.9.1 Brainstorming (continued)

E) Group Composition

Brainstorming, as we have said, involves a deliberate attempt to make effective use of what is known about the creative process. This holds true not only for the development of creative solutions to problems but also for the selection of people involved in the process. To randomly select individuals to participate in a brainstorming session and to expect them to come up with creative ideas is rather unrealistic. This is not to say that all possible participants do not have the potential for creativity, rather it is to highlight the point that maximization of the probability that brainstorming will prove valuable requires thoughtful selection of participants and leaders. We now turn to some of the more critical issues involved.