Brainswarming uses ant wisdom to solve human problems

Brainstorming is one of the ways companies discuss problems and seek resolutions. Generally, during a brainstorming session, collaborators from various industries come together in a judgment-free environment and verbally present possible resolutions to a particular conflict.

As might be expected, this method generates a lot of discussion and word of mouth. After all, there are always those who are shy and don't like to give their opinions in front of others. In addition, the idea of ​​“no judgment” is not always well used by all participants.

According to Dr. Tony McCaffrey, chief technology officer of technology startup Innovation Acelerator, the concept of brainstorming is outdated, as this process is often inefficient and extremely time consuming. According to a number of studies, it is much more productive to let employees work on their own so that they can then come up with their ideas and build on them.

Brainstorming fail

But what makes brainstorming so unproductive? Simply put, when people are gathered in this process, different types of contributors tend to focus on several minor issues or major issues - so no one is working on the same thing. Not to mention that in most brainstorming sessions, the most outgoing members and seniors in the group are the ones who talk the most.

Even if a younger and shy trainee has better ideas, because of the situation he tends to shut up. So what should be a neutral environment, where ideas arise without preconceptions, becomes a fight of egos, in which not all voices can be heard - and this often weakens creativity.

A new theory

McCffrey reports that there has not been a study to prove that the brainstorming method is valid, as it was created in 1953 and is still accepted today. Through his research, published in the Harvard Business Review, the director created the brainswarming method. It is based on how ants resolve their conflicts.

When an ant finds some food and needs to warn its mates about it, it leaves traces of pheromones. That way the other ants can follow the trail and also get to the source. This is therefore an effective method of bringing food and resources to the colonies, but without creating confusion.

Adapting the concept to humans is not difficult: write the main goal or problem in question on a large piece of paper. Now let the creative team think quietly and write down their ideas to address the issue, utilizing the resources available within the company.

Then just gather the papers, compare the features, and you're done: you've got the answer. All this without arguments or hierarchical quarrels. Everyone can give their opinion and no one feels pressured to say anything. According to McCffrey, during brainswarming 115 ideas come up in 15 minutes, while in brainstorming there are only 100 ideas after 60 minutes. By switching from speaking to writing, brainswarming enhances the effectiveness of teamwork.