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- B u i l d i n g _ C o l l a b o r a t i o n -

Brainstorming for Chocolate
By Laurie Dunnavant

At Convergence 96, Laurie Dunnavant of 3M Health Care Systems in Salt Lake City was struck by Al Fahden's process of handing out $2 bills for ideas during his session. When she needed to solicit ideas to get a particularly thorny project back on track, she decided to use the process. However, knowing that getting 3M to provide a supply of $2 bills would be difficult, she instead purchased a large supply of candy bars (Milky Way Lites for the calorie conscious!).

In the brainstorming session, people were given a candy bar for each idea they suggested. After the meeting, the candy bars were left in a paper bag in the middle of the work area with a sign that explained the exchange rate: 1 idea -- 1 candy bar.

Ideas poured in (especially late in the afternoon when the munchies hit) and the process yielded 20-30 ideas that were implemented immediately and several more that are being developed. The group not only had fun brainstorming ideas, they have been able to see their ideas take effect.

Laurie Dunnavant can be reached at 801-265-4313 or lauried@wpmail.code3.com



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