To be effective problem solvers and innovators, we need to generate a range of ideas to choose from as well as garner feedback for continuous improvement.

In the Devise section of the Problem Solver guide (available from November), I include evidence that highlights the ineffectiveness of group brainstorming for inciting new ideas and include some ideation tools. But that evidence is probably unnecessary if you’ve been part of a group brainstorming session and you know the pain of:

a/ the same people that always speak being the ones inputting all the ideas,
b/ too many ideas being generated because each person has to say something, and ideas become topics of discussion for the whole group that not even the contributor believes in,
c/ utter boredom and internal questioning of life’s purpose due to sitting through a or b.

Today’s method is another alternative to increase engagement and the scope of ideas reaching discussion.

Tina

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1-2-4-All

1-2-4-All is a structured group idea generation method to increase engagement and the breadth of ideas, suggestions or feedback.

Developed by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless, 1-2-4-All is one of their liberating structures to guide routine interactions for better experiences and outcomes. It includes individual reflection, then discussions and group sharing. This progression allows for deeper exploration of ideas and, as each stage builds upon the previous one, leads to more developed and refined ideas.

The initial step of individual reflection and subsequent pairing create a safe space for participants to express their thoughts without the pressure of voicing ideas in front of a group. This reduces the likelihood that louder voices will dominate discussions and also encourages sharing risky or unconventional thinking.

Moving from individual to pair to group discussions, participants are required to listen actively and can elaborate on each other’s ideas, fostering a collaborative atmosphere and richer dialogue. The time-limited nature of each phase helps maintain focus and prevents discussions from veering off track.  

Get it done

1. Setting the context
Start with a prompt that will set the direction for ideas and discussion. The prompt could be: What opportunities do you see for making progress on X? How would you handle Y? What actions do you recommend for Z? It can also be used with a “How might we…(achieve X, change Y, address Z)” question.

If the organiser is aware of common issues or ideas already discussed in the group, these could be pre-populated onto a shared whiteboard, and then the activity begins with participants contributing additional ideas not yet stated.

2. Solo reflection (1 minute)
Each participant individually reflects on the question posed and writes down their thoughts. This step allows for personal introspection without the influence of others.

3. Pair discussion (2 minutes)
Participants then form pairs to share their ideas and build upon each other's thoughts. The pair should identify three top ideas for bringing to the next stage.

4. Group of four (4 minutes)
Pairs combine into groups of four. Here, they discuss the top ideas generated in pairs, identifying similarities and differences and filtering out duplicates. Three of the most promising ideas should again be identified.

5. Group sharing (approx. 5 minutes)
Finally, each group shares the selected ideas that emerged from their discussions with the entire group. Duplicates should be filtered out and similar ideas grouped, then the remaining compilation discussed to prioritise or select actions for moving forward. 

References

Lipmanowicz, H. and McCandless, K. 2014. K. 1-2-4-All.

The Agile Playground. 2022. Way of Working Improvements – Workshop.