Nominal Group Technique
The world today is collaborative, and therefore finding some effective means to generate ideas while reaching a consensus is important. An important method for achieving this is Nominal Group Technique. It is a structured form of brainstorming. It ensures that the voices are heard. It helps the groups reach actionable and clear decisions. The content here delves into the Nominal Group Technique in detail. It offers relevant examples and talks about the advantages of techniques in real-world scenarios.
What is Nominal Group Technique?
It is the structured method used for group brainstorming. It encourages everyone’s contributions. Unlike the traditional sessions, where the dominant personalities overshadow the quieter members, this technique levels up the playing field. It is, in particular, useful within settings wherein the group consensus is needed. Not to mention, it helps to generate a broad range of ideas while giving them priority effectively.
A Nominal Group Technique example is of a school board that uses the technique to identify some key improvements. The members of the group generate the ideas. They then share the same in the round-cabin. For better clarity, they discuss it among themselves and then make a vote. To say, in the given case, to hire more staff or to upgrade the tech emerge to be the top priorities for the academic year.
Nominal Group Technique- Important Steps
The nominal Group Technique process includes the below-mentioned steps.
- Introduction & Explanation A to-be-discussed problem or question is introduced by the facilitator. The facilitator then explains the process’s rules.
- Generation of the Ideas Every single participant gets the chance to write down the ideas in an independent/silent manner. It ensures that all have the time to think without being influenced by the other person.
- Round-Table Recording of the Ideas Participants take turns to share one idea at a time. The same is recorded by the facilitator on the flip board/chart. It continues until the time all of the ideas get shared.
- Discussion for Better Clarity The group makes the discussion for each of the recorded ideas. It ensures all of the participants have an understanding of it. It isn’t the time for the debate/critique but for the clarification.
- Voting & Ranking The participants then ranked all of the ideas individually. Quite often, the point system is used. The results then get tabulated for identification of the highest-priority ideas.
Nominal Group Technique Advantages
- It ensures that all of the group members, irrespective of the personality type, make the contribution.
- The technique offers a step-by-step and clear approach to idea generation and the making of decisions.
- It helps with quick narrowing down of the ideas in a list. It helps to bring together the important ideas.
Final Words
The Nominal Group Technique is one valuable tool for the group that needs to generate the ideas and then reach a consensus. The structured approach helps ensure the equal participation. It also helps to systematically prioritize the ideas. Whether one is a part of the group or a corporate team, the use of NGT helps to make well-considered and democratic decisions. By ensuring to follow the steps that are discussed above, it would be easier to implement the effective NGT in one’s personal decision-making processes. So, use it and take advantage of all its benefits.
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