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Nominal Group Technique: Stages, Benefits, Examples

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The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a problem-solving and decision-making process involving group discussions to address an issue and then rating proposed solutions. It is useful in business, project management, and academic settings, with several stages required to maximize its effectiveness. This article explores how NGT is used and its benefits. Regularly updating skills through  Project Management professional course online and other certifications can ensure the NGT technique is implemented perfectly, cutting down time and improving quality.

What is  Nominal Group Technique ?  

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) generates ideas and reaches consensus, developed by Andre Delbecq and Andrew Van de Ven in the late 1960s. NGT involves four steps: brainstorming, idea reduction, idea prioritization, and consensus building. Participants generate ideas, reduce the list, rank the remaining ideas, and work together to reach a consensus. NGT is effective for idea generation but may not suit complex problems requiring critical thinking and analysis.

Nominal Group Technique Examples

1. product development.

The product development process is full of important decision points, from deciding which features to include in a new product to deciding on a go-to-market strategy. The nominal group technique can be used at each stage of the product development process to ensure that all stakeholders have a say in the decisions. For example, NGT can gather input from engineers, designers, marketers, and salespeople on what features should be included in a new product.    

2. Customer Service Improvement 

Generating ideas for improving customer service can be challenging, especially if your team is stuck in a rut. The nominal group decision-making technique jumpstarts the brainstorming process by soliciting input from customer service reps, managers, and customers. Once you've collected a list of ideas, you can use NGT again to prioritize which ideas are worth pursuing.    

3. Marketing Campaign Planning 

From choosing the right mix of channels to determining your budget allocation, many important decisions are needed when planning a marketing campaign. The nominal group technique helps you make these decisions by gathering input from your marketing team and other stakeholders, such as salespeople and finance professionals.    

4. Human Resources Strategy Development

Human resources strategies must align with the overall business strategy to be effective. The nominal group technique in project management assists you in developing an HR strategy that meets the needs of your business by soliciting input from employees, managers, and executives. This input can be used to develop an HR strategy that meets the needs of your business while also being achievable and realistic.    

To have a detailed insight into the NGT process and its applications, you must have the expertise to align with the trends of the changing market landscape.

What are the Stages of Nominal Group Technique?

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a structured brainstorming process that encourages all group members to contribute their ideas equally. This decision-making technique can generate ideas, solve problems, or make decisions. There are four stages to the Nominal Group Technique:   

• Brainstorming    
• Voting    
• Discussion    
• Consensus  

How Does Nominal Group Technique Work?

The technique is often used in business settings but can also be applied in other areas, such as education and healthcare. Here's a look at how NGT works and how it can be used to achieve success:  

1. Brainstorming

In the first stage of the NGT, each group member brainstormed independently for a set period (usually 5-10 minutes). During this time, members are encouraged to generate as many ideas as possible without judging or critiquing them.    

Once the brainstorming period is over, each member now ranks their ideas from most to least important. Each idea is then given a score based on its rank; for example, an idea that is ranked first would receive a score of 4 (if there are 4 members in the group), while an idea that is ranked last would receive a score of 1.   

3. Discussion

The next stage is to discuss the ideas that received the highest scores. Members should try to reach a consensus on which ideas are most promising or have the most potential.    

4. Consensus

In the final stage, the group decides how to move forward with the ideas generated during the brainstorming session. This may involve further discussion, refinement of ideas, or development of a plan of action. The NGT is one of the flexible group decision-making techniques that can be adapted to fit the needs of any group; it is an especially useful tool for groups that are trying to generate new ideas or solve complex problems.

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Where is the Nominal Group Technique Used?

The beauty of the NGT is that it can be adapted to fit any situation where you need to make a decision as a group. Here are just some of the ways it has been used:    

• Businesses:  The NGT can be used when making strategic decisions, such as setting goals or choosing product lines. It can also be used for everyday decisions, such as what new products or services to offer customers.    
• Schools  can use NGT when deciding curriculum, budgeting, and extracurricular activities. Any time there is a need for input from multiple stakeholders, the NGT can be an effective tool.    
• Non-profit Organizations:  Non-profits often need to decide how to allocate their resources. The NGT can help organizations identify their priorities and reach a consensus on how best to use their limited funds. This has led to the rise of  professional courses in Project Management , with organizations looking to make their people adept with PMP abilities.  

When to Use Nominal Group Technique? logrocket

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a tool that can be used to generate ideas and reach a consensus. It is particularly helpful when there is a need to explore a complex issue or when there are competing perspectives. NGT can be used with a small group of people or adapted for larger groups. The NGT decision-making technique involves four steps: idea generation, round-robin voting, ranking, and discussion.    

After each step, the NGT group facilitator will summarize the results and see if there is consensus. If not, the group will continue to the next step. NGT is an effective tool for reaching a consensus on complex issues, and it can be adapted to different group sizes and needs.  

Who Should Use Nominal Group Technique?

The Nominal Group Technique can be used in various settings, from the classroom to the boardroom. When used correctly, it can help groups to generate ideas, reach a consensus, and make decisions. However, not every group is well suited to using NGT. In general, small groups (5-10 members), diverse and have a clear purpose, are more likely to benefit from using this technique.    

Additionally, groups that have difficulty generating ideas or reaching consensus may also find NGT to be helpful. If you are unsure whether your NGT group would benefit from using it, it is best to consult an expert. With the help of a skilled facilitator, you can ensure that your group makes the most of this powerful tool.  

How to Use Nominal Group Technique?

The key advantage of NGT is that it allows all group members to contribute their ideas without being influenced by others. This makes it ideal for situations where there is a need to explore many different options or to reach an agreement on a complex issue.     

To use NGT, gather a group of people and give each a pen and paper. Explain that the goal is to generate as many ideas as possible on the given topic. Each person should write down their ideas independently, without discussing them with others.    

Once everyone has finished, the facilitator should collect all ideas and read them aloud. The group should then vote on their favorite ideas, with the most popular ones recorded for further discussion. NGT can generate ideas on almost any topic, making it a valuable tool for individuals and groups.  

Uses for NGT

This  Nominal group technique  can be used in various settings, including businesses, schools, and community organizations. One of the key benefits of the  nominal group technique  is that it encourages all group members to participate in the discussion.  

This technique can also help to identify the group's most popular ideas and any areas of disagreement. Additionally, the  nominal group technique  can prioritize ideas and create action plans. As such, it is an essential tool for any group that wants to work together effectively.

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Nominal Group Technique Steps logrocket

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a structured way for a group to generate ideas and reach a consensus. It is particularly useful for groups who may have difficulty reaching an agreement or when you want to ensure that all members have an equal opportunity to contribute. The technique involves six steps:    

• Silent generation of ideas   
• Round-robin recording of ideas,  
• Discussion of similarities and differences  
• Ranking of ideas  
• Group consensus  
• Action planning  

What is the Standard Procedure of Nominal Group Technique?

The basic procedure of nominal group technique steps is here below:

• Silent Generation of Ideas:  Each member of the NGT group writes down their ideas independently, without discussion. It ensures that everyone has a chance to contribute and that the more outspoken members do not dominate the discussion.   
• Round-robin Recording of Ideas:   The moderator collects all of the ideas and reads them out loud, one at a time. This ensures that everyone is aware of all the ideas and allows for clarification if necessary.   
• Discussion of Similarities and Differences:   Once all the ideas have been presented, the group discusses them, looking for similarities and differences. It helps to identify any areas of agreement or disagreement and can help to generate new ideas.   
• Ranking of Ideas:  The group ranks all ideas in order of importance or preference. It helps identify the most popular ideas that may need further discussion.   
• Group Consensus:  The group reaches a consensus on the final ranking of the ideas. This step is important to ensure that everyone agrees with the final decision and that there is no resentment or feeling of being forced to agree.   
• Action Planning:  The NGT group develops an action plan based on the final ranking of ideas. This ensures that the decision made by the group is put into action, and everyone knows their role in implementing it.  

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Effects of Nominal Group Technique

The nominal group technique (NGT) is a facilitation method used to generate ideas and reach a consensus. The process involves a small group of people coming together to discuss a topic, with each person sharing their ideas independently. Once everyone has had a chance to share their thoughts, the group brainstorms possible solutions or courses of action.    

The NGT is an effective way to generate new ideas and achieve consensus because it allows everyone in the group to have their say without the pressure of coming up with an idea on the spot.    

Additionally, the independent sharing of ideas helps prevent the group's dominant voices from overwhelming the conversation. However, it is important to note that the NGT is inappropriate for all situations. For example, if time is limited or there are already strongly-held opinions in the group, another facilitation method may be more effective.  

NGT Advantages and Disadvantages

Ngt advantages.

This NGT process is particularly useful when many stakeholders have diverse opinions or when the topic is sensitive and people are reluctant to share their views publicly. Some of the main nominal group technique advantages are that it is:   

• Flexible and can be adapted to different situations   
• Provides a level playing field for all participants   
• Encourages everyone to contribute their ideas   
• It is quick and efficient compared to other methods, such as brainstorming   
• It can be used in both face-to-face and virtual meetings   

If you are considering using NGT in your next meeting or facilitation sessions, keep in mind that it is important to have a clear objective and focus for the group and to give participants enough time to generate and discuss their ideas. With careful planning and facilitation, NGT can be a powerful tool for generating new ideas and reaching consensus.  

NGT Disadvantages

Although the nominal group technique is a highly effective decision-making tool, it does have a few potential disadvantages.   

• First, because NGT relies on written responses, it may not be suitable for all types of problems or all groups of people.   
• Second, generating and ranking ideas can be time-consuming, which may not be ideal in all situations.    
• Finally, NGT can sometimes result in fewer ideas than other brainstorming methods. Despite these potential drawbacks, NGT can be an effective way to generate ideas and reach consensus when used in the right context.

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The Nominal Group Technique is an extremely beneficial tool that can be used in various ways to improve communication and decision-making. By understanding the different stages of the technique, as well as the benefits and examples associated with it, you, too, can start using NGT in your work. Take  KnowledgeHut Project Management professional course online  and get acquainted with the latest concepts and strategies on Nominal Group techniques in project management.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are four stages to the Nominal Group Technique: 

• Brainstorming  
• Voting  
• Discussion  

The Nominal Group Technique is a tool used to help groups generate ideas and reach a consensus. It is often used in business meetings, classrooms, and research groups. The technique involves asking participants to brainstorm ideas independently and then share them with the group. Once all ideas have been shared, the group votes on the best ones. The Nominal Group Technique is an effective way to generate many ideas and reach a consensus within a group.

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a process that allows a group of people to generate ideas and reach consensus on a particular issue. The technique is often used in business settings, as it can help to promote creativity and collaboration among employees. Some common examples of NGT include Product Development, Customer Service Improvement,  Marketing Campaign Planning, Human Resources Strategy Development, etc.

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Kevin D. Davis is a seasoned and results-driven Program/Project Management Professional with a Master's Certificate in Advanced Project Management. With expertise in leading multi-million dollar projects, strategic planning, and sales operations, Kevin excels in maximizing solutions and building business cases. He possesses a deep understanding of methodologies such as PMBOK, Lean Six Sigma, and TQM to achieve business/technology alignment. With over 100 instructional training sessions and extensive experience as a PMP Exam Prep Instructor at KnowledgeHut, Kevin has a proven track record in project management training and consulting. His expertise has helped in driving successful project outcomes and fostering organizational growth.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Nominal Group Technique for Better Team Decisions

When striving for group consensus, it can be difficult to ensure that every team member’s opinion is considered. Outspoken individuals often dominate discussions, causing quieter members to be overlooked and their insights to go unshared. This can result in missed opportunities to gather valuable contributions from the entire team. The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a powerful problem-solving and decision-making tool designed to ensure equal participation among group members. This technique is especially valuable in settings where complex issues require diverse input and collaborative solutions, enhancing the overall decision-making process.

What is Nominal Group Technique?

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a problem-solving and decision-making process that ensures equal participation among group members. Developed by Andre Delbecq and Andrew Van de Ven in the late 1960s, NGT involves structured discussions aimed at generating ideas, prioritizing them, and reaching a group consensus. This method helps teams identify problems and collaboratively create solutions, enhancing the overall decision-making process.

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Andre Delbecq and Andrew Van de Ven introduced the Nominal Group Technique to address the limitations of traditional brainstorming methods. Their goal was to create a structured process that would give all participants an equal voice, thereby making the decision-making process more democratic and inclusive.

NGT is built on several core concepts:

Equal Participation: The structured nature of NGT ensures that every member of the group has an equal opportunity to contribute, which is particularly beneficial in diverse groups where certain voices might otherwise dominate.

Structured Discussions: The process follows a series of well-defined stages—brainstorming, voting, discussion, and consensus—each with specific objectives and methods. This structure helps in keeping the discussion focused and productive.

Consensus-Building: The ultimate aim of NGT is to reach a consensus. By allowing each member to independently prioritize ideas, the group collectively identifies the most promising solutions.

NGT differs from traditional brainstorming by incorporating a formal voting process and structured discussions, which minimizes the risk of louder voices overshadowing quieter ones.

Combining these principles, NGT fosters a collaborative environment that can lead to more innovative and actionable solutions. While NGT is useful in various settings, including business, education, and nonprofits, it is particularly effective in situations where complex issues require diverse input and collaborative efforts.

Stages of Nominal Group Technique

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a structured method that aids groups in solving problems and generating ideas collectively. The technique is divided into five stages, each designed to ensure equitable participation and methodical progression toward a consensus. Let’s break down each of these stages:

Introduction Stage

In the introduction stage, the facilitator sets the context for the session, clarifying the problem or decision to be addressed. This stage ensures all participants have a clear understanding of the objectives and the process to follow. The facilitator’s role is crucial here, as they must establish a neutral and open environment conducive to free thinking and equal participation.

Idea Generation Stage

The next stage is idea generation, where each participant independently brainstorms solutions or ideas. This is typically done silently and individually to avoid any influence or dominance by other group members. Tools like Creately’s visual workspace can significantly enhance this stage by providing real-time collaboration and ideation platforms that allow team members to jot down their ideas instantly.

Sharing Ideas Stage

Once the individual brainstorming is complete, the group proceeds to share their ideas. In this stage, participants take turns presenting their thoughts without discussion or critique. This round-robin sharing ensures that all voices are heard and every idea is documented. Using structured discussion tools available in platforms like Creately helps maintain order and ensures each idea is captured effectively.

Group Discussion Stage

The group discussion stage is where interaction ramps up. Here, team members discuss the ideas presented, exploring their merits and downsides. The goal is to delve deeper into the details of each idea to uncover their potential impacts and feasibility. Real-time data visualization tools can be immensely helpful in this stage, as they allow teams to map out ideas and their relationships visually, making complex discussions more manageable and productive.

Voting Stage

The final stage is voting. Participants anonymously rank the ideas based on predetermined criteria, ensuring an unbiased evaluation process. The ideas are scored and ranked to identify the most favored solutions. Platforms like Creately offer real-time voting mechanisms that facilitate this process seamlessly, allowing teams to instantly see the results and move forward to the consensus stage swiftly.

Each of these stages plays a pivotal role in the Nominal Group Technique, ensuring a balanced and thorough approach to problem-solving. Implementing this technique not only streamlines the decision-making process but also maximizes participation and input from all team members, thereby fostering more robust and innovative outcomes.

Benefits of Nominal Group Technique

Equal participation.

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is specifically designed to ensure equal participation from all team members. Unlike traditional brainstorming sessions where louder voices may dominate, NGT provides a structured process that allows every participant to contribute their ideas independently. This structure helps in leveraging the strengths and insights of all team members, which is especially beneficial in diverse groups.

Encouraging Shy Members

One of the standout advantages of NGT is its ability to provide a platform where naturally shy team members feel comfortable contributing. By making idea generation an individual activity initially, it removes the pressure of speaking up in front of the group right away. This creates an inclusive environment where all voices are heard, leading to richer and more diverse solutions.

Integration of Perspectives

NGT excels at integrating various perspectives into the decision-making process. By encouraging equal participation, it ensures that different viewpoints are considered. This is especially crucial in projects with multifaceted challenges. The technique’s structured phases—from idea generation to consensus building—allow the team to explore multiple angles of a problem before arriving at a well-rounded solution.

Productivity Benefits

The structured approach of NGT not only enhances decision-making but also boosts overall productivity. By streamlining the process of gathering and evaluating ideas, teams can make decisions more efficiently. This frees up time for team members to focus on other essential tasks. Tools like Creately’s visual workspace simplify and visualize these stages, making the NGT process even more effective. Creately’s real-time collaboration features and data-linked visual tools help in organizing brainstorming sessions, ranking ideas, and visualizing data outcomes, thereby supporting faster and more effective decision-making.

NGT is a valuable technique for fostering equal participation, encouraging diverse contributions, and streamlining the decision-making process, ultimately enhancing team productivity.

When Should the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) Be Used?

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a versatile tool that can be highly effective in various scenarios, especially when complex issues require thorough exploration and diverse input. Here are specific situations where NGT proves particularly beneficial:

Complex Issues That Have Competing Perspectives

NGT is ideally suited for situations where the team is facing complex problems that need comprehensive analysis and multiple perspectives. When the issue at hand is multifaceted, requiring a deep dive into various aspects, NGT ensures that all relevant viewpoints are considered. This technique is instrumental in breaking down complex issues into manageable parts, allowing for a structured exploration that leads to well-rounded solutions.

When There are Dominant of Vocal Members

In many group settings, certain members may dominate the conversation, leading to an imbalance in participation. NGT is designed to counteract this by providing a structured process that ensures equal participation from all members. This is particularly useful in teams where louder voices tend to overshadow quieter ones. By allowing each member to contribute independently and anonymously during the idea generation and voting stages, NGT ensures that the ideas are judged on their merit rather than the influence of the speaker.

Difficulty in Generating Ideas or Reaching Consensus

Teams sometimes struggle to generate innovative ideas or reach a consensus due to varying opinions and conflicting interests. NGT provides a clear and systematic framework for brainstorming and decision-making, which can help overcome these challenges. The structured stages of NGT guide the team through a process that fosters creativity and collaboration, making it easier to develop a consensus on the best solutions.

Inclusion of New Team Members

When new members join a team, integrating their perspectives and ensuring they have a voice can be challenging. NGT is effective in such scenarios as it promotes equal participation and helps new members feel included and valued. By facilitating a process where everyone’s ideas are considered, NGT helps new team members integrate smoothly into the decision-making process, enhancing team cohesion and leveraging diverse viewpoints.

How to Implement Nominal Group Technique

Implementing the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) can streamline decision-making in various settings, including businesses, schools, and nonprofits. Here is a step-by-step guide to effectively introducing NGT to your team.

Step-by-Step Implementation Guide

Preparation: Define the problem or decision to be addressed. Ensure all necessary materials, such as flip charts, markers, and sticky notes, are available.

Introduction: The facilitator explains the purpose of the session and the rules of the NGT process. Clearly outline the stages: Introduction, Idea Generation, Sharing Ideas, Group Discussion, and Voting.

Idea Generation : Team members silently brainstorm ideas individually. Using a collaborative platform like Creately , participants can jot down their thoughts, ensuring that naturally shy members feel comfortable contributing.

Sharing Ideas: In a round-robin format, each member shares one idea at a time until all ideas are presented. Creately’s visual tools can type and display these ideas in real-time, making it easier for everyone to see and understand.

Group Discussion: The facilitator leads a discussion on the ideas, focusing on similarities and differences. This stage aims to clarify ideas without criticism. Creately’s features, like comment threads and annotations, facilitate this discussion.

Voting: Members rank the ideas . Each idea gets a score based on its ranking. Creately’s real-time voting mechanisms simplify this process, allowing immediate visualization of results.

Consensus and Action Planning: The team reviews the top-ranked ideas and decides on the next steps. This might involve scheduling follow-up meetings or assigning tasks to specific members.

Using Creately to Conduct an NGT

In the age of remote work, adapting NGT for virtual teams is essential. Tools like Creately support real-time collaboration, structured brainstorming sessions, and data visualization that enhance the NGT process. By enabling teams to interact seamlessly, these tools ensure that distance does not hinder effective decision-making.

Facilitator Tips

Keep the group on track: Ensure that each stage of the NGT process is followed diligently.

Encourage participation: Make sure everyone’s voice is heard, especially the quieter members.

Use visual aids: Leverage tools like Creately to visualize ideas and discussions, making the process more engaging and easier to follow.

Solutions to Common Challenges

Dominant personalities : Ensure equal participation by strictly adhering to the round-robin sharing format.

Time constraints: Set clear time limits for each stage to keep the session focused and efficient.

Technical issues: Provide a brief tutorial for using collaborative platforms like Creately to ensure all participants are comfortable with the tools.

By following these steps and leveraging modern collaborative tools, implementing NGT can significantly enhance your team’s decision-making efficiency and effectiveness.

Chiraag George is a communication specialist here at Creately. He is a marketing junkie that is fascinated by how brands occupy consumer mind space. A lover of all things tech, he writes a lot about the intersection of technology, branding and culture at large.

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How to use the nominal group technique to reach consensus as a team

When trying to reach a group consensus on your team, you might struggle to take everyone’s opinions into account. Some people might even miss the opportunity to share their opinions at all if they’re overshadowed by outspoken members of the group.

Fortunately, there is a way to make this process easier to manage and more efficient: the nominal group technique.

If you’re looking for a way to help your team with the decision-making process , the nominal group technique could be exactly what you need. It helps teams make fast and informed decisions, taking everyone’s opinion into account.

In this article, we’ll take a look at what the nominal group technique is and how it can help you create informed and fast decisions.

• What is the nominal group technique?

The nominal group technique (NGT) helps teams identify problems and create solutions as a group. It streamlines the decision-making process and identifies solutions as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Although the technique is similar to brainstorming , it’s not the same thing. Unlike a brainstorming session, the NGT has a key focus on making sure every group member contributes to the solution. As a result, you have a well-informed solution that takes everyone’s perspective into account.

The structure of the NGT typically has five stages:

Here’s how it works:

• Introduction: The group facilitator explains the purpose of the meeting and the items for discussion.
• Idea generation: Sometimes known as ‘silent generation,’ group members formulate their ideas alone before the group idea discussion.
• Sharing ideas: Every member of the group gives their view of the solution and a short explanation.
• Group discussion: This stage involves a back-and-forth debate about items that have been shared. Project team members discuss their perspectives and ideas in relation to the problem.
• Voting: Duplicate solutions are now eliminated from the list before the ranking process begins. Members in the group rank the solutions 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.

There are some variations of this process. For example, the solutions don’t always have to be ranked but could be evaluated more subjectively. The right option depends on the group you’re working with and the reason behind why you’re using the technique in the first place.

Ultimately, it’s up to the group facilitator to identify the best way to manage the process.

• What are the benefits of using the nominal group technique?

On top of speeding up the decision-making process, are there any other benefits of using the NGT?

In short, yes.

Let’s take a look at what they are.

Encourage naturally shy team members to speak up

For some people, speaking on the spot in front of a group of people can be daunting. They might even struggle to fully formulate ideas if they feel under pressure. Instead of voicing their opinion, they keep it to themselves.

Unfortunately for you, this means you might miss out on a potentially great idea.

This is where the nominal group technique can be helpful.

Everyone has a chance to speak their mind without worrying about being put on the spot. They have time to develop detailed and thoughtful responses, and there’s no pressure to respond immediately (which some team members will be grateful for).

There might be some people who want to speak more than others, but everyone will have a chance to think about a solution and present their perspective in a comfortable environment.

Consider different perspectives

Everyone approaches problems from a different standpoint. Even if ideas are similar, there are often small differences in the ways people approach a problem.

Because the nominal group technique requires equal participation from all team members, you can incorporate all the different perspectives into your solution. With a variety of ideas in the melting pot, you’ve got a better chance of creating the best possible solution.

Taking everyone’s ideas into account also shows team members that their opinions and voices are valid. Everyone has a chance to have their say and work as a group to decide on the best course of action.

Increase productivity in other areas of the business

We already know that the NGT is an efficient way to make fast, informed decisions. Everything happens in one location in a short space of time.

Now we want you to think about the effect this has on the rest of the business.

Making one process more efficient frees up time for team members to focus on other tasks.

Let’s say that by using the nominal group technique, each team member saves themselves three hours that day. Those three hours can then be put to use elsewhere, allowing them to maximize their time and be more productive in other areas.

By using the NGT and streamlining the decision-making process, you’re also helping the business grow and develop quicker. It’s a win-win.

• Are there any disadvantages of the nominal group technique?

Although there are clear advantages of using the NGT, there are some downsides to be aware of. Let’s take a look at what they are.

Only able to address one problem at a time

Because of the NGT structure, you can only address individual issues before moving on to the next. It’s pretty rigid in its format, and there’s no room for spontaneity in the process.

So if you need something with a little more flexibility, this might not be the right option.

But despite the lack of flexibility to discuss multiple problems at once, you are likely to get through individual problems faster with the NGT framework. Even if you have multiple issues to solve, chances are you’d power through them faster with the NGT in comparison with a typical brainstorming session.

Requires all members to be available at the same time

To conduct an NGT session, everyone in the group must be available at the same time. But we know that finding a time when everyone is available is easier said than done — especially if you’re working in a remote team or across different time zones.

If you can’t round up your team to discuss the issues at the same time, you won’t be able to use the NGT.

An NGT session doesn’t necessarily need to be in person, though. With the use of online collaborative tools , you can still run the session virtually.

This means you don’t have to worry about roping everyone into the office to run the session. So long as everyone working remotely is available at the same time, you can do it online with a video chat .

Time-consuming for group leaders and team members

Although NGT sessions are an efficient way to make fast decisions, they can take up a lot of time.

Think about it. Instead of spreading the discussion across multiple timeframes, you discuss everything in one go. Sure, it’s a fast way to overcome problem-solving in the long run. But it takes large chunks of time out of the working day — particularly if you’re running multiple sessions back-to-back.

Not to mention the amount of time required beforehand for the group leader to prepare the session. The entire process must be carefully planned to make sure everything runs smoothly and that you get to a solution as efficiently as possible.

If your team members don’t have large chunks of time available, the NGT might not be the most effective method to make a fast decision.

• When should you use the nominal group technique?

Typically speaking, there are three main consensus methods:

• Nominal group technique
• Consensus development panels
• Delphi technique

So how do you know if and when the nominal group technique is right for your project team?

Let’s take a look.

Certain group members are more vocal than others

If you have a few team members that are particularly outspoken and vocal in group settings, the NGT can be helpful.

Because it encourages every team member to take part and voice their opinion.

With the NGT, you create a level playing field. You won’t have a few members dominating the discussion because everyone has a chance to say their part. Everyone in the group should feel more open to contributing because they’ll have the time to talk through their ideas.

Simply put, it prevents dominant members from taking the floor for too long and provides space for all participants to have their say.

Some group members need time to think things through

As we’ve already mentioned, some employees don’t perform well on the spot. They prefer to think before providing an answer.

Fortunately for these employees, the nominal group technique allows them to think things through.

During the generation of ideas phase, team members have a chance to think and reflect on their ideas before presenting them to the group. It takes away the pressure of responding on the spot, helping employees feel more confident in their communication.

So if you have some employees that prefer to think things through before making suggestions, use the NGT. It creates a comfortable and inclusive environment for sharing ideas without the pressure of sharing ideas on the spot.

The team is struggling to find a solution on their own

If your team has been working on a problem for a while and they’re not coming to a solution on their own, it might be time to use the nominal group technique.

Let’s say there’s been an issue with one of your internal processes. It’s been an issue for some time, and it’s causing problems in the efficiency of your workflow . Different employees have suggested possible solutions, but nothing has hit the mark.

Enter: the nominal group technique.

By using the NGT, your team works together to create a viable solution for your long-standing problem.

Instead of suggesting solutions separately, the NGT brings everyone together to collaborate and focus on the best solution for the problem. As they say, two (or more) heads are better than one.

There’s a new member in the team

It’s always a little nerve-wracking being a new employee. You’re trying to impress your team, make a good impression, and do your job well.

The day comes when you’re asked to join your first team meeting. You’re a little apprehensive and not 100% sure what to expect. Before you know it, you’re being asked to share your ideas on the spot with your new team.

It sounds pretty overwhelming, right?

That’s because it is.

If you have a new employee join your team, you might want to think about ways to relieve some pressure. Focus on creating an inclusive and collaborative environment for them to be a part of so they’ll be confident sharing their ideas with the team.

The nominal group technique is a great way to do exactly that.

Yes, they’ll still have to contribute in the team setting, but they’ll have time to think their ideas through before sharing. It allows them to discuss their opinions in a safe space and work with their team to create a solution, making them feel more comfortable in a new setting.

• Using a collaborative platform to facilitate the nominal group technique

When it comes to hosting a nominal group technique session, you might want to consider using a collaborative platform like Miro.

With the right software, you can host your NGT session virtually, discuss ideas, and make notes throughout the entire process. Think of it like a virtual flip chart that you can customize to your heart’s content.

And when everything’s wrapped up, you can share the information with relevant parties — including external stakeholders.

Let’s take a look at how a collaborative platform can help you facilitate an NGT session in more detail.

Prepare your session in advance

Preparing NGT sessions can be a pretty time-consuming process. But with the right platform, it’s much easier to get everything up to scratch before the session takes place.

Take a look at Miro as an example. With our intuitive whiteboard , you can use an existing template , customize the layout , and upload files to create a plan that’s perfect for your needs.

And once you’ve created a template that works well, you can save it to use again in the future.

Record the outcome in an accessible location

With a collaborative platform, group members can see the NGT notes in real-time. When the session is over, you can also share the information with your team so that they can reflect on what happened. Everyone will have access to the outcome when the session is done.

This is particularly helpful if you’re working as part of a distributed team. It’s easy for remote workers to access the information when they need it.

Share the information with stakeholders

In addition to sharing internally, an online platform also allows you to share information with key stakeholders.

With Miro, for example, teams can invite external visitors to view and edit their online whiteboards. You can choose their level of access (view, comment, or edit access) based on your subscription plan.

The visitor doesn’t need an account with Miro to access and edit the board. They simply join via the link you’ve created, and it’s like they’re part of the team.

Start planning for an NGT session today

By now, you’ve got a pretty good understanding of what the nominal group technique is and how to use it.

Are you thinking about using the nominal group technique in your business? Sign up to Miro to start planning and preparing for the session.

And when everything’s wrapped up, you can store all the information in one of our intuitive and visual online whiteboards. Everyone involved in the project will have access, and you can share it externally with any key stakeholders.

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How to Use the Nominal Group Technique for Better Problem-Solving?

• Updated May 10, 2024
• Posted in Problem Solving
• Tagged as Problem Solving
• 7 mins read

Brainstorming with a team can be an incredibly powerful way to generate ideas and solve problems .

However, traditional brainstorming sessions often suffer from issues like dominance by vocal group members, peer pressure, and conformity.

This is where the nominal group technique comes in handy.

This structured method prevents some of the most common pitfalls of group brainstorming.

But what exactly is the biggest benefit of using the nominal group technique? Let’s find out!

What Is the Nominal Group Technique?

The nominal group technique is a type of structured brainstorming where participants work through a series of phases. Developed by André Delbecq and Andrew Van de Ven in the 1960s, it gets its name from the initial “nominal” (meaning in name only) phase where ideas are generated silently and independently.

This silent phase is followed by sharing ideas openly in a round-robin format. The group then discusses and clarifies each idea before doing some silent ranking or rating. Finally, the group focuses on the top-ranked ideas through further discussion and voting.

Key Steps of the Nominal Group Process

Here are the typical steps involved in the nominal group technique:

1. Silent Idea Generation 2. Round-Robin Idea Sharing 3. Idea Clarification 4. Silent Ranking 5. Discussion of Rankings 6. Voting and Identifying Top Ideas

Main Benefits of the Nominal Group Technique

Over 60% of brainstorming groups face issues like production blocking (where participants forget ideas due to others speaking) and evaluation apprehension (fear of idea criticism). The nominal group technique elegantly solves these issues.

The nominal group technique offers several powerful advantages over traditional open-group brainstorming:

– Prevents domination by vocal participants – Avoids group pressure for conformity – Encourages all ideas through the initial silent phase – Provides structure to keep discussions focused – Allows quiet introverts to contribute fully – Enables anonymous ranking without peer pressure – Facilitates true consensus through voting

The Biggest Benefit: Better Ideas from True Collaboration

While all the benefits listed above are valuable, I would argue that the single biggest advantage of the nominal group technique is that it enables true collaboration and combination of ideas.

In a typical freewheeling group brainstorm, the first few loud voices often dominate the entire discussion. More reserved participants never get a chance to share their unique perspectives and ideas.

The silent generation phase of the nominal group technique ensures that every single participant gets to secretly jot down their ideas without interruption or fear of criticism. This rich diversity of viewpoints forms the foundation for subsequent discussion.

During the round-robin sharing phase, each idea is given equal weight and consideration, regardless of who proposed it. The democratic format defuses any status differences within the group.

As the ideas are discussed, clarified, and ranked together, the group’s collective intelligence kicks in. Creative ideas start combining and building upon each other through respectful debate. Introverted participants finally get their voices heard.

What emerges is a set of robust solutions that blends the best thinking from every single group member. No ideas are dismissed prematurely due to peer pressure or conformity. This synergy is what unlocks true collaboration and problem-solving power.

Statistics on the Collaborative Power of Nominal Groups

• A study found that nominal groups produced almost 50% more ideas than traditional brainstorming groups. (Source: Diehl & Stroebe, 1987)
• Another study showed that ideas from nominal groups were rated 33% higher in quality compared to those from real-time interaction groups. (Source: Gallupe et al., 1992)
• Yet another experiment concluded that nominal groups generated more unique ideas perceived as being of higher quality. (Source: Barki & Pinsonneault, 2001)

The research clearly demonstrates the nominal group technique’s ability to harness the diversity and collective intelligence within a team. By ensuring contributions from all participants, it produces a greater quantity and quality of solutions.

When to Use the Nominal Group Technique

The nominal group technique is well-suited for solving complex, open-ended problems that can benefit from multiple perspectives. It works especially well for:

– Generating creative ideas and solutions – Defining priorities and objectives – Improving products, services, or processes – Making decisions with buy-in from all stakeholders – Building consensus among diverse groups

However, it may not be the best choice for straightforward factual problems with clear right or wrong answers. The structured process requires more time and effort compared to simple techniques like open discussion.

Tips for Facilitating a Nominal Group Session

Successful execution of the nominal group technique hinges on the skills of the facilitator. Here are some tips for running an effective session:

– Clearly explain the process up front – Encourage an open and non-judgmental environment – Stick to the time limits for each phase – Ensure everyone understands each idea during clarification – Manage disruptive personalities firmly yet diplomatically – Use anonymous ranking with software or paper ballots – Guide the discussions with neutrality – At the end, build alignment around the top solutions

With thorough planning and skilled facilitation, the nominal group technique can unlock the diverse talents within any team to produce superior solutions.

The nominal group technique is a structured form of group brainstorming that combines silent independent idea generation with collaborative discussion and ranking. Its biggest benefit is producing higher-quality solutions through true collaboration.

By removing production blocking, evaluation apprehension, conformity pressures, and dominance by a few vocal members, the nominal group technique taps into the collective intelligence of the entire group. All ideas get equal consideration, regardless of who proposed them.

This democratic process allows introverted participants to fully contribute. It enables the blending and building of diverse perspectives. The end result is a set of ideas that reflects the combined creativity and brainpower of the whole team.

Compared to traditional brainstorming, studies show the nominal group technique generates up to 50% more ideas that are also rated 33% higher in quality. For complex problems requiring creative solutions from diverse teams, it’s an invaluable tool.

Q. What is the key difference between the nominal group technique and traditional brainstorming? A. The main difference is the initial silent independent generation of ideas, followed by a structured process of sharing, discussing, and ranking the ideas as a group. Traditional brainstorming has no such individual ideation phase or systematic evaluation.

Q. When should you use the nominal group technique? A. The nominal group technique works best for solving complex, open-ended problems that require creative ideas and input from diverse perspectives. It’s great for tasks like generating new product ideas, defining priorities, making decisions with buy-in, and building consensus.

Q. How does the nominal group technique improve collaboration? A. By eliminating issues like production blocking, evaluation apprehension, and dominance by a few members, the nominal group technique ensures that every participant gets to fully contribute their unique ideas and viewpoints. This blending of diverse perspectives unlocks the group’s true collaborative power.

Q. What is the role of the facilitator in a nominal group session? A. The facilitator plays a crucial role by explaining the process, maintaining an open environment, enforcing time limits, ensuring clarity on ideas, managing difficult personalities, enabling anonymous ranking, guiding discussions neutrally, and finally aligning the group around the top solutions.

Q: How do the results from nominal groups compare to traditional brainstorming ? A: Research shows that nominal groups generate around 50% more ideas compared to open brainstorming groups. Furthermore, the ideas from nominal groups are rated over 33% higher in quality by independent evaluators.

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Understanding and applying the nominal group technique (NGT)

Editor’s note : This article was reviewed for accuracy and updated on 9 September 2024.

What is the nominal group technique (NGT)?

The nominal group technique (NGT) is a structured decision-making method used in group settings. Teams can generate ideas, prioritize them, and make collective decisions with the NGT. Key features of the NGT include:

• Individual ideas — Each participant responds to the question or issue being discussed before meeting to share ideas, encouraging equal participation and different perspectives
• Group discussion — Participants gather to share and discuss ideas. A virtual NGT (vNGT) allows for participation across different locations and time zones
• Prioritization — The group can vote on ideas, potentially using a point system, to prioritize the best or most popular options

This technique is particularly useful when a group needs to reach a consensus or make a decision about a specific problem. To facilitate an effective NGT, make sure to:

• Adapt the NGT to the group’s interests, skill sets, or personality
• Ensure all participants have their voices heard
• Cover all five steps — Introduction, silent idea generation, idea sharing, group discussion, voting

Product managers wear multiple hats at work. One of the tasks we do is facilitate meetings. Everyone appreciates an effective, efficient meeting, and the NGT can help you do this.

5 steps to the nominal group technique (NGT)

So how does the NGT work? The five main steps are:

Step 1: Introduction

Step 2: silent idea generation, step 3: idea sharing, step 4: group discussion, step 5: voting.

At the beginning of a group meeting, the meeting facilitator states the objective of the meeting and explains the decision-making method used in this meeting — the nominal group technique.

Give a brief introduction to NGT to the group members. Go through the steps and lay out the key activities you are going to do so that the members can have a general idea.

This step may take 5-10 minutes.

Group members brainstorm ideas — the potential solutions to the problem they agreed upon in the previous step — individually.

In this stage, the group members are asked not to discuss with others. We want to ensure that all participants have an equal opportunity to contribute without being influenced by other opinions or ideas.

This step may take 10 minutes.

In this step, every group member shares the ideas they generated in a round-robin fashion. The facilitator records these ideas on a whiteboard (or any collaboration platform the company is using). In this idea-sharing process, the facilitator can group similar or duplicated ideas together.

Note that we don’t judge or debate these ideas at this step. We want to ensure everyone has the same opportunity to speak.

This step may take 15–30 minutes.

After all ideas have been shared, group members discuss to clarify any unclear points or seek additional information. In this step, we discuss for clarification and not for judgment. The facilitator helps avoid criticism and ensures the group doesn’t spend too much time on a single idea.

This step may take 30–45 minutes.

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Finally, in the last step, group members vote on the presented ideas. There isn’t a best way to vote or rank, and the key to this step is that it should be conducted in private.

One common approach is to provide each individual with a certain number of votes or points. They can distribute the votes/points among the ideas based on their preference. This helps with prioritization and identification of the most popular or preferred ideas.

Once the voting process is done, the result should be announced to the participants immediately. The voting result also means the meeting reaches a conclusion.

This step may take 5–10 minutes.

What are the benefits of the nominal group technique?

NGT is a structured approach that helps prevent dominance by certain individuals, encourages diverse perspectives, and leads to more informed decisions. Its main benefits include its emphasis on equal participation, its prevention of groupthink, and its ability to arrive at an objective consensus.

Let’s go into more detail about these below:

Encourages equal participation

NGT fosters an environment that allows all participants to have an equal opportunity to contribute their ideas. This is especially beneficial for introverted or less vocal individuals who might be overshadowed in traditional group discussions.

Moreover, equal participation also means that diverse perspectives can be seen. This can lead to more well-rounded solutions.

Prevents groupthink

Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon where group members tend to conform to a dominant viewpoint without critical evaluation to avoid conflicts. The silent idea generation step and voting step help reduce the influence of group dynamics.

Arrives at an objective consensus

The voting process facilitates an objective way to prioritize ideas. This can help identify the most preferred ideas or solutions based on the collective preferences of the group.

The disadvantages of the nominal group technique

NGT can be very effective in certain situations. However, it might not be suitable for every decision-making scenario and requires careful consideration:

It only solves one problem at a time

As you may already notice, NGT is structured to focus on one topic at a time. There are two sides to every coin. Dealing with only one problem at a time helps teams focus but the lack of flexibility can also be a major disadvantage to some teams.

It’s time-consuming

NGT involves steps of idea generation, sharing, and voting. Though each step should be timed, the processes can still lead to long meetings. The whole process typically can take 60 to 90 minutes.

There’s limited spontaneous collaboration

The silent idea generation, on the one hand, fosters equal participation. On the other hand, it may limit spontaneous collaboration among participants on the other side. The lack of real-time interaction can restrict some creative ideas that emerge from dynamic discussions.

It adds complexity for large groups

The ideal group size is around 5–10 individuals. While a larger group can generate more ideas, it can take too long to go through the NGT steps of idea generation, sharing, and voting.

If NGT has to be implemented in the larger group, consider dividing the group into smaller sub-groups to proceed. The smaller groups can bring their top five ideas to the larger groups for further discussion and voting.

When should we use NGT?

Now that we’ve learned the advantages and disadvantages of NGT, let’s further discuss when and in what scenario to use this technique:

When some individuals are more vocal than others

There can be multiple reasons that cause some people to be more vocal than others. For instance, some are more introverted than others, or there’s a power imbalance between members. Regardless, NGT is structured to level out the playing field for diverse group members.

When some individuals are new to the team

As a new member, sharing ideas with a group of new faces can be daunting. NGT creates a safe space for all participants, including the newbie, to contribute. NGT has a significant advantage in ensuring equal participation.

When the topic is controversial

One trait of NGT is “no criticism.” When the topic is controversial or the conversations are heated, individuals may tend to conform to the major voice of the room so that conflicts can be avoided. The anonymous voting step in NGT helps teams to reach a rational and objective conclusion.

Tips for facilitating a meeting with NGT

Before we wrap up, let me share some tips and best practices for facilitating a meeting using the nominal group technique.

Have a clear objective

At the beginning of the meeting, declare the objective of the meeting and the problem the group is going to discuss and solve in this meeting. We want to ensure we have an agreement here to avoid unnecessary inefficiency and potential scope creep.

Keep it simple

The process of NGT is simple and intuitive. Let’s keep it simple as it is. Only when the participants understand where they are in the process of the meeting can they follow through and provide their thoughts and knowledge.

Foster a safe space

NGT provides a structure that helps everyone have a voice in the meeting. The meeting facilitator should strive to provide a feeling of equality among members. This should be done and is easier to do at the beginning of the meeting rather than at the middle or end.

Visualize the discussions

In group meetings, people often get lost in the processes. While you are hosting a meeting, recording the ideas and discussion with some simple graphs or diagrams or simply just writing them down on the screen or whiteboard can be helpful. There are also tons of collaboration platforms to help you visualize your meeting on the screen.

Ultimately, we won’t agree 100 percent of the time, but it is still valuable that group members can feel valued and respected when they are involved in the decision-making process.

The nominal group technique finds a nice balance of group collaboration and individual creativity. It allows all kinds of ideas and perspectives and aims for a genuine consensus.

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The nominal group technique is a structured method for group decision-making that encourages equal participation and generates a prioritized list of ideas or solutions. It is designed to minimize the influence of dominant individuals and promote a balanced contribution from all group members.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

• The nominal group technique involves a step-by-step process that includes silent idea generation, round-robin sharing, group discussion, and anonymous voting.
• This method helps to prevent dominant individuals from unduly influencing the group and ensures that all members have an equal opportunity to contribute.
• The nominal group technique is particularly useful for generating a large number of ideas, identifying and prioritizing problems, and reaching a consensus on solutions.
• It is often used in organizational settings, such as strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making, to leverage the collective knowledge and expertise of a group.
• The structured format of the nominal group technique helps to minimize the potential for group biases, such as conformity and groupthink, which can arise in more unstructured group discussions.

Review Questions

• The nominal group technique is designed to address common challenges in group decision-making, such as dominant individuals monopolizing the discussion and the potential for groupthink. By structuring the process to include silent idea generation, round-robin sharing, and anonymous voting, the nominal group technique ensures that all group members have an equal opportunity to contribute and that the final decision is not unduly influenced by a few individuals. This helps to promote more balanced participation, diverse perspectives, and a greater sense of ownership in the decision-making process.
• The nominal group technique can be a valuable tool for team building by facilitating collaborative problem-solving and decision-making. By providing a structured process that encourages equal participation and the generation of diverse ideas, the nominal group technique can help to build trust, foster open communication, and develop a shared understanding among team members. This, in turn, can contribute to the overall effectiveness of the team by ensuring that all voices are heard, that the best solutions are identified, and that team members feel invested in the outcomes. The nominal group technique can be particularly useful in addressing challenges to team building, such as power imbalances, communication breakdowns, and resistance to change, by creating a more inclusive and democratic decision-making process.
• The nominal group technique offers several potential benefits for both group decision-making and team building. By structuring the process to encourage equal participation and the generation of diverse ideas, it can help to mitigate the influence of dominant individuals, reduce the risk of groupthink, and promote a greater sense of ownership and investment in the final decision. This, in turn, can lead to more effective and well-rounded solutions. Additionally, the nominal group technique can contribute to team building by fostering open communication, building trust, and developing a shared understanding among team members. However, the technique also has some limitations, such as the potential for members to feel constrained by the structured format, the time-consuming nature of the process, and the possibility that some members may still feel uncomfortable sharing their ideas openly, even in a more structured setting. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the nominal group technique will depend on the specific context, the group dynamics, and the facilitation skills of the leader.

Related terms

An unstructured group technique that generates a large number of ideas without immediate evaluation or criticism.

A structured method for gathering opinions from a panel of experts through a series of questionnaires and controlled feedback.

Group Consensus : The collective agreement or shared understanding reached by a group through discussion and negotiation.

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Level the Playing Field with the Nominal Group Technique

Updated: March 27, 2023 by iSixSigma Staff

While there are many group methods for solving an issue or reaching a goal , the nominal group technique differs in a few key ways. Let’s look at what the nominal group technique is and what makes it unique.

What is the nominal group technique?

Like other group problem-solving methods, the nominal group technique involves utilizing a group to make decisions, solve problems, and generate solutions. The difference with this technique is that, with this method, every member of the group shares their view of the situation. From here, any duplicate solutions are eliminated, and what is left is ranked in order of preference by vote. The most favored solution is then decided as the decision to run with.

There is an alternative version of this method that focuses on hybridization, in that, various solutions combine to create hybrids. This way, a sort of super-solution can be created that uses the most favorable aspects of the solutions proposed.

3 benefits of the nominal group technique

There are some clear benefits to utilizing the nominal group technique over other group participation methods which should not be overlooked:

1. Efficiency

This technique can be an ideal way to gather everyone’s ideas quickly and come to a consensus.

2. Better ideas

Since this technique is so collaborative and democratic, better ideas might be heard than in other group technique options.

3. Equal participation

This technique, in its design, fosters the equal participation of all members of the group.

Why is the nominal group technique important to understand?

Understanding how the nominal technique works can be useful in the workplace for the following reasons:

It is useful if you find some group members tend to dominate.

If you have had experiences where a few group members have dominated the proceedings, leaving little room for others, this group technique is worth understanding as an alternative.

This technique is a great introduction for new team members.

Understanding how to implement the nominal group technique gives you a tool to get a feel for new team members as it encourages their equal participation and input.

Power imbalance

If there is a dynamic in the workplace where some key individuals hold the bulk of the power, the nominal group technique can act as a great leveler.

An industry example of the nominal group technique

A toy company is having difficulty deciding what product would be best to lead with for the upcoming year. A group meeting is called, where the nominal group technique will be utilized. Ten members from throughout the company are chosen to be part of the group.

At the beginning of the meeting, a team leader introduces each member of the team. Each participant is given a sheet of paper and is asked to list all of their ideas about which product would be best. Once everyone has written down their ideas, each participant is asked to share them with the group. Once everyone has shared, a group discussion takes shape where all of the ideas are discussed. Finally, voting and ranking of the ideas take place. It is ultimately decided to release the top three choices at the beginning of the new year.

5 best practices when thinking about the nominal group technique

Each stage of the nominal group technique has at least one practice to consider that will likely contribute to a more successful meeting:

1. Maintain a feeling of equality in the introduction phase

Foster a feeling of equal footing early on in the process by not putting any emphasis on any member of the group during the introduction phase of the meeting. Briefly introduce everyone in a manner that has them on the same footing and explain the process and procedure.

2. Independent generation of ideas

During the next phase, when each participant is to be writing down their ideas, be sure to make sure this happens in silence without collaboration.

3. Avoid debate as ideas are being shared

At the next stage, when participants go around the table sharing their ideas, there will possibly be an inclination for some members to begin to debate the merits of different ideas. Preemptively avoid this by making sure that everyone understands what the rules are for the exercise.

4. Do not spend too long on a single idea

During the group discussion, there could be the temptation to spend a lot of time on a single solution. This should be avoided. By allowing any one idea to take a longer amount of time in the spotlight, the voting process could be influenced.

5. Share the results immediately

When the voting is done, share the results immediately so that it feels like there is a swift feeling of closure to the process .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the nominal group technique

What is the difference between the nominal group technique and brainstorming.

The tallying and equal participation in the nominal group technique separate it from brainstorming.

How many people participate in the nominal group technique?

The technique works best with 5 to 10 participants, but it works well with large groups as well.

Is the nominal group technique anonymous?

This technique is definitely not anonymous during the sharing of ideas portion of the group discussion. The ranking itself is anonymous.

The nominal group technique democratizes your group problem-solving sessions

If you have tried other group problem-solving techniques and found that they left a lot of room for improvement, the nominal group technique has many built-in attributes that could make for a more satisfactory process.

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Nominal Group Technique: A complete Guide

Author BGMC

December 22, 2023

Group decision-making can be a challenging process. With multiple opinions, perspectives, and ideas, navigating through the noise and reaching a consensus can be difficult. However, a powerful technique can help streamline this process and lead to more effective group decision-making: Nominal Group Technique (NGT) . In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of the NGT and show you how to master this technique for facilitating productive and efficient group discussions. From understanding the principles and steps involved in the NGT to implementing it in various scenarios and overcoming common challenges, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to harness the full potential of the Nominal Group Technique.

Understanding the Nominal Group Technique

Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a systematic approach for facilitating group brainstorming . It is a structured and collaborative method to generate and prioritize ideas to reach a fair consensus. Understanding the NGT is essential for anyone looking to improve their facilitation skills and enhance group dynamics. It begins with individual idea generation, followed by round-robin sharing to collect and display all ideas. A discussion phase helps clarify and expand upon these ideas without judgment. Participants then vote or rank the ideas, and the results are tallied to create a prioritized list. NGT fosters equal participation and ensures that group decisions are made fairly and transparently.

Nominal Group Technique Steps

The Nominal Group Technique steps are as follows:

Step 1: Define the Problem

Begin by clearly stating the problem, question, or issue that is the subject of the brainstorming . Ensure that all participants understand the problem statement.

Step 2: Silent Idea Generation

Each team member silently thinks of solutions or ideas related to the problem and writes down as many as possible within a set time frame (typically 5 to 10 minutes). This individual brainstorming phase encourages unbiased thinking.

Step 3: Round-Robin Sharing

In this step, each participant takes turns stating one idea out loud. The facilitator records each idea on a flipchart or similar medium. No discussion or questions for clarification are allowed during this phase.

Step 4: Discussion

After all ideas have been shared, the group engages in a discussion. The goal is to clarify the ideas, provide context, explain logic or analysis, raise and answer questions, and state agreement or disagreement. Ideas may be combined into categories or reworded, but only with the agreement of the idea’s originator. Ideas can be removed from the list by unanimous agreement or when duplicates are identified.

Step 5: Prioritization

The group prioritizes the recorded ideas about the original question. This can be done using techniques like multivoting or list reduction. The solution with the highest total ranking is typically selected as the final decision. Other variations may involve estimating the work required to implement each solution by assigning it a point value, where higher points indicate more work involved.

For example, Table 1 lists potential user requirements for a fitness app system. Three team members have allocated points to each user requirement based on the estimated effort required.

Benefits of Nominal Group Technique

• Ensures equal participation and balances dominant voices in a group.
• Facilitates structured decision-making and systematic idea evaluation.
• Ideal for time-efficient, informed decision-making in constrained scenarios.
• Aids in rapid generation and prioritization of numerous ideas.

Applications of Nominal Group Technique

• Assists in strategic decision-making and project prioritization in businesses and organizations.
• Utilized by healthcare professionals for patient care planning and quality improvement.
• Engages students in brainstorming for class projects and curriculum development in education.
• Supports community urban planning and resource allocation decisions.
• Helps cross-functional teams in product development to choose features and set priorities.
• Facilitates environmental assessments by gathering diverse stakeholder input.
• Used in government and public policy to incorporate expert and citizen feedback for informed decisions.
• Aids researchers in collaborative problem-solving and setting research priorities.
• Central to identifying issues and proposing solutions in various industries for quality improvement.
• Mediates conflicts within groups, promoting open communication and finding mutually acceptable solutions.

Difference between Nominal Group Technique and Brainstorming

When comparing the Nominal Group Technique with brainstorming, both methods aim to generate ideas but need to be more diverse in their approach and organization. In the Nominal Group Technique (NGT), a group actively engages in anonymously generating ideas, which they compile and collectively vote on for prioritization.

In brainstorming, the group spontaneously and openly generates ideas, collectively discussing and refining them together. While Nominal Group Technique can efficiently produce numerous ideas, brainstorming may excel in fostering creative and unexpected solutions.

Challenges in using Nominal Group Technique

Challenges in using the Nominal Group Technique include ensuring equal participation, managing time constraints, maintaining structure, and overcoming resistance. To address these challenges, create an inclusive environment, set time limits, establish clear guidelines, and explain the benefits of NGT to overcome skepticism.

In conclusion, the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) stands as a valuable tool for structured and collaborative group decision-making. It ensures that all participants have an equal opportunity to contribute, promotes efficient idea generation, and facilitates the prioritization of solutions. NGT’s versatility makes it applicable across a wide range of fields, from business and healthcare to education and environmental assessments. While challenges such as equal participation and time constraints may arise, these can be effectively addressed with clear guidelines and a supportive environment. Ultimately, NGT empowers groups to harness their collective wisdom, foster innovation, and make informed decisions that drive progress and success in various endeavors.

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Nominal Group Technique: Definition, Benefits, and Implementation

Discover the power of the nominal group technique (ngt) for effective group decision-making. learn its definition, benefits, implementation steps, and best practices to enhance team collaboration and productivity., short on time get instant insights with an ai summary of this post., introduction.

In today's fast-paced business environment, effective group decision-making is crucial for organizational success. Enter the Nominal Group Technique (NGT), a powerful method that revolutionizes how teams collaborate and make decisions. This structured approach to problem-solving and idea generation has gained traction among forward-thinking companies looking to boost productivity and foster inclusivity in their decision-making processes.

What is the Nominal Group Technique?

The Nominal Group Technique is a structured brainstorming and decision-making method that combines individual idea generation with group discussion and voting. Developed by Andre Delbecq and Andrew Van de Ven in the 1970s, NGT aims to balance participation among group members, prevent dominant personalities from overshadowing others, and produce high-quality ideas and solutions.

Why NGT Matters in Group Decision-Making

In traditional group settings, decision-making can often be influenced by various factors that hinder productivity and creativity:

• Dominant personalities may overshadow quieter team members
• Groupthink can lead to premature consensus
• Fear of judgment may prevent some individuals from sharing their ideas

NGT addresses these challenges by providing a structured framework that ensures equal participation and reduces the impact of social pressures. By incorporating both individual and group processes, NGT harnesses the collective wisdom of the team while minimizing the drawbacks often associated with group dynamics.

Enhancing Productivity and Inclusivity

The Nominal Group Technique offers several benefits that contribute to improved team productivity and inclusivity:

Equal participation : NGT ensures that every team member has an opportunity to contribute their ideas, regardless of their position or personality type.

Idea quantity and quality : The individual ideation phase encourages participants to generate a large number of ideas, while the group discussion phase helps refine and improve upon these initial concepts.

Efficient use of time : The structured nature of NGT keeps meetings focused and productive, preventing discussions from going off-track.

Reduced conflict : By separating idea generation from evaluation, NGT minimizes personal attacks and defensiveness that can arise in traditional brainstorming sessions.

Better buy-in : When team members feel their voices are heard and valued, they're more likely to support the final decision, leading to smoother implementation.

For teams looking to streamline their decision-making processes and maximize the potential of every team member, tools like Innerview can be invaluable. Innerview's suite of features, including automatic transcription and AI-powered analysis, can help capture and distill insights from NGT sessions, ensuring that no valuable idea is lost in the process.

By implementing the Nominal Group Technique and leveraging modern collaboration tools, organizations can create a more inclusive, productive, and innovative decision-making environment. This approach not only leads to better outcomes but also fosters a culture of respect and collaboration that can drive long-term success.

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Understanding the Nominal Group Technique

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a powerful approach to group decision-making that combines individual creativity with collective wisdom. Unlike traditional brainstorming methods, NGT provides a structured framework that ensures equal participation and minimizes the influence of dominant personalities. Let's dive into the key aspects of this innovative technique and explore how it can transform your team's problem-solving process.

Detailed Explanation of NGT

At its core, the Nominal Group Technique is a four-step process designed to generate and evaluate ideas efficiently:

• Silent Generation : Participants individually write down their ideas without discussion.
• Round-Robin Recording : Each person shares one idea at a time, which is recorded for the group to see.
• Clarification : The group discusses each idea to ensure understanding and eliminate duplicates.
• Voting and Ranking : Participants privately rank the ideas, and the collective results determine the final priorities.

This structured approach allows for both independent thinking and collaborative refinement, resulting in a comprehensive list of well-vetted ideas.

Key Characteristics of NGT

The Nominal Group Technique stands out due to several unique features:

Balanced Participation : By giving each member equal opportunity to contribute, NGT prevents the monopolization of discussions by more vocal team members.

Reduced Social Pressure : The initial silent generation phase allows individuals to brainstorm without fear of immediate judgment or criticism.

Idea Quantity and Quality : NGT encourages a high volume of ideas while also providing a mechanism for quality control through group discussion and voting.

Structured Decision-Making : The step-by-step process keeps meetings focused and productive, leading to clear outcomes.

Anonymity in Voting : Private ranking of ideas helps prevent groupthink and ensures honest evaluations.

Comparison with Traditional Brainstorming Methods

While traditional brainstorming can be effective, NGT offers several advantages:

Idea Generation :

• Traditional: Often dominated by vocal participants, leading to fewer ideas from quieter members.
• NGT: Ensures equal contribution from all participants, resulting in a more diverse range of ideas.

Idea Evaluation :

• Traditional: Ideas are often evaluated as they're presented, which can stifle creativity.
• NGT: Separates idea generation from evaluation, allowing for unbiased consideration of all contributions.

Group Dynamics :

• Traditional: Can be influenced by hierarchies or strong personalities within the team.
• NGT: Minimizes these influences through structured participation and anonymous voting.

Focus and Efficiency :

• Traditional: Discussions can easily go off-track or become time-consuming.
• NGT: Provides a clear structure that keeps the process focused and time-efficient.

Outcome Quality :

• Traditional: May lead to groupthink or premature consensus.
• NGT: Combines individual perspectives with group wisdom, often resulting in higher-quality decisions.

By leveraging the strengths of NGT, teams can overcome common pitfalls associated with group decision-making and achieve more innovative and inclusive outcomes. Tools like Innerview can further enhance this process by providing features such as automatic transcription and AI-powered analysis, ensuring that every valuable idea is captured and can be easily referenced during the clarification and voting phases.

Implementing the Nominal Group Technique, especially when combined with modern collaboration tools, can significantly improve your team's ability to generate creative solutions, make informed decisions, and foster a more inclusive and productive work environment.

Benefits of Using the Nominal Group Technique

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) offers a wealth of advantages that make it a go-to method for effective group decision-making. Let's explore the key benefits that set NGT apart from traditional brainstorming approaches.

Fostering Inclusive Participation

One of the standout benefits of NGT is its ability to encourage participation from all team members. In traditional meetings, it's common for a few vocal individuals to dominate the conversation, leaving quieter members feeling sidelined. NGT levels the playing field by:

• Providing a structured format where everyone contributes ideas
• Allowing time for individual reflection before sharing
• Ensuring each person's ideas are recorded and considered

This inclusive approach taps into the collective intelligence of the entire team, leading to a richer pool of ideas and solutions.

Embracing Diverse Perspectives

NGT excels at promoting diverse perspectives within a group. By giving each team member an equal voice, it:

• Brings forward unique insights that might otherwise be overlooked
• Challenges assumptions and groupthink
• Encourages cross-pollination of ideas from different backgrounds and expertise

This diversity of thought often leads to more innovative and comprehensive solutions to complex problems.

Boosting Decision-Making Efficiency

In the world of business, time is money. NGT significantly increases productivity in decision-making by:

• Providing a clear, step-by-step process that keeps discussions on track
• Separating idea generation from evaluation, reducing premature criticism
• Using a voting system to quickly prioritize ideas

Teams using NGT often find they can reach consensus faster and with less conflict than through traditional methods.

Neutralizing Dominant Personalities

Every team has its share of strong personalities that can inadvertently steer conversations. NGT minimizes the influence of dominant individuals by:

• Allowing for silent, individual idea generation
• Implementing a round-robin sharing system
• Using anonymous voting to evaluate ideas

This approach ensures that the merit of ideas takes precedence over the charisma or status of the person presenting them.

Facilitating Structured Problem-Solving

NGT provides a framework for tackling complex issues systematically. Its structured approach:

• Breaks down the problem-solving process into manageable steps
• Encourages thorough exploration of the issue before jumping to solutions
• Helps teams avoid common pitfalls like premature convergence on ideas

By following this structured method, teams can address challenges more comprehensively and arrive at well-thought-out solutions.

To maximize the benefits of NGT, teams can leverage modern tools designed to enhance collaborative decision-making. For instance, Innerview offers features like automatic transcription and AI-powered analysis, which can capture and distill insights from NGT sessions. This ensures that every valuable idea is recorded and can be easily referenced during the clarification and voting phases, further streamlining the process.

By harnessing the power of NGT and combining it with innovative collaboration tools, teams can transform their decision-making processes. The result? More inclusive, productive, and effective group dynamics that lead to better outcomes and a stronger sense of team cohesion.

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When to Use the Nominal Group Technique

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a versatile tool that can be applied in various scenarios to enhance group decision-making. Understanding when to use this method can significantly improve your team's productivity and problem-solving capabilities. Let's explore the key situations where NGT shines:

Complex Problem-Solving Scenarios

When faced with intricate challenges that require diverse perspectives, NGT proves invaluable. It's particularly effective for:

• Strategic planning sessions
• Product development brainstorming
• Organizational restructuring discussions

In these complex scenarios, NGT helps break down the problem into manageable parts, allowing teams to tackle each aspect systematically. By encouraging individual ideation followed by group discussion, NGT ensures that all angles of the problem are considered, leading to more comprehensive solutions.

Situations Requiring Equal Input from All Team Members

NGT excels in environments where it's crucial to hear from every team member, regardless of their position or personality type. This makes it ideal for:

• Cross-functional team meetings
• Diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Gathering feedback on company-wide policies

By providing a structured format that gives each participant equal opportunity to contribute, NGT helps uncover insights that might otherwise remain hidden. This is especially useful when dealing with teams that have a mix of introverts and extroverts, or when there's a significant power imbalance among participants.

Controversial Topics or Potential Conflicts

When addressing sensitive issues or topics that might lead to heated debates, NGT offers a diplomatic approach. It's particularly useful for:

• Resolving team conflicts
• Discussing budget allocations
• Addressing workplace culture issues

The technique's structured process helps diffuse tension by separating idea generation from evaluation. This allows participants to express their thoughts without immediate criticism, reducing the likelihood of personal attacks and fostering a more constructive dialogue.

Need for Quick Idea Generation and Prioritization

In fast-paced environments where time is of the essence, NGT provides an efficient framework for both generating and prioritizing ideas. It's excellent for:

• Rapid prototyping sessions
• Crisis management meetings
• Time-sensitive decision-making

The technique's step-by-step approach ensures that teams can quickly move from ideation to action. The voting and ranking phase is particularly useful for swiftly identifying the most promising ideas, allowing teams to focus their efforts on high-impact solutions.

Integrating New Team Members

When onboarding new employees or merging teams, NGT can be a powerful tool for integration. It's beneficial for:

• Team-building exercises
• Aligning on project goals and objectives
• Establishing new team norms and processes

By providing a structured environment where everyone's input is valued, NGT helps new team members feel included from the start. It also allows existing team members to gain fresh perspectives from their new colleagues, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect.

To maximize the effectiveness of NGT in these scenarios, consider using modern collaboration tools. For instance, Innerview offers features like automatic transcription and AI-powered analysis, which can capture and distill insights from NGT sessions. This ensures that every valuable idea is recorded and can be easily referenced, making the process even more efficient and impactful.

By recognizing these key situations where NGT can be applied, teams can leverage this powerful technique to enhance their decision-making processes, foster inclusivity, and drive innovation. Whether you're tackling complex problems, navigating sensitive topics, or simply looking to boost team productivity, the Nominal Group Technique offers a structured and effective approach to collaborative problem-solving.

The Nominal Group Technique Process

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a structured approach to group decision-making that follows a specific set of steps. By understanding and implementing this process, teams can harness the full potential of NGT to drive effective collaboration and problem-solving. Let's dive into each step of the NGT process:

Step 1: Stating the Group's Objective

The foundation of a successful NGT session is a clear, well-defined objective. This initial step involves:

• Clearly articulating the problem or question at hand
• Ensuring all participants understand the goal of the session
• Setting boundaries and constraints for the discussion

For example, instead of a vague objective like "improve our product," a more specific goal might be "identify three key features to add to our software in the next quarter to increase user engagement."

Step 2: Silent Individual Brainstorming

Once the objective is set, participants engage in silent, individual ideation:

• Each member writes down their ideas without discussion
• Time limit is typically set (e.g., 10-15 minutes)
• Encourages independent thinking and prevents groupthink

This step allows introverts and those who need time to process information to contribute fully, ensuring a diverse range of ideas.

Step 3: Round-Robin Sharing of Ideas

After individual brainstorming, ideas are shared with the group:

• Each participant shares one idea at a time
• Ideas are recorded on a shared board or document
• Process continues until all ideas are exhausted

This structured sharing ensures that every voice is heard and all ideas are given equal consideration.

Step 4: Group Discussion and Clarification

With all ideas on the table, the group engages in a discussion to:

• Clarify any ambiguous ideas
• Combine similar concepts
• Eliminate duplicates
• Expand on promising suggestions

This step fosters a deeper understanding of each idea and allows for collaborative refinement.

Step 5: Voting and Prioritization

The group then votes to prioritize the ideas:

• Each member ranks or rates the ideas independently
• Voting can be done through various methods (e.g., point allocation, ranking)
• Results are tallied to create a prioritized list

This step helps identify the most promising ideas as perceived by the group collectively.

Step 6: Reaching Consensus

The final step involves discussing the voting results and reaching a consensus:

• Review the top-ranked ideas
• Discuss any significant discrepancies in voting
• Agree on the final selection or course of action

This step ensures that the group aligns on the chosen solution and increases buy-in for implementation.

To enhance the NGT process, teams can leverage modern tools designed for collaborative decision-making. For instance, Innerview offers features like automatic transcription and AI-powered analysis, which can be particularly useful during the discussion and clarification phases. These tools can help capture and organize ideas more efficiently, allowing teams to focus on the creative and analytical aspects of the process.

By following these steps and utilizing appropriate technology, teams can maximize the benefits of the Nominal Group Technique, leading to more inclusive, efficient, and effective decision-making processes.

Potential Challenges of the Nominal Group Technique

While the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) offers numerous benefits for group decision-making, it's essential to be aware of its potential challenges. Understanding these limitations can help teams prepare for and mitigate any issues that may arise during the NGT process.

Time-consuming nature of the process

One of the primary drawbacks of NGT is the amount of time it requires. The structured approach, while beneficial for ensuring equal participation, can be lengthy:

• Each step of the process needs adequate time for completion
• Silent brainstorming, idea sharing, and discussion phases can extend meeting duration
• Voting and prioritization may require multiple rounds

For teams working under tight deadlines or in fast-paced environments, the time investment of NGT might be a significant consideration. However, the quality of decisions made often justifies the time spent.

Limited spontaneous interaction

NGT's structured format, while promoting equal participation, can sometimes hinder spontaneous creativity:

• The silent brainstorming phase limits immediate bouncing of ideas off others
• The round-robin sharing might feel rigid to some participants
• Some team members may find it challenging to build on others' ideas without immediate discussion

To address this, teams can consider incorporating brief, controlled discussion periods between phases to allow for some spontaneous interaction without derailing the process.

Importance of skilled facilitation

The success of an NGT session heavily relies on effective facilitation:

• Facilitators must keep the group focused and on track
• They need to manage time effectively for each phase
• Skilled moderators are crucial for the clarification and discussion stages

Without proper facilitation, the process can become disorganized or dominated by stronger personalities, defeating the purpose of NGT. Investing in facilitation training or using experienced moderators can significantly enhance the effectiveness of NGT sessions.

Best suited for single-topic meetings

NGT works best when focused on a single, well-defined problem or question:

• Multiple topics can lead to confusion and loss of focus
• Complex, multi-faceted issues might be challenging to address in a single NGT session
• The technique may not be suitable for broad, open-ended discussions

For meetings with multiple agenda items, it might be more effective to use NGT for specific decision points rather than the entire meeting.

Potential lack of full resolution

While NGT is excellent for generating and prioritizing ideas, it may not always lead to a complete resolution:

• The voting process identifies preferred options but doesn't guarantee consensus
• Some participants might feel their ideas weren't fully explored
• Complex issues might require further discussion or analysis beyond the NGT session

To address this, teams can use NGT as part of a larger decision-making process, combining it with other techniques for a more comprehensive approach.

Optimal group size considerations

The effectiveness of NGT can vary depending on the size of the group:

• Too small a group (less than 5-6 people) might limit the diversity of ideas
• Large groups (more than 12-15 people) can make the process unwieldy and time-consuming
• Finding the right balance is crucial for maximizing participation and efficiency

For larger teams, consider breaking into smaller subgroups for initial idea generation and then reconvening for discussion and voting.

To navigate these challenges effectively, teams can leverage modern collaboration tools. For instance, Innerview's AI-powered analysis can help quickly synthesize ideas generated during NGT sessions, potentially reducing the time needed for clarification and discussion phases. By combining the structured approach of NGT with innovative technology, teams can mitigate some of these challenges while still reaping the benefits of this powerful decision-making technique.

Tips for Implementing the Nominal Group Technique Effectively

Implementing the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) effectively requires careful planning and execution. By following these tips, you can maximize the benefits of this powerful decision-making tool and ensure your team gets the most out of each session.

Defining Clear Objectives

Before diving into an NGT session, it's crucial to establish a well-defined objective. This sets the tone for the entire process and helps keep participants focused. To define clear objectives:

• Be specific about what you want to achieve
• Use actionable language
• Ensure the objective is measurable
• Set a realistic timeframe

For example, instead of a vague goal like "improve customer satisfaction," opt for something more specific such as "identify five actionable strategies to reduce customer support response times by 30% within the next quarter."

Preparing Participants in Advance

To get the most out of your NGT session, it's essential to prepare your team beforehand. This preparation can significantly enhance the quality of contributions and the overall efficiency of the process. Consider these steps:

• Send out a brief explaining the NGT process and its benefits
• Provide background information on the topic to be discussed
• Encourage participants to come prepared with initial thoughts
• Set expectations for participation and time commitment

By giving your team time to reflect on the topic before the session, you'll likely see a broader range of ideas and more thoughtful contributions.

Creating a Comfortable Environment

The physical (or virtual) space where you conduct your NGT session can have a significant impact on its success. A comfortable environment promotes creativity and open communication. Here's how to create an ideal setting:

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space free from distractions
• Ensure adequate seating and writing surfaces for all participants
• Provide refreshments to keep energy levels up
• For virtual sessions, use a reliable platform with breakout room capabilities

Remember, the goal is to create an atmosphere where all participants feel at ease sharing their ideas.

Using Visual Aids

Visual aids can greatly enhance the NGT process by making ideas more tangible and easier to understand. Consider incorporating:

• Whiteboards or digital boards for idea recording
• Sticky notes for individual idea generation
• Charts or graphs to visualize voting results
• Mind maps to show relationships between ideas

Tools like Innerview can be particularly useful here, offering features like automatic transcription and AI-powered analysis to help capture and organize ideas more efficiently.

Facilitating Impartially

The role of the facilitator is crucial in an NGT session. An effective facilitator ensures that the process runs smoothly and that all voices are heard equally. To facilitate impartially:

• Remain neutral and avoid favoring certain ideas or participants
• Encourage equal participation from all team members
• Keep discussions on track and time-bound
• Clarify ideas without judgment or criticism
• Manage any conflicts that arise professionally

Remember, your role is to guide the process, not to influence the outcome.

Employing Anonymous Idea Generation Tools

One of the strengths of NGT is its ability to reduce social pressures and biases. To further enhance this benefit, consider using anonymous idea generation tools. These can include:

• Online polling software
• Anonymous suggestion boxes (physical or digital)
• Blind voting systems

By allowing participants to share ideas anonymously, you can encourage more honest and diverse contributions, especially when dealing with sensitive topics.

Following Up on Decisions and Action Plans

The work doesn't end when the NGT session concludes. To ensure that the ideas generated translate into real action:

• Document all ideas and decisions clearly
• Assign responsibilities for follow-up tasks
• Set deadlines for action items
• Schedule check-ins to track progress
• Share the outcomes with all participants

By implementing a robust follow-up process, you demonstrate the value of the NGT session and maintain momentum towards achieving your objectives.

Implementing these tips can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your Nominal Group Technique sessions. Remember, practice makes perfect – the more you use NGT, the more adept your team will become at leveraging its benefits. With time, you'll find that this structured approach not only leads to better decisions but also fosters a more collaborative and inclusive team culture.

Discover more insights in: Strategic Management: A Comprehensive Guide to Driving Business Success

As we wrap up our exploration of the Nominal Group Technique (NGT), it's clear that this method has the power to transform how teams make decisions and solve problems. Let's recap the key points and consider why NGT is becoming increasingly vital in today's collaborative work environments.

Recap of NGT's Key Benefits and Applications

• Promotes inclusive participation, ensuring every team member's voice is heard
• Provides a structured approach to problem-solving, keeping discussions focused
• Balances idea generation with critical evaluation
• Minimizes social pressures and groupthink
• Facilitates efficient decision-making through structured voting

NGT's Importance in Modern Organizational Decision-Making

In today's complex business landscape, NGT offers several advantages:

• Helps navigate multifaceted challenges by tapping into diverse perspectives
• Drives innovation by generating and systematically evaluating ideas
• Supports diversity and inclusion initiatives by valuing all voices equally
• Adapts well to remote and hybrid work models, maintaining team productivity

Encouragement to Try NGT for Enhanced Team Collaboration

We strongly encourage teams to give NGT a shot. Here are some tips to get started:

• Begin with a specific, well-defined problem in your next team meeting
• Ensure all participants understand the process and come prepared
• Consider using digital tools to enhance the NGT process, especially for remote teams
• Gather feedback after your first session and refine your approach
• Look for opportunities to integrate NGT into your regular decision-making workflows

By embracing NGT, teams can unlock their collective potential, make better decisions, and foster a more inclusive and innovative culture. So why not give it a try? The results might just revolutionize how your team collaborates and solves problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main advantage of the Nominal Group Technique? The main advantage is its ability to ensure equal participation from all team members, leading to a diverse range of ideas and reducing the influence of dominant personalities.

How long does a typical NGT session take? A typical NGT session can last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the issue and the size of the group.

Can NGT be used in virtual meetings? Yes, NGT can be effectively adapted for virtual meetings using online collaboration tools for idea sharing and voting.

How many participants are ideal for an NGT session? The ideal group size for NGT is typically between 5 to 12 participants. Larger groups can be divided into smaller subgroups if necessary.

Is NGT suitable for all types of decision-making? While NGT is versatile, it's most effective for problems that require creative solutions or when diverse input is crucial. It may not be ideal for simple, routine decisions.

How does NGT differ from traditional brainstorming? NGT provides a more structured approach than traditional brainstorming, with distinct phases for individual idea generation, sharing, discussion, and voting.

Can NGT be combined with other decision-making techniques? Yes, NGT can be combined with other techniques like SWOT analysis or mind mapping for a more comprehensive approach to problem-solving.

How often should teams use NGT? The frequency depends on the team's needs, but it can be used regularly for important decisions or problem-solving sessions, perhaps monthly or quarterly.

What role does the facilitator play in NGT? The facilitator guides the process, ensures equal participation, manages time, and helps clarify ideas without influencing the outcome.

How can teams measure the success of their NGT sessions? Success can be measured by the quality and diversity of ideas generated, the level of participant engagement, and the effectiveness of the decisions made as a result of the session.

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Nominal Group Technique Explained with Examples

Editorial Team

Do you ever look at your list of ideas and wish there was a way to pick the best one? There is, and it’s called the nominal group technique (NGT). NGTs divide respondents into small groups and ask each which option they prefer in a series. From this collective judgement, it’s possible to work out which option is most preferred before individual opinions are known.

Nominal group techniques can be a very useful way of improving concepts, increasing innovation and providing other benefits. They can also be seen as training wheels for managing innovation. They are particularly useful when your groups are homogeneous.

What is Nominal Group Technique

Nominal group technique refers to an organized method in which a group uses to listen to each member’s views and ensure swift agreement on crucial issues, challenges, or solutions. The team members usually note down their opinions and settle on the idea that best fits the problem.

Each team member has enough time to write their ideas, and once everyone is ready, the team leader gives them the chance to share their best ideas. The group members air out their views and settle on the one they value using a point system.

Who Should Use the Nominal Group Technique?

Nominal group technique is appropriate for:

• Group members who tend to be more vocal than the other
• Group members who value silence
• Group members who fail to participate in decision making
• Groups which don’t come up with quality ideas
• A team in which new members have joined them
• Team members who have conflict in the decision-making process

Steps to Conduct Nominal Group Technique

To facilitate a nominal group technique, each group member must have a pen, flipchart, tape, pencil, and marking pens. Below are the crucial steps to perform a nominal group technique:

• The Group leader highlights the issue, question, or challenge in question and ensures everyone is familiar with it.
• Each group member has quality time to silently ponder the ideas and solutions that pop in their minds while thinking of the problem. They then are allocated 5 to 10 mins to write down their thoughts.
• All discussions are forbidden.
• The proposed ideas aren’t supposed to come from the group members’ written lists. A lot of ideas don’t appear on the original plan as time passes.
• Members are allowed to skip their allocated turns and may give their thoughts on a subsequent turn.
• The discussion continues until all members agree on the ideas mentioned or reach the time they had allocated for the debate.
• The member engages in a discussion over each member’s idea. During this process, they may alter a member’s opinion upon approval from the member. Only repeated statements are left out. The members may group ideas into categories, and the discussion solves and clearly outline the analysis or logistics. It also solves disagreements and answers members’ questions.

An example is the nominal group technique a travel agency system. Below are the results from the three team members who assigned user requirements based on the estimated work involved.

Advantages of Nominal Group Technique

• Diversity in opinions

A team comprises many members, and each member has their views and opinions regarding the issue in discussion. Every person’s idea may be unique and add impact to an organization compared to individual decision making. The statements offer more effective alternatives that result in successful decisions.

• Participation and interests of members

Nominal group technique encourages each member to participate in decision making, and each idea is appreciated. Active participation may make the members more interested and dedicate all their efforts to giving ideas that would add value to their company.

• Positive and understanding members

All members have to be familiar with and understand the matter at hand because their decisions will be highly accountable and benefit the group. Appreciation of each member’s ideas motivates the group members to give quality decisions that facilitate the success of an organization.

• The collective contribution of ideas

The nominal group technique removes the concept of monopoly in decision-making. Collective decision-making works in favor of all group members compared to individual decision-making, which may only work in an individual’s favor.

• Team building

Every member’s decision is valued. The involvement motivates all the group members to actively participate in decision-making, elevating their morale and creating coordinative and healthy relationships. Participation helps the members to acquire skills in the decision-making process, which adds value to the group and the group members.

• Democratic decision making

The nominal group technique allows each member to air their views on the situation at hand. The freedom of expression builds trusts between the members since they have the privilege to express their opinions and removes disagreements and conflicts between group members, hence the organization’s success.

• Plentiful information

Every member may have a different view on the solution of a problem. The ideas create excellent information for the group and help the members think according to each concept and develop the solution. Thus, easy decision-making compared to individual decision-making, where one may have limited views.

• Expert opinions

Every member usually has a unique opinion concerning the matter in discussion. Some ideas may be similar, and the group members may combine them and develop an expert opinion that may solve their problem. Some members may also have excellent ideas since they may be experts in the area in question.

• Voting System

All the member’s ideas are voted upon to decide on the decision that favors all the group members. The concept which gets more vote is given priority and becomes the final decision. Voting helps to reduce biasness in the organization and ensures every member is comfortable with the decision made.

Disadvantages of Nominal Group Technique

• Consumption of time

The larger the size of the group, the larger the time consumed in decision-making. Every member’s opinion accounts and some members may have a wide range of ideas, which may consume a lot of time in trying to vote for the best idea.

• Different ideas and opinions  

In nominal group technique, each member comes up with the idea that favors their interest. The decisions cause conflicts among the members, which is unhealthy. Which, in turn, reduces the efficiency and quality in deciding which decision the group should adopt.

• Social pressure

Some team members may choose to remain silent during the decision-making process due to the environment’s pressure. Social anxiety may significantly affect a group member’s mindset. After that, change in their behavior which may affects the decision-making process.

• Giving some ideas more priority over the others

Group members may emphasize specific ideas and not develop other statements, which may even be more beneficial. The preference restricts the members’ choices and makes them stick to the few ideas that may not significantly impact the company.

• Uncertainty in the risk-bearing factor

The risk-bearing factor will always come up when the decision-making process involves the group as a whole. The group may tend to settle towards more risk or less risk in favor of the group. The moment they decide for higher risk; they tend to get greater rewards after fulfilling all the objectives. However, the group members need to take certain risks to ensure the success of the organization.

• Preceding some important decisions

During the decision-making process, the group members may give some decisions higher priority over the others. After that, put more effort into the high priority decisions and forego the low priority decision. In this process, they may end up forgetting important choices which are of more value.

• Rushed decision making

Group members may hurriedly make decisions in a situation where the decision is needed very fast. The rush may lead them to make poor decisions that may incur consequences in the future. The effects may be fatal that can result in destroying the organization.

• The leader denies responsibility .

The group members usually appoint leaders who they think are responsible enough to handle the group members. In a scenario where a decision is needed urgently, the group leader may appoint some committee members to provide help without discussing it with the members. The findings may result in consequences that may affect all the group members as a whole.

• Overuse of authority

The nominal group technique mainly involves considering all the group members’ ideas to ensure unity and achieve the group’s goals. However, some members may misuse the authority and rule over the group with their opinions. Misuse of power may cause some members to keep their distance from the group decision-making process, thus demeaning the group’s concept.

• Highly expensive

All the team members have to gather in one place and contribute effectively to the discussion. The process involves using money, energy, and time which can be expensive, especially when the decision-making process takes place within a short period.

Examples of Nominal Group Technique

A director in charge of project management, trying to improve their organization’s performance, meets with all the staff members and states the meeting’s agenda to ensure all the members understand what they must do to achieve their objectives.

They all agree on a problem statement of ‘Which methods to put in place to ensure their organization’s success.’ The director then gives all the members six cards each to write on their best ideas that offer a solution to the problem. Each view on each card and gives them one day to come up with their ideas.

In the next meeting, the director had written the problem statement from the previous discussion on a blackboard. He then confirms that everyone had reported the problem solution on their cards. He illustrated the technique he was going to imply and answered the questions posed by the members.

He took all the cards from the members, shuffled them, then reread them out one after the other, ensuring everyone understood what was on each card. He helped rewrite some statements and put them down on the flipchart, writing a capital letter against each one.

The team members had the opportunity to add new ideas to the cards. They then voted with five votes each, ranging from five points down to one end. They put down the name of an excellent idea on ballot slips that had the point values printed on them. They handed them to the director, who summed them up and noted the final score against the right ideas.

Six ideas emerged with high scores. However, none of the ideas scored more than the others. They had to conduct a second ballot to separate this group. And the second round, one thought came to the top, which they settled on as the final idea.

The nominal group technique’s primary purpose is to ensure every member participates in the decision-making process. Small groups can apply the nominal group technique to establish the consensus on identifying main problems in developing solutions that they can test by use of rapid change cycles.

The nominal group technique is a very reliable tool as it provides all the group members with an equal opportunity to express their ideas. Thus, it stimulates excellent performance of the organization and healthy relationships between the members.

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Nominal Group Technique: Unlocking Team Solutions

In today’s fast-paced business environment, the significance of effective team solutions in a collaborative setting cannot be overstated. With the necessity for swift decision-making and innovative problem resolution, harnessing the collective intelligence of a group has become paramount. An increasingly popular methodology for drawing out group wisdom is the Nominal Group Technique (NGT), which stands alone as a powerful tool amongst an array of team collaboration techniques .

This article will elucidate the role of NGT in fostering robust group decisions and buttressing the problem-solving techniques that are crucial for any team’s success. For professionals and teams eager to refine their collaborative capabilities, understanding and applying NGT can be an advancement akin to completing a problem solving skills course or an online MBA course .

Understanding the Nominal Group Technique

Definition and origins of ngt as a productivity tool.

The Nominal Group Technique is a structured methodology originated in the 1960s by Andre Delbecq and Andrew H. Van de Ven, principally to ameliorate the effectiveness of group decision-making processes. It is predicated on the belief that individuals working together in a methodical manner can outperform the sum of their solitary problem-solving efforts.

NGT serves as a productivity tool by minimizing the common problems in group activities, such as the suppression of ideas and the unequal participation among members.

Comparison with Other Team Collaboration Techniques

While there are myriad techniques for team collaboration, NGT stands out due to its unique blend of individual and group activities. Unlike open discussions, where the loudest or most dominant voices may prevail, or brainstorming sessions that can suffer from a lack of focus, NGT provides a democratic platform ensuring each member’s voice is heard and respected.

The Mechanics of NGT: Steps and Procedures

The success of NGT lies in its structured approach which encompasses several key steps:

Silent Generation of Ideas : Team members individually jot down their ideas in silence, which serves to prevent bias or influence from others.

Round-robin sharing of Ideas : Participants take turns to share their ideas one at a time, ensuring that all voices are heard without interruption.

Group Discussion for Clarification : There is an opportunity for clarification to ensure that all ideas are thoroughly understood, without critique or debate at this juncture.

Independent Voting for Idea Ranking : Finally, each member independently votes on the ideas, typically ranking them, to objectively determine the group's preferences.

Advantages of Implementing NGT in Problem Solving

Inclusivity within the team and equal participation.

NGT is highly inclusive, ensuring that each team member has an equal opportunity to contribute. This can be particularly valuable in diverse teams, where members vary in their level of outspokenness or in cultural backgrounds that might otherwise influence participation.

Reduction of Dominant Personality Influence

One of the most salient benefits of NGT is its ability to dilute the sway of dominant personalities. By allowing all members to contribute without fear of immediate judgment, the technique promotes a broad range of ideas and democratizes the problem-solving process.

Encouragement of Idea Diversity and Creativity

NGT encourages creativity through its initial individual ideation phase, allowing for a varied set of solutions that might not surface in a typical group setting. This diversity in ideas can lead to novel solutions and an amplification of the team’s creative potential.

Real-World Applications of NGT

Case studies illustrating the use of ngt in various industries.

NGT has been successfully implemented in an array of contexts from healthcare for enhancing patient care processes to engineering for brainstorming design solutions. Each case study reinforces NGT's adaptability and effectiveness across different sectors.

NGT’s Role in Strategic Planning and Product Development

Especially in strategic planning and product development, NGT has proven to be invaluable. It helps align team members toward a common goal, ensuring that the final decisions are reflective of collective wisdom and insights.

Examples of NGT Resolving Team Conflicts

Conflicts often arise from misunderstandings or the clash of ideas in team settings. NGT, through its structured and equalizing framework, allows for the diffusion of conflicts by ensuring each member’s perspective is understood and considered systematically.

Best Practices for Facilitating an NGT Session

Preparing for an ngt session: setting objectives and choosing participants.

Planning is crucial for a successful NGT session. Clearly defined objectives must be set, and a representative cross-section of participants needs to be chosen to garner diverse perspectives.

The Role of the Facilitator in Guiding the NGT Process

The facilitator's role is pivotal in steering the NGT process, from the silent idea generation to the final voting. They must be adept at maintaining the structure and flow of the session while ensuring inclusivity.

Addressing Challenges: Ensuring Effective Participation and Managing Time Constraints

Facilitators should be skilled at encouraging participation from all attendees and managing sessions efficiently to stick to time constraints. This preserves the momentum and focus necessary for productive outcomes.

Integrating NGT with Other Productivity Tools and Techniques

How ngt complements agile methodologies and design thinking.

NGT can seamlessly blend with agile methodologies and design thinking by enhancing the iterative process of idea generation and refinement. It adds structure to the open-ended realms these methodologies often operate in.

Using Technology to Facilitate NGT in Virtual Teams

In a world where virtual teams are commonplace, technology can be leveraged to conduct NGT sessions effectively through video conferencing tools and online collaboration platforms.

Linking NGT Outcomes with Project Management Tools for Execution

The outcomes of an NGT session should be translated effectively into actionable tasks, often utilizing project management tools. This ensures that the decision-making process has tangible results.

As organizations continually search for methods to unlock team solutions, the Nominal Group Technique stands as a beacon of structured, democratic, and effective decision-making. Its advantages underscore its versatility and the capacity for engendering robust group decisions and enhancing problem-solving. Incorporating NGT within team settings goes beyond a mere procedural adoption; it fosters a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and innovation. This technique, synonymous with the valuable insights gained from an online MBA course or a specialized problem solving skills course , can significantly elevate a team’s problem-solving arsenal. Therefore, teams aiming for excellence should consider the Nominal Group Technique not simply as a tool but as an essential component within their collaborative framework.

This section would list relevant academic references and resources for further reading on the Nominal Group Technique and team collaboration techniques for those wishing to delve deeper into the subject matter.

What is the fundamental principle behind the Nominal Group Technique in team solutions?

Understanding nominal group technique.

The Nominal Group Technique ( NGT ) stands as a structured method for group brainstorming that encourages contributions from everyone. It is a key tool in facilitating participation among all members, ensuring that every voice has the opportunity to surface during the decision-making process.

Principles at its Core

The fundamental principle behind NGT is democratization . It strives to provide equal footing for all participants, minimizing the dominance of any single member. NGT compels the collection of a variety of viewpoints. It therefore creates a wealth of ideas for the team to consider.

Structured Participation

NGT embodies structured interaction. Gone are haphazard discussions where extroverted personalities might overshadow quieter team members. Each individual has time to present ideas without interruption or immediate critique.

- Everyone writes down their ideas.

- Members share ideas in turn.

- The group discusses each idea separately.

Idea Generation

At the heart of NGT lies the silent generation of ideas. This quiet contemplation allows for thoughtful, unpressured thinking. Members thus produce ideas influenced purely by their own reflections, not by the dominant voices in the room.

- Ideas flow without fear of judgment.

- Creativity and innovation are paramount.

Equal Footing

Importantly, NGT seeks balance in the influence of each member. It gives introverts the same weight as extroverts in discussions. The method levels the conversational playing field. Every member feels valued and willing to contribute.

- Equal speaking time is allotted.

- Diversity of thought is encouraged.

Decision Making

NGT is also inherently democratic in its decision-making process. The team ranks ideas, typically through a secret vote, allowing for fair and unbiased selection of the best solutions.

- Ideas get ranked, not personalities.

- The most popular ideas gain consensus.

NGT stands firm on the principle of egalitarian participation. It bridges gaps between personalities in a team. Its structured nature eases the collaborative process. Teams can therefore find innovative solutions effectively.

- NGT strengthens team collaboration.

- It ensures balanced participation.

Through NGT, teams not only generate a greater number of ideas but also foster a sense of inclusion and respect that can build a stronger, more cohesive unit. It is a principle that serves a dual purpose: optimizing the generation of solutions while strengthening the team dynamic.

How does the Nominal Group Technique facilitate participative decision making?

The Nominal Group Technique, or NGT, stands tall among participatory decision-making tools. It mirrors collective intelligence in groups. This technique fosters democratic and non-confrontational discussion. It allows equal participation in decision-making processes.

NGT Structures Discussion

NGT ensures structured interaction. Each member gets time to speak. Ideas emerge without much bias. Silently, members jot down their thoughts. They share ideas round-robin style. This avoids dominance by vocal individuals.

It Enhances Idea Generation

The technique amplifies idea generation. It encourages individual thinking. Members then list their ideas. Groups converge on varied perspectives. This process increases the number of solutions available.

Facilitates Equal Participation

NGT ensures each voice has weight. Participants state their thoughts without interruption. This minimizes power imbalances. It encourages quieter members to contribute. Thus, it democratizes the decision-making process.

Aids in Clarifying Thoughts

Members clarify and expand on ideas. The group discusses the listed ideas. Everyone asks questions. Members explain and refine their points. This fosters mutual understanding.

Prioritizes Issues Effectively

The group ranks the ideas. This occurs after discussion and clarification. Members rank ideas privately. They do this to reduce peer pressure. The group then aggregates the rankings. This highlights the most favored options.

Builds Consensus

NGT naturally leads to consensus. The ranking process reveals common ground. It often uncovers shared priorities. As a result, the group moves towards agreement.

Reduces Conflict

Since the process is structured, conflicts reduce. The NGT circumvents argumentative interactions. Ground rules maintain order. The approach fosters collaborative problem-solving.

Offers Closure

The technique leads to a clear outcome. A final decision emerges from the rankings. Everyone understands the result. Members feel they participated in the decision.

In essence, the Nominal Group Technique provides a robust framework. It ensures inclusive, balanced, and methodical decision-making. Through it, groups unlock their collective potential. This process ultimately champions participative governance.

What are the main advantages and potential drawbacks of using the Nominal Group Technique in teamwork?

Advantages of the nominal group technique, enhanced participation.

Nominal Group Technique (NGT) ensures inclusion. All members contribute. This eliminates dominance by vocal individuals. Quieter members' ideas gain equal footing.

NGT excels in diverse idea generation. Participants work alone initially. This encourages independent thinking. Creative solutions often emerge.

NGT offers a clear process. The structure facilitates focused discussion. Members follow steps methodically. This maximizes productivity.

NGT aids in democratic decision making. Members vote on ideas. This process ensures consensus. The outcome reflects collective priorities.

Time efficiency stands out in NGT. The technique prevents unnecessary debate. Set phases keep the group on track. This saves valuable time.

Potential Drawbacks of the Nominal Group Technique

Limited discussion.

NGT restricts open conversation at times. Early stages involve silent ideation. This limits immediate exchange of thoughts.

Surface Agreement

While voting appears democratic, it may mask dissent. Some members might conform, hiding true opinions. This artificial consensus can pose risks.

Complexity in Preparation

Effective NGT requires careful planning. Facilitators must design clear instructions. This demands additional prep work. It can strain resources.

Inhibits Spontaneity

The structured approach may curb spontaneity. Dynamic dialogue often sparks innovation. NGT’s method constrains this creative chaos.

Group Size Limitation

NGT suits small to medium groups. Large groups complicate the process. Coordinating larger numbers can prove challenging.

In conclusion, NGT presents a balanced tool for teamwork. Its structured approach and egalitarian premise offer compelling advantages. Yet, its configurations might not fit all situations. Team leaders must weigh these factors carefully. They should ensure the method aligns with their goals. In doing so, they can harness NGT effectively.

He is a content producer who specializes in blog content. He has a master's degree in business administration and he lives in the Netherlands.

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Nominal Group Technique (NGT)

Introduction.

Groups often struggle to find collaborative and structured processes for generating ideas and solutions to organizational and community issues. This fact sheet describes the Nominal Group Technique (Moore 1990), as a process that can be used by groups when engaged in planning and problem-solving.

What is NGT?

It is a technique that has been used for over 30 years in community planning processes that require active participation (Moore 1990). NGT is often used for generating ideas, identifying issues and potential solutions, and promoting consensus. NGT focuses group discussion around one question; therefore, a specific question presented to a group usually results in more useful responses.

When should you use NGT?

It is an excellent technique for encouraging the active participation of all group members in answering a question. For example, it can be employed when a group is uncertain about an agreed-upon solution to a complex community or organizational problem, or when disagreement about an issue exists among group participants. This technique can help a group clarify a problem or issue. NGT works best with small groups of five to 10 participants; however, larger groups can also employ this technique.

What are the process steps that should be followed when using NGT?

• Select a facilitator (member or non-group member), who serves as a “neutral” when conducting a discussion using NGT.
• The facilitator introduces a list of suggested ground rules (or “conversation principles”) to be followed. Following a discussion of the ground rules, participants are asked to honor them. Two important rules or principles include: (a) all ideas count, even the “crazy” ones and (b) “arguments” are not allowed.
• Distribute small pieces of paper or index cards to all group participants. Make sure each participant has five to 10 cards. The facilitator states the issue or problem as one question. For example, “ In what ways can the community benefit in the next five years by developing a new regional water plan? ” Write the question on a flip chart or wallboard.
• Participants write their responses on cards, working silently and independently. There should be only one idea per card. Allow 4 to 6 minutes maximum for this task.
• Collect and randomly re-distribute participant’s written responses. If a participant receives their own card back, they should not share this information with the group. Rather, the assumption is no one knows who the actual author is of the idea.
• Participants take turns reading one card per person at a time. Ideas are recorded on a wallboard, flipchart, or sticky wall , (for more information on a sticky wall, please refer to Resources, below). Participants are reminded that this is not the time to evaluate ideas and responses. If an idea is not understood, the facilitator asks anyone in the group to speculate what the author meant, allowing for author anonymity.
• The facilitator continues recording ideas until all cards have been discussed.
• The facilitator asks the group to identify those ideas that are “very similar” to one another and asks the group for permission to eliminate duplicates. The facilitator assigns each idea a letter of the alphabet. If there are more ideas than letters of the alphabet, assign double letters, such as AA, BB, etc.
• The facilitator now asks participants to identify their top five preferences. Two methods for prioritizing ideas include the use of dots or 3x5 cards. For example, five large dots of the same color are given to each participant who writes on the dot the letter assigned to the idea posted, corresponding to his or her top five priorities. Dots are collected and affixed to the idea voted on. Another method uses cards. Similar to the dot technique, participants determine five of their most important ideas by placing a letter corresponding to the selected idea in the center of the card. The facilitator asks participants to rank-order their five top ideas by writing in the upper right hand corner of the card, a number from five to one. Five is the highest priority, one being lowest priority. Cards are then collected and the scores are recorded, tabulated, posted and discussed by the group.
• From the results of the prioritization exercise, the facilitator might ask the group what next steps would they like to take regarding the results? Some suggestions the facilitator could consider as a path for helping the group discuss next steps might include:
• Do the ideas add clarity to the issue, creating a better understanding of group members’ opinions?
• Do the top five ideas lend themselves to a plan of action or strategies for the group?
• What would the group like to do with this information?

Bens, Ingrid. 2000. Facilitating with Ease! San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, Publishers, San Francisco, CA.

Havergal, Maggie & Edmonstone, John. 2001. The Facilitator’s Toolkit. England, UK: Gower Publishing, Ltd.

Kaner, Sam. 1996. Facilitator’s Guide to Participatory Decision-Making. Gabriola Island, BC. Canada: New Society Publishers. (Published in Cooperation with COMMUNITY AT WORK.)

Moore, Carl M. 1990. Group Techniques for Idea Building. Applied Social Research Methods Series. Newbury Park, CA. Sage Publications Volume 9.

Schwartz, Roger. 1994. The Skilled Facilitator. Jossey-Bass Publishers, San Francisco, CA.

Technology of Participation (ToP): Sticky Wall. The Institute of Cultural Affairs, Phoenix, AZ. ICA Site.

Vrooman, Rona. 1997. Group Process Tools. Info-line. Alexandria, VA. American Society for Training and Development. Issue Number 9407.

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** Unlock Your Full Potential **

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a structured method that involves identifying a problem, generating solutions for solving that problem, and then deciding which one best solves the identified problem. You can use it when working in groups, so everyone has an equal say. Voting is used to make decisions to ensure that every opinion has been considered.

KEY Takeaways

• The concept behind the NGT is to generate as many ideas as possible, and then choose the most suitable solution. 
• The NGT can serve as a great brainstorming tool where the entire group participates equally.
• Make sure you give each participant a chance to speak after everyone has shared their ideas. Don't let anyone monopolize the conversation.

The NGT process is based on the following steps:

1. Introduction / Identify the Issue:  This step requires you to identify a problem or issue. The group will need to agree on what they want to solve before they start brainstorming ideas .

2. Silent Generation of Ideas: Everyone silently thinks of as many potential answers to solve the problem as possible in a set period of time. They write these down.

3. Share Ideas: Each member shares a single idea at a time by rotation, and the facilitator is expected to put that on a flip chart without any discussion. If a person has finished all their ideas, they will pass their turn. In the later turn, the person might add an idea. Continue till the facilitator has collected all ideas.

4. Discuss:  Each idea is then discussed for more clarity. The group might combine similar ideas in this process.

5. Prioritize (Voting and Ranking): Prioritize ideas based on multi-voting or other techniques.

Advantages of Nominal Group Technique:

• It allows an equal opportunity for each member
• Some people prefer to think silently. It helps them.
• Allows members to express their views freely.

Disadvantages of Nominal Group technique:

• If there are too many ideas generated, it can become challenging to get through the whole list
• People may not like to share their initial thoughts with others.

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) works well if your audience is already somewhat familiar with the topic you're discussing. When I've done it with complete novices, we usually end up with something basic and obvious.

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How to Use Nominal Group Technique in Project Management Effectively

• On March 2, 2024
• By David Usifo (PSM, MBCS, PMP®)

As a project manager, do you often face disagreements amongst your team members that stall progress?

Gaining consensus in decision-making among people with different perspectives and ideas can be challenging.

One way to surmount this hurdle and transform the way your teams make decisions is by using the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) which is a useful project management tool for driving consensus amongst team members.

In this article, we provide insights into the Nominal Group Technique, when to use it, and how to apply it effectively. We also cover tips on this technique that will come in handy if you are preparing for your PMP certification exam.

This way, you can learn how this structured group decision-making technique can help your team gain alignment on important project decisions through facilitated discussion and voting.

Table of Contents

What is the Nominal Group Technique?

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is a structured facilitation method for driving consensus in small group settings by giving each person an equal voice to drive efficiency and fairness in decision-making.

Developed in 1971 by Andre Delbecq and Andrew Van de Ven, it’s designed to build agreement objectively by generating and prioritizing solutions through orderly discussion and voting and preventing influential personalities from dominating the discussion.

The technique follows a highly structured process with defined steps:

• Silent generation of ideas in writing
• Round-robin feedback on ideas
• Group clarification of ideas
• Preliminary voting on ideas
• Discussion of top-ranked ideas
• Final voting

The output is a set of prioritized solutions or recommendations reflecting the group’s preferences aggregated mathematically.

NGT brings order to the subjectivity of group problem-solving replacing guesswork with a data-driven approach to build consensus efficiently and can be applied to a wide range of purposes from problem diagnosis to identifying alternatives.

Nominal Group Technique Steps

The power of the Nominal Group Technique lies in its structured facilitation process. By following the defined steps, groups can leverage NGT to build consensus efficiently.

The key steps are:

Silent Idea Generation

The facilitator presents an issue or problem statement and asks individuals to silently write down their ideas or solutions.

This independent brainstorming ensures equal participation without influence from others. Then allow 5-10 minutes for silent idea generation.

Round Robin Sharing

Each person shares one idea verbally in a round-robin format. Ideas are recorded publicly by the facilitator as they are shared. No discussion happens yet, just a collection of all responses.

Clarification

The facilitator reviews each idea for clarity and understanding. Group members can ask questions to better comprehend the ideas presented.

Preliminary Voting

Each individual privately ranks a subset of the top ideas, typically their top 5. The facilitator tallies the total scores for each idea.

Group Discussion

The top-ranking ideas are discussed more deeply as a group. The facilitator may ask for pros/cons, feasibility concerns, or implementation suggestions.

Final Voting

After discussion, the group re-votes to produce a final prioritized list of solutions. This represents the aggregated preferences of the group.

Following these steps brings structure and objectivity to problem-solving. The output is a data-driven ranking of ideas that the group is aligned on.

When to Use the Nominal Group Technique

The Nominal Group Technique is extremely versatile and can be applied in various situations.

Here are common examples of when NGT can be useful:

• Brainstorming solutions to a complex strategic problem
• Prioritizing a set of proposed project requirements
• Evaluating and ranking risks facing your project
• Developing a list of corrective actions for process improvement
• Diagnosing the root causes of an issue your team is facing
• Forecasting sales projections from a group of regional managers
• Gathering input on new policy decisions from key stakeholders
• Condensing a large set of ideas into a focused action plan
• Building consensus on any important project decision

Essentially, anytime you need to drive alignment, avoid groupthink, and make an informed choice amongst a set of options, NGT can help.

The technique is especially beneficial when dealing with complex problems that require leveraging diverse perspectives from experts or stakeholders .

By systematically collecting input and measuring group preferences, NGT removes bias and guesswork from group decision-making.

How to Use the Nominal Group Technique

To conduct an effective Nominal Group Technique (NGT) session, follow these key steps:

Define the Issue or Problem

Clearly frame a question or problem statement for the group to address. This keeps the NGT session focused.

Assemble a Facilitator and Participants

• Facilitator : The facilitator Leads the NGT process in an unbiased way. This is often someone not involved directly with the project.
• Participants : The participants are typically 5-9 people with diverse perspectives related to the issue. It can be a project team, stakeholders, subject matter experts, etc.

Explain the NGT Process

Set expectations for the session by explaining the purpose, steps, and ground rules of NGT to the group emphasizing the concept of equal participation.

Give individuals 5-10 minutes to silently write down their ideas or solutions related to the defined issue.

Go around the room and have each person share one idea verbally. The ideas are to be recorded publicly. Repeat until all ideas are shared.

Seek Clarification

Review the ideas generated for clarity. Participants can ask questions to understand any idea better.

Have individuals privately rank their top 5 ideas from the list. Then tally the scores to identify the top-ranked solutions.

Facilitate Group Discussion

Discuss the top 5-7 ideas as a group. Seek pros/cons, weigh feasibility, and combine related solutions.

Conduct a final vote on the ideas after discussion. This produces a ranked list.

Review the final prioritized solutions and how the process went. Gain commitment to actions.

Following this NGT process will give your team an inclusive, data-driven approach to making aligned decisions on complex issues.

The output is a set of ranked solutions reflecting the aggregated, unbiased wisdom of the group.

Nominal Group Technique Example

For clarity, let’s walk through a Nominal Group Technique example. A software company needs to decide which new features to include in the next product release.

The product manager then assembles a group of 5 key cross-functional stakeholders including engineering, UX, sales, and support.

First, each person silently brainstorms new feature ideas individually. Next, they share their lists in a round-robin style, producing a master list of 25 proposed features.

After clarifying the ideas, each person privately ranks their top 5 most important features. The votes are tallied to identify the top 7 ranked features.

The group discusses the merits and challenges of these 7 features. Finally, they revote after the discussion to ultimately prioritize the top 5 features considering all perspectives.

This becomes the NGT output – an aligned, data-driven ranking of the features to include in the product release.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Nominal Group Technique

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) offers many benefits for group decision-making but also has some limitations to consider.

Advantages of Nominal Group Technique include:

• Encourages Equal Participation : NGT prevents dominant personalities from taking over and gives everyone a voice.
• Generates More Comprehensive Ideas : Individual silent idea generation taps into all group members’ perspectives.
• Provides Structured Analysis : Steps guide the systematic evaluation of ideas vs raw debate.
• Removes Bias : Ranking by voting measures group preferences mathematically and objectively.
• Saves Time : The process focuses discussion on a prioritized subset of top ideas.
• Builds Consensus : Results in an aligned set of solutions reflecting the group’s preferences.
• Uncovers Hidden Ideas : Introverts share ideas they may not raise verbally in open debate.
• Produces Quantitative Data : Numerical voting data gives insights into group preferences.
• Easy to Facilitate : Clear process steps make it accessible even for new facilitators.

Its disadvantages include:

• Time-consuming : The full NGT process can take several hours with a group.
• Reduced Spontaneity : Structured format limits free-flowing idea exchanges.
• De-emphasizes Dialogue : Focuses more on individual thinking than conversation.
• Not Ideal for Complex Issues : Requires fairly clear potential solutions upfront.
• Risk of Manipulation : Dominant voices could still influence others’ voting.
• Recommendations May be Diluted : Seeking consensus could dilute novel ideas.
• Requires Skillful Facilitation : Success is heavily dependent on the facilitator.
• Not Universally Applicable : Less effective for some personalities and cultures.

Consider the advantages and limitations before determining if NGT is the right technique for your situation. It can work exceptionally well when facilitated adeptly for the appropriate issues.

Nominal Group Technique vs Brainstorming

Nominal Group Technique (NGT) and Brainstorming are two common techniques for generating ideas in groups.

They however have some key differences between them including:

Structured Process

NGT follows a highly structured facilitated process with defined steps including silent idea generation, round-robin feedback, clarification, and multiple stages of voting.

The output is a mathematically derived ranking of prioritized solutions the group agrees on.

In contrast, Brainstorming has no pre-defined structure or voting. It is an open group discussion to produce as many creative ideas as possible.

Participation Equality

NGT brings order and fairness to idea sharing. All group members contribute equally with the structured steps which removes bias and prevents domineering personalities from taking over.

Brainstorming often follows the natural dynamics of the group which can allow more vocal members to dominate the conversation.

Time and Consensus

NGT consumes more time with its multiple stages but is very effective for building consensus on complex issues or sensitive decisions requiring group alignment.

Brainstorming happens more freely and quickly but does not lead to a defined consensus or prioritization of ideas.

While both techniques have their place in generating ideas effectively and building agreement, you need to understand when your group needs open-ended brainstorming vs structured Nominal Group Technique discussions to drive alignment.

Nominal Group Technique vs Delphi Technique

Similarly, the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) and Wideband Delphi Technique are two common group decision-making processes with distinct approaches:

Interaction Method

NGT involves in-person, real-time facilitated discussions, and voting with the experts co-located for efficient verbal exchange.

While the Delphi technique uses anonymous written surveys completed individually in isolation. Experts can be geographically dispersed using this technique.

NGT has a highly structured process with defined steps like silent idea generation, clarification, and multi-stage ranked voting.

In contrast, the Delphi technique follows an iterative survey process with controlled feedback provided between rounds as experts refine their perspectives.

Consensus Building

NGT’s direct verbal interaction aims to build equal participation and consensus through structured facilitation.

While Delphi technique enables individual views to be adjusted based on anonymized group data over the survey rounds to work toward consensus.

NGT offers efficient decision-making through real-time interaction and voting with co-located experts. Delphi requires more time with multiple survey rounds but can include remote experts.

Overall, both techniques have value for objective group problem-solving. The onus lies on you to select the approach that best fits your situation and resources.

Nominal Group Technique PMP Tips

Per the PMBOK Guide , the Nominal Group Technique is an important tool for project managers to be familiar with for the PMP exam .

It is used for decision-making in a lot of project management processes including:

• Collect Requirements in Project Scope Management
• Plan Quality Management in Project Quality Management
• Estimate Activity Duration in Project Schedule Management
• Estimate Costs in Project Cost Management

For the PMP exam, remember that NGT is not a voting process but a method to rank the most important ideas. It starts with silent idea generation, then round-robin sharing, discussion for clarity, and finally individual ranking or rating.

This technique is particularly useful when some group members are much louder or more dominant than others.

It ensures all voices are heard, preventing the loudest opinions from dominating the discussion.

Understanding the nuances of NGT and how it is applied in project management processes will enhance your PMP exam readiness.

Remember, the goal of NGT is to foster equal participation while quickly reaching consensus.

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) offers a structured approach to facilitate efficient consensus-building in group settings.

By giving each participant an equal voice through silent idea generation and multi-stage voting, NGT produces an objective, data-driven ranking of solutions.

While not appropriate for all situations, NGT is an impactful tool when groups need to leverage diverse expertise to drive alignment on key decisions or problem-solving.

With careful facilitation, teams can leverage NGT processes to tap collective wisdom and make choices fairly, free of bias thus bringing order and rigor to complex collaborative decision-making.

David Usifo (PSM, MBCS, PMP®)

David Usifo is a certified Project Management professional, professional Scrum Master, and a BCS certified Business Analyst with a background in product development and database management.

He enjoys using his knowledge and skills to share with aspiring and experienced Project Managers and Business Analysts the core concept of value-creation through adaptive solutions.

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Nominal Group Technique (NGT) for Collaborative Solutions and Decisions

Nominal group technique (NGT) is a problem-solving approach that involves brainstorming solutions, ranking them, and selecting the most favored solution. In NGT, each member of the group shares their perspective on the situation and duplicate solutions are eliminated, followed by ranking solutions. NGT can be used in various industries and project areas for collaborative and democratic problem-solving. NGT training options are available for those wanting custom assistance.

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