Unfortunately I have a predisposition for evaluating those ideas as they are presented, often demeaning the person that has presented the idea. This weakness manifests it's self, despite concerted efforts by myself, to allow the ideas given by others an opportunity to be heard. This block is not only evident in myself, but in many other members of the Defence Force. I believe that this is a direct result of the training and indoctrination received by soldiers. The Army actively encourages its members to evaluate and criticise the ideas of others. This can aide the thought process, but is an anathema to the brainstorming process. The specific aspects of this skill that I hope to utilise are; the amount of ideas that brainstorming can generate. By generating numerous suggestions, then building on those, an exact definition of the problem, a solution, and an implementation and task schedule can be found. Also by using the diversity of the group, all aspects of the problem can be addressed, analysed, and eventually evaluated. Having a homogenous group will not, in my opinion, produce the best results. By the very nature of the group's diversity, the problem can be broken down, analysed and evaluated from all perspectives.
An opportunity to implement this skill has arisen in my workplace. I currently work in a small Unit within the New Zealand Defence Force (2 Military Police Platoon), presently numbering ten personnel. The personnel in the Unit are from a variety of backgrounds, both Military and civil. A prerequisite for entry to the Military Police is that a person must have spent a minimum of three years in another branch of the Army. As a result, the Royal New Zealand Military Police is made up of personnel from Engineering, Infantry, Administration, Catering, Artillery, Armour, and Nursing. This mix of trades and experience makes the Military Police the most divergent collection of people in the Defence Force.
