What is the nominal group technique?

Some structured approaches to group creativity and decision making are beneficial to businesses and their employees, as well as providing an opportunity for bonding. One of them is the nominal group technique.

When Should You Use The Nominal Group Technique?

The nominal group technique (NGT) is a method whereby a group of employees come together to discuss ideas and come to a fast agreement on some business problems, issues, and solutions. Employees start by jotting down ideas and then choose the idea they believe is most suitable. Whenever it’s time, all within the team present the top idea. Following this, suggestions are then brainstormed and placed in order of importance by utilizing a points system. A combination of the significant rating of individuals and the final weighing of the priorities of the team is made.

When Should The Nominal Group Technique Be Utilized?

The NGT is remarkably efficient and inclusive of all team members, regardless of their personality, level of tenure, and expertise. There are times when you can make use of the nominal group technique. These include the following:

• If some group members are more outwardly spoken
• If some group members can think more clearly when it’s quiet
• If the group isn’t able to discuss big ideas with ease
• If some group members aren’t taking part
• If there are new team members
• If the conversation is difficult or conflicting

What Are The Nominal Group Technique Steps?

When thinking about the nominal group technique steps, firstly, it’s important to identify the materials needed. They are paper and a pen or pencil for every team member, as well as marking pens, tape, and a flipchart.

Now, here are the nominal group steps to take:

1.Firstly, the problem should be made clear before any discussion so that each team member grasps what it is.

2. Every team member will brainstorm by themselves to see if they can come up with a desired resolution and record it on paper.

3. Every team member clearly states their problem. The person facilitating the recording does so using a flipchart. Here, team members aren’t able to ask any questions. Ideas provided don’t have to be from those recorded only in the lists. But as time goes by, ideas from the lists will be presented. Team members can pass on their ideas and can then propose an idea when it’s their turn again. This continues until all team members have passed or the agreed length of time has been met.

4.Every idea is discussed in turn. The wording can change, but the originator has to agree upon this. Ideas can be removed from the list, but only when all are in agreement. Discussion breeds analysis, meaning, logic, and the ability to propose or answer questions or agree or disagree upon ideas. Team members can also group ideas to form categories.

5.Make the recorded ideas the foreground with regard to original questioning by use of list reduction or multivoting. Generally, the outcome with the top ranking is chosen.

Conclusion

The nominal group technique involves team members in a business proposing ideas and choosing resolutions based on the chosen ideas. To find out more about the nominal group technique, when to use it, and the steps involved, read this article. Now you know what the nominal group technique is, when it should be utilized, and the steps taken when using it. We hope this adds value to your business as you discuss ideas and think about proposals that are the right ones to help progress your business.