The use of the method called Straw man's suggestion for problem solving is increasingly being used in the organizational field. This method is used as a mechanism for generating ideas and you start with a sketch. The Straw man proposal method aims to make the most of the human and creative potential of the teams participating in the study, and above all of each member of these teams.
Keep in mind, by the way, that this is not the typical brainstorming method we know. The goal here is to work around an existing problem until you find something better. The scarecrow proposal method requires many different opinions to be expressed by the contributing group. Then, when it comes to reconstructing the original draft, these suggestions are combined at some point or some ideas are debunked at that point.
The United States Department of Defense first applied this technique in 1975, and designed it to find a quick and immediate response to this particular problem at a time when the air force was in need of an urgent action plan. Later, the first "Straw man" was replaced by "stone man" and then "iron man".
The aim is to add more consistency and strength to this strategy.
“Too often we give our children answers we expect them to remember rather than problems to solve.”
Roger Lewin
Straw man proposition is a simple collaborative strategy
The straw man proposal has become very popular in recent years, thanks to the famous consulting firm McKinsey & Company. This global organization is basically one responsible for solving problems. This firm serves large companies, institutions and even governments around the world.
Using this strategy as a mechanism to respond to the challenges they face is the first indication that it is a useful method. First, this method is very, very easy to apply. In addition, the method encourages the creation of an environment where all members of the organization work in synergy. In addition, it has a structure that supports the step-by-step construction of a more sophisticated and effective action strategy.
Straw man recommendation for problem solving
Scarecrow proposal, a useful and effective problem solving tool for any group setting. The purpose of this method is primarily to create, shape and design a preliminary action plan in the form of a draft. Then redefine this outline until we find a more effective answer. So this sketch rises from the railing to the iron man.
Advantages of this brainstorming mechanism
As we mentioned at the beginning, this method is not one of the classic and familiar brainstorming techniques. When applying this method, you start from a sketch, a pre-designed foundation that creates the railing. Then there is a meeting process in which each member contributes with their ideas, criticisms and suggestions, but always starts from a draft to evaluate.
Railing suggestion to solve the problem
Once this proposal or recommendation has been put forward, it requires certain steps to be followed. Aligning with these steps will enable the group to know what to expect and how to move forward. Also, an important point that every member should know is that everyone should discuss the reasoning behind any proposal and try to refute it.
Ultimately, all perspectives are taken into account in order to create a viable and logical strategy in a temporary sense. Then the group convenes again to continue fine-tuning this first draft action plan.
Steps to follow
Preparation of the draft proposal. Each member of the group individually creates their own railing proposal or approach strategy. The second step is to submit all drafts. Each member presents their proposal for action to the rest of the group. It then analyzes and discusses not all useful ideas, eliminating what is needed, and protecting useful ones. After recording all the interesting suggestions of each member, the group continues to discuss each idea to review, refute or accept any useful piece. A scarecrow man is being built with each of these elements.
The railing proposal is already solid at this stage, but parts of it continue to be refuted and additions to be made. So the group gradually reaches more or less valid conclusions.
The railing is actually already built at this point. The group reaches a final (but tentative) decision that they can refer to and all members agree. However, as we mentioned above, the goal is to further refine this strategy to create a more robust, safe and effective action plan.
All in all, as you can see, it's a pretty interesting work-dynamic railing proposition method that integrates every member of the organization into a problem-solving task. This method is quite interesting, simple, and today many teams or groups use it effectively.
