The nominal group technique (NGT) is a structured method for brainstorming in groups that encourages participation from all participants and enables quick agreement on the relative importance of ideas, queries, or tactics. The team members first write down their recommendations before casting their votes for the best one. When the team is ready, each member makes their preferred suggestion, which is then discussed and ranked by the group as a whole using a point system. NGT provides the final weighted preferences for the group by combining the value scores of each individual group member.
Procedure for the Nominal Group Method
- After welcoming each person, the facilitator provides a briefing on the problem that has to be solved.
- Participants are given time to jot down any ideas they may have about the subject under discussion. Every member writes down their ideas at this period in privacy, keeping them from the other participants.
- Following the completion of each member’s writing, the group as a whole must hear their recommendations. At this stage, the facilitator gives each group member an equal opportunity to voice their opinions by writing them down on the flip map.
- Following the writing of the key points on the chart, participants are asked to elaborate on any issues they feel want clarification.
Following an explanation of each point, the members are asked to vote or assign a rating to several suggestions related to the primary topic of the meeting.
