Greetings,
I'd like to weigh in with a different view on the use of anonymity in
meetings.
Anonymity is just a tool to use for specific purposes in a meeting
setting, not an end in itself. When we use GroupSystemsV, we always
follow an iterative, building procedure; alternating verbal discussion
with the technology-enabled discussion. The anonymous, technology-enabled
discussion is great for the initial "dump" of ideas in a non-threatening,
parallel environment. After that "dump", we always consolidate and
discuss those ideas verbally, with full attribution. We then go through
another iteration of anonymous work followed by verbal discussions. It's
during this second iteration that most of the "breakthrough" thinking
happens. (When it happens.)
In any case, though, it's the team (or group) that owns the final work
from an anonymous, technology-enabled system. So, in the larger sense,
the work is not really anonymous if the team members are willing sign
their name to the final product.
Another point. GroupSystemsV and similar products have benefits beyond
the anonymity: parallel input, decision support tools and graphics, and
complete data capture are just some of them.
regards,
-- Robert J. Glitz, LtCol, USAF Air National Guard <rglitz_xo@ANGRC.ANG.AF.MIL> (LTC ROBERT, NGB-XO, PENT 2E375, 697-2252)