The plus side of virtual get-togethers

by Laura Bergells

Ah, the corporate brainstorming meeting fantasy. An enthusiastic moderator, a blank whiteboard, a group of experts eager to share their ideas -- what could be better for generating a host of creative problem -solving ideas?

Ah, the brainstorming reality. It turns out that solitude is a better approach to creative thinking. According to a study team at Indiana University, groups come up with far fewer and much less creative problem-solving approaches. Individuals working alone have more ideas. Read More ...

Virtual brainstorming ... Walking an 'aisle' in her shoes ... Speaker phone skirmishes

Hello. I'm Rob Murphy, chief marketing officer for MC².

Before a new project begins, someone's bound to call for a brainstorming meeting. But how often are these face-to-face sessions really worth it? Not very, according to Laura Bergells of maniactive.com. Find out why she thinks this is the case, and discover a better alternative, in this month's feature article.

Last month, a reader asked how she could give her boss a clearer picture of everything she has to do at an event. Check out some great advice on convincing your boss to get a firsthand view of working a show. What would you do about a boorish co-worker who "shares" all his conversations with you via his speaker phone? That's what one of your peers would like to know.

Respond to this dilemma or take our one-minute survey and we'll enter your name into a drawing for a gift certificate for a dinner for two. Congratulations to Jean Krauth, exhibit coordinator at Thales Components Corp., for being this quarter's winner!

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