Like all tools, this one must be understood by its users, and must be used in the appropriate manner, if it is to do more good than harm. . It reduces dominance by any individual or faction. Innovative, and non-orthodox solutions to problems are welcomed and encouraged, but the session has not failed if there is no new idea generated. Some ideas and convictions may be new to the group, eg that they have a right and duty to make decisions affecting them, that it is not their duty to remain passive, that it is not God's will for them to do nothing, that cultural integrity does not mean hanging on to dysfunctional traditional practices, that they need not passively accept disease, poverty and tyranny. Some ideas may be new to the participating group without actually being creative in the sense of new to the universe.
Participation takes precedence over creativity.
Creativity of the group as a whole takes precedence over individual creativity during the brainstorm session. . The intent is to set up a training session that promotes participation in decision making by everyone in the group. The decisions to be made during the session must be important decisions that affect the community as a whole, or the group as a whole. An unorganized collection of individuals, left alone, would not spontaneously organize to make important group decisions, nor ensure that the inputs to those decisions come from all members, especially those who tend not to participate. . The role of the facilitator first is to ensure that there is structure, and that it is maintained.