What is the Phillips 66 method?

Phillips 66 is one of the brainstorming methods. The author of this method is Donald Phillips – a lecturer at Michigan State College. Donald invented this method to overcome the problem of silence in group situations. The Phillips 66 method is recommended to be used in larger groups, in order to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to express his or her own opinion and is comfortable in sharing his or her ideas. The method is helpful for getting opinions on a particular issue from a large number of people.

The Phillips 66 technique is used to evaluate a company’s strategy or new patterns of behavior (procedures, requirements, regulations).

Where did the name Phillips 66 come from?

The method is named after the author and the system of dividing brainstorming participants. Donald suggested dividing a large group into smaller subgroups of 6 people each (so-called buzz groups). Each subgroup then had to spend 6 minutes discussing possible solutions to a given problem.

How to conduct Phillips 66?

Conducting brainstorming can be divided into 5 basic steps:

Step 1. Divide participants from a large discussion group into smaller subgroups. If possible, separate the groups from each other so that they cannot hear the conversations and ideas of other groups.

Note – it is best to divide the group into subgroups in advance, taking into account the personality and tempers of the group individuals.

Step 2. Electing spokespersons in subgroups. The task of the team spokesperson will be to present their group’s ideas and ensure that the other members of the subgroup have a voice and can express themselves freely.

Step 3. Presentation of the problem to be analyzed in subgroups. The discussion on the solution to the problem will last 6 minutes (turn on the stopwatch).

Note – remember not to suggest any solution to the participants. Invite brainstorming participants to discuss.

Step 4. Presentation of ideas of each group by designated spokesmen. The ideas are written down in a place visible to all.

Step 5. All written ideas are discussed and evaluated by the participants.

Phillips 66 method

When to use the Phillips 66 method?

Experts recommend using the Donald Phillips method when participants have a fear of speaking up and speaking in front of a large group of people. By dividing them into buzz groups, even shy people are more likely to express their own opinions without the fear of speaking in front of a larger audience.