The Nominal Group Technique for Quality Teams

The nominal group technique (NGT) is a structured decision-making method that balances individual input with group discussion. It is particularly useful for quality improvement teams that need to generate ideas, prioritize options, or build consensus efficiently.

The NGT Process

NGT follows a specific sequence of steps. First, the facilitator presents a clearly defined question or problem to the group. Second, each participant silently and independently writes down their ideas (the "nominal" or individual phase). Third, participants share their ideas one at a time in a round-robin format, with each idea recorded on a flip chart without discussion. Fourth, the group discusses each idea to clarify meaning, ask questions, and express support or concerns. Fifth, participants independently rank or rate the ideas through a voting process. The final priorities are determined by aggregating the individual votes.

Why It Works

NGT addresses several common problems with traditional brainstorming and group discussions. The silent generation phase ensures that all participants contribute ideas, not just the most vocal members. The round-robin sharing prevents idea evaluation during the generation phase, which can inhibit creativity. Individual voting eliminates the pressure to conform to perceived group preferences. These structural elements produce a broader range of ideas and more balanced input than unstructured group discussions.

When to Use NGT

NGT is ideal for situations where the group needs to identify and prioritize problems, generate potential solutions, or select among competing alternatives. It works well with groups of 5 to 9 participants who have relevant knowledge and diverse perspectives. Use NGT when you need to make decisions quickly (a typical session takes 60 to 90 minutes), when group dynamics might inhibit open discussion, or when you need a transparent, democratic decision-making process.

Facilitator Tips

Frame the question carefully, as the quality of the output depends heavily on the clarity of the question. During the discussion phase, keep the group focused on clarification rather than debate. Use a structured voting method such as rank ordering the top five ideas or allocating a fixed number of points across options. Display the aggregated results immediately so the group can see the outcome and discuss any surprises or concerns.

NGT Versus Other Methods

Compared to traditional brainstorming, NGT produces more ideas and more equal participation. Compared to the Delphi technique, NGT is faster and allows for face-to-face discussion but requires participants to be in the same location (or virtual meeting). For the CPHQ exam, understand the key features that distinguish NGT from other group decision-making methods and when it is the preferred approach for quality improvement teams.