Sorry if it has already been asked, but what do you call someone who gives ideas/suggestions? At a business meeting or a group discussion, for example.
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Do you mean an employee of the company? Or an outside person brought in for that purpose?– childofsoongMay 14, 2016 at 10:09
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@childofsoong An employee of the company, to be specific.– KappaMay 14, 2016 at 10:30
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1That's an "idea person", if the suggestions are frequent and reasonably on-target. This is a commonly-used descriptor in US business.– Hot LicksMay 14, 2016 at 12:04
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Uninspiring though it may seem, in everyday usage this is simply a "contributor" or a "participant." Especially in a meeting where ideas are directly solicited, sharing them is the intended contribution or form of participation. No need for a fancy word.– James DFeb 28, 2021 at 5:55
7 Answers
One of my pet hates, but no-one said that neologisms are unacceptable even if I'd scrub out my mouth with wire wool rather than use this one in real speech:
Ideator
A person who creates productive ideas, a conceptualist
One who ideates; one who holds or generates an idea, or synthesizes a concept
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Ideator
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ideator
"Ideation". I ask you. Mutter, mutter, grumble.
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This sounds to me like a non-gender-specific version of "idea man/woman" which I was thinking of. Thanks for expanding my vocabulary (even if you hate the word)! May 14, 2016 at 10:50
Idea Woman
a person with an unusual capacity for visualizing and formulating new techniques, approaches, products (MW)
I'd call such a person an innovator.
A person who introduces new methods, ideas, or products.
‘he was one of the great innovators in jazz’
Reference:
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/innovator
One who suggests could be called a proposer, nominator, or advocate. I suggest or propose that we elect someone to provide a denotation for one who suggests.
In group dynamics, a Plant.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Team_Role_Inventories#Plant
Plants are creative, unorthodox and generators of ideas. If an innovative solution to a problem is needed, a Plant is a good person to ask.
Someone who suggests an idea could be called a suggester. The word is attested in the OED, but as it is subscriber only, you shall have to take my word for its existence.
What about 'advisor '
Meaning from Google dictionary : a person who gives advice in a particular field.
And also 'counsellor' : an experienced and trusted adviser