When to use?

The art of brainstorming is a valuable creative tool that is very useful when beginning a new project that is somewhat unclear and unfocused. This tool creates an opportunity for teams to dream up new ideas early on in a project or to solve a complicated problem that may arise during later stages of the project. The basic premise of the brainstorming process states that the best way to develop good ideas is to come up with may ideas to choose from.

How to use?

Participants are asked to engage in a brainstorming session that should last no more than 60 minutes. Throughout this session it is important that certain guidelines be followed to allow for the most creativity generation possible. Participants should be instructed that this meeting is unlike any other business meeting they have ever been to. The feel of the session should be relaxed and comfortable so that the people feel free to express their ideas openly and honestly. Creativity of the group can be increased by banning evaluation and criticism during this idea generation phase of the creativity process. The Six Rules for Better Brainstorming are:

• Defer judgment.
• Build on the ideas of others.
• Encourage wild ideas.
• One conversation at a time.
• Stay focused on the topic.
• Visualize it.

It is important to note that the skill of brainstorming is like any other in that it is a continuously changing process of learning that requires practice for improvement.

So what?

With better brainstorming, organizations can deliver more value, create more energy, and foster more innovation. Brainstorming can create a healthy buzz within an organization filled with sharing wild ideas, and combining suggestions. A brainstorm may generate over 100 ideas, 10 of which may be superstars. However, the non-stars may also be useful in future problems that may arise at other times. Brainstorming can create a ripple effect throughout an organization that can prove to be a strong asset long after the session is over.