A BIT ABOUT BETTER BRAINSTORMING
Brainstorming sessions can be magical. Powerful. Hysterical. They can get you from point A to point Q fast. They stir inspiration and get people thinking and asking questions. Brainstorming can be a wonderful thing. It also can be the worst 45 minutes of your day. Often the fate of the session was sealed before the dry erase pen was even uncapped. The secret: some planning. Yes, planning and spontaneity can live in harmony. Here are just a few guidelines of how to get them to mingle.
1) Write a clear, focused objective.
Write a one-sentence, very specific focus statement that defines what you want to accomplish.
Print this statement as large as possible, then stick it on the wall or easel so everyone can see it during the session.
2) Select participants for the team.
One team leader. This person's personality should be Facilitator, not Terminator.
Include at least two or three people who don't know a thing about the project. This is a good way to introduce fresh ideas.
Try not to exceed seven or eight people. If more people want to be involved, plan more sessions.
3) Prepare for the session.
Select a location that's conducive to creative expression, away from interruptions and noise.
Get your tools together. You'll need bold marker pens, big sheets of paper and tape or pins to affix the ideas you generate to the walls or easels.
Make it fun. Feed people. Snacks = happy participants.
4) A Rule or Two
Weird, wild, way big and what if ideas are welcome. Negativity is not.
Quantity counts. Lots of ideas. Keep if flowing.
No interruptions from outside allowed.
No late entry. No leaving early.
Build on ideas.
Don't dismiss any ideas. Write them all down. Yes, all.
Another tip is to let participants know what became of their efforts. They want to know. Take a couple minutes to write an email thanking them and summarizing the session. Let folks know where the ideas went after they left the room.
Last thought: Have fun. Brainstorming is a break from the everyday. Enjoy it.
