| Brainstorming
is the process that everybody thinks they understand but very few
people do. There are two reasons is for this. The first is that
it is best used for attacking specific rather than general problems
and where a collection of good, fresh, new ideas are needed. This
means not going over old ground or asking too open 'what are we
going to do now?' type questions. The second reason is that it is
not the place for analysis, judgements or decision making. You must
not have these within a brainstorming session - it simply won't
work. So here is a quick guide to the rules of running your brainstorming
session:
1. Suspend judgement:
This cannot be overstated. It's the most important rule. When ideas
are presented absolutely no critical comments are allowed. None
at all. This is so hard for most people whose brains only operate
in a critical (non-creative) manner. Filtering ideas will shut down
the creative process and create an atmosphere where people won't
be willing to submit their ideas. This is why most sessions fail.
2. Write ALL ideas down:
There are no bad ideas in a braindstorming session. Remember, no
filtering. It's quantity not quality you are interested in. Think
along the lines that you need to get 100 or so ideas (not caring
if they're good or bad!) before you're allowed to come up with something
useful.
3. Think Impossible and Ridiculous
- if you think only about sensible ideas and search only for the
perfect idea then you'll also fail to come up with anything new.
The route to genius does not lie on the often travelled path. Deliberately
think of stupid, preposterous and truly ridiculous ideas (and write
them all down). These open up new routes for your mind and others
to explore and find answers.
4. Enjoy it:
Be silly and playful. Seriousness kills the process. This is why
boring people remain dull and serious people never come up with
anything new. The session is sacred. You are allowed to relax your
guard.
5. No ownership:
Tthe ideas belong to the session not to one individual. If you don't
stress this people hold back, not wanting to give too much away
in case credit is stolen. Everyone in the group gets credit as every
mind will have contributed to the process.
Click here for the next stage: Practical
Brainstorming |
