There Are No Wrong Answers When BrainstormingA good brainstorming session can really help get the creative juices flowing, it will help you write your ideas more freely and the process will be quicker. Knowing several good brainstorming technics can really help you with the process. Whether you are trying to write a paper or article, solve a problem, create new opportunities, or improve the quality of work or services that you offer brainstorming can really help the process and help produce a higher quality of work. Whether you are working individually, or in a group, there is some very useful equipment that can help your brainstorming process. Overhead projectors can be very useful for in a team brainstorming session. All members of your team will be able to see the results and progress of their ideas at the same time.
Large dry erases boards, chalk boards, flip charts and their accompanying writing methods are also very useful tools when brainstorming. Ideas can be written down quickly and mapped out and if you want to keep track of which team member is contributing which idea, different colored makers, or chalks can be used for keeping track of each person’s ideas on the team.
After you have the tools and the space you need to brainstorm, explain to your team some basic brainstorming technics. Explain the issue or problem or goal at hand. If your team understands the issue, they will be able to stay focused and on task. Also, choose your teammates with care. Take into consideration their degree of expertise, and their knowledge of the problem. Diversity can be key in coming up with a creative solution or idea. Your session should last no longer than 1 hour. A session shorter than 30 minutes may not be beneficial at all, but one lasting longer than an hour could exhaust the effort.
General rules and guidelines could also be very beneficial for your brainstorming team. Explain that any criticism during the process is not allowed. The more ideas the better, no matter how off the wall they may seem at the time. Also explain that there is no right or wrong way of brainstorming. Some people may enjoy vocal brainstorming and voicing their ideas out loud, creating visual maps and webs, while others may need to speed write their ideas and opinions down on paper, or type on computers. |