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How to brainstorm like a pro
How many times have you attended a brainstorming session only to find that it did not deliver the intended outcome? By that, I mean the assembled group did not come up with any kind of ground-breaking ideas.
Next time you need to get a group of people together to try and solve a problem, follow the steps in the article below and you will be amazed at the ideas you are turning down, let alone the ones that have blown your mind!
Before you begin your session
Choose a DIVERSE group — 6–8 people is ideal. Think about the make up of the group, in terms of experience, understanding of the challenge and seniority. Consider inviting some provocative outsiders who might challenge conventional thinking.
Appoint a facilitator — ideally external to the group. Avoid appointing the manager or the most senior person in the room to this role as they cannot stop themselves from shaping the content.
Meet off-site — getting away from your normal place of work will help to break conventional thinking
Focus on one specific question or challenge — this will keep the group focussed on one thing at one time. If you have multiple questions or challenges to solve, you can host additional sessions that focus on these in particular.
