Brainstorming Methods

Poll

	|   |

Author:
Colin Bates

Brainstorming is a much used, and much abused process. "Let's have a brainstorming session" someone says, and before there are 4-5 ideas out on the table everyone is arguing about the merits of each, evaluating and judging every comment made.
It drives us mad, and it should drive you mad too. That's because there are fundamentally two different types of thinking:
The first is 'divergent', creative, imaginative, playful, fun and great for generating ideas.
The second is 'convergent' analytical, judgmental and a terrible basis for generating ideas (but good, of course, for evaluating ideas).
The point is that you can't do both at them same time. Brainstorming is about 'divergent' thinking. It is about being creative, playful, imaginative and having fun, while generating LOTS of ideas very quickly. After you have finished the brainstorming, and after you have 'cooled down' you can put your analytical hat on and evaluate the ideas.
During a brainstorming session the basic ground rules should be:
Don't criticize
Don't interpret
Do build on others ideas
Do be creative
Sounds simple doesn't it!

BuildingBrands offers practical marketing 'know how' for business owners and managers. Whether you are a one-man start-up, or already running a medium-sized company, BuildingBrands can help you unlock your potential.
http://www.buildingbrands.com

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Brainpower... Problem Solving Techniques For Business And Life Learning a few good problem solving techniques can improve your bottom line and your life. Do you ever run out of good ideas, or go around in circles trying to come up with a solution for a persistent problem? Maybe you just need to learn some simple problem solving techniques, and then start applying them. Choose one or two of the methods below, and get in the habit of using them in your personal life and your business. Using Your Unconscious Mind Let your unconscious mind do your problem solving. Outline a problem in your mind before going to sleep, and tell your brain to go to work. Einstein had good luck with this technique, sometimes getting the "ah-ha" insight while shaving the next morning. Next, instruct your mind to keep working on the problem while you do other things. There is more than we know going on inside our heads. An answer may come to you when you least expect it. Try working on problems when you are in a drowsy state. This can result in more creative solutions. Systematic Problem Solving Techniques Challenge assumptions . For example, if you are assuming you need a better or higher-paying job, ask "do I really need a better job?" Maybe you can get a raise, or somehow make the job you have better. A business on the side might be an option. Don't let your assumptions limit the possible solutions. Break it down . Buying a house is a big move that is really a bunch of small steps. This is true of many problems. Start by addressing all of the components of a problem individually, and it may not seem so overwhelming. This makes it easier to motivate yourself. Ask others for advice . They may or may not have good ideas, but in any case this helps you be sure that you are not overlooking anything...