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How To Brainstorm
Group Brainstorming
To brainstorm usually means to solve problems
by having a group of people discuss them and spontaneously suggest
ideas or solutions. A brainstorming session is meant to be very
open and non-critical. A "bad" or "silly"
idea may lead to an idea that is very helpful, so suggestions
are left un-judged at first. It is best to set a rough deadline
for this free-for-all part of the session, after which the ideas
and solutions are evaluated for whatever usefulness they may
have.
Again, it is very important that the ideas are not criticized
when first presented. To brainstorm effectively, you can't stifle
the creative process. If your group has a difficult time with
this aspect of the exercise, you could try having them write
their ideas down and submit them anonymously. When nobody knows
who suggested which ideas, everyone will feel freer to say what
they want.
Unfortunately, you will lose much of the
value of the session doing this, because individuals will not
be spontaneously feeding off of each others ideas. It may be
better than nothing, but try to create that non-critical environment
and brainstorm in the open for the best result.
Solo Brainstorming
To brainstorm by yourself, start by writing
down the problem to be solved. Then write it down several more
times, restating it each time. "We need to save money for
a down payment on a house," may be restated as "We
need to buy a house," and "We need to get out of this
place." Now just spend thirty minutes writing down all the
elements of the problem, and everything that comes to mind. Try
several creative problem-solving techniques also, writing down
the solutions and ideas that are produced. As with brainstorming
in a group, it is important at this point that you don't stifle
the creative process by judging your ideas.
When you are done with this part, you should
have a mess. Only now should you look at that mess with a critical
eye. Pick through for the ideas with the most potential. If you
are lucky, the best solution may jump out at you. More often
you'll have a few decent possibilities that you have to evaluate
further. Brainstorm again if you have to.
An Example Of How To Brainstorm
Alone
The scenario: your business is spending
too much on delivery costs. You restate the problem twice, then
write down everything that comes to mind. You try a problem-solving
technique like the "assume the absurd" one described
on the page "More Ways To Solve
Problems." This leads you to the idea, "Let's not
deliver," which seems crazy since most of your customers
are in other states.Then it occurs to you that if you delivered
all orders for a city to a central distribution point, instead
of to individuals, it would be more efficient. The customer could drive a short distance
to pick up their order, with the advantage that they could return
the product immediately if they were dissatisfied (no need to
pack and ship).
You write this idea down and move on. Of
course you also write down the obvious, such as "negotiate
lower delivery rates," or "find another delivery company."
When you are done brainstorming you pick through the ideas and
decide on a couple to explore further, before choosing the best
solution.
Brainstorming
Tools is another page to check
out. It is devoted to problem solving techniques and other brainstorming
tools. There is also a page on brainstorming
articles.
Related Pages: Enhanced
Mental Clarity and New Ideas.
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