| Our workgroup was in the middle of a
spirited brainstorming session — a free form session where creativity is encouraged,
judgment is suspended, and the best ideas often come after ten or more minutes. The ideas
were flying fast and furious, as they should, when the group gets momentum. The energy was
intoxicating. And, in a fit of inspiration, I one employee suggested, "Why don't we
reverse the order of the deliverables!?"
While nine other people energetically accepted this offer
as worthy of inclusion on their flip chart of ideas, their manager scowled "That will
never work!"
Thus ended a productive brainstorming session. Sadly, the
manager was unclear on the concept at play. She replaced a brainstorm with a brain fart
and stunk up the entire process.
A Different Kind of Collaboration
Brainstorming is a special type of meeting, with its own
ground rules, tempo and ethos. It's also an invaluable tool for idea generation, problem
solving, innovation, teambuilding and creativity. Whether you are tasked with creating new
sales contests, new strategic initiatives or simply trying to break the doldrums of your
day-to-day routines, brainstorming carries the day.
Rules That Rock!
By definition, brainstorming is unlike your typical
meetings. Its unbounded by traditional rules where pre-determined people speak on
pre-determined subjects for prescribed times. Like a jam session of Jazz musicians, all
you need to do is begin recording and let the sounds begin. Remember, the key is to record
it all. Later you can go back and edit out that which might not be considered beautiful
music.
In Brainstorming sessions everyone is equal, all ideas are
worthy of consideration, all judgment is suspended and a person's rank or status is
irrelevant. The goal is to fill the air with ideas, depart from conventional thinking, and
allow the smorgasbord of strategies, ideas, inspirations and epiphanies to cross-pollinate
each other. Think of brainstorming meetings as magnificent melting pots, a veritable giant
stew bowl where bouillabaisse bubbles and bursts, unleashing new, exciting and innovative
initiatives. Consider a skilled facilitator for best results, though this isn't a
requirement.
The B-List: Preparing for Your Meeting
The following recommendations will insure a successful
session, whether it's a stand-alone brainstorm or part of a larger meeting or event:
- Adorn your environment with art, toys, games, crayons,
colored markers or other stimuli to get the juices flowing and invite fun, free thinking
and playfulness.
- Consider special written invitations in advance to set the
tone, expectations and goals for the session
- Create a mental and/or physical ice breaker to loosen
everyone up.
- Consider lava lamps, beanbag chairs and even bubble-gum and
bubble makers to loosen everyone up.
- Encourage participation by all - Language is key. Use
sentences such as "What if we…?", "How about…", "Let's
try…", or "Suppose we…"
- Check your skepticism, negativity and ego at the door. It's
not about whose ideas are embraced. All ideas should be received, for the benefit of the
group your mission.
- Employ the "Yes, AND…" approach instead of a
"Yes, BUT…" stance in response to others' ideas.
- Remind people to suspend judgment throughout the session
- Assign a scribe or tape record the meeting. Consider a
graphic recorder. (Visit www.GraphicRecorders.com for one I recommend.)
- Allow enough time for people to loosen up. Often the best
ideas occur once the group has gotten over any self-consciousness and gathered momentum
Remember, like mastermind groups, brainstorming sessions
rely on the reality that when multiple brainpower is applied the results are greater than
the sum of their parts. You will generate great results from the blend of talent,
experience, ideas and perspectives that naturally result from giving everyone equal
footing and freeing them of the usual restrictions of time, structure and rules.
By the way, what if…? |
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