Brainstorming Techniques

But what happens after a brainstorming meeting finally ends? Every meeting has a few good ideas no matter how poorly the meeting was conducted. Those ideas need to be put into action to create change. What part will the brainstorming meeting play in the final decision making process?

After the meeting people often get together to discuss shared idea over lunch or in the break room. Sometimes the best ideas come after the meeting in various conversations off the work premises.

However, the other side is there are leaders that think they know how to run meetings and work with ideas from other people. When in fact the meeting turns out to be the same old meeting talking about the problem with no solutions. What really takes place is a leader that is not skilled at holding a brainstorming meeting. Even though ideas may be presented, due to the lack of skilled leadership the ideas are never put into use in the final decision making process.

These types of meetings are held to increase the quantity of creative ideas. By holding a brainstorming meeting with a large group of people technically, you should be able to generate a wide range of creative ideas much faster than by yourself. The leader who if possible is also the final decision maker, should be able to take all the ideas and notes and put them into action. This is not an easy task if the ideas as well as the notes are poorly created.

When planning a meeting, pick a location that is quiet and the group will not be disturbed. Make sure the room has good lighting and comfortable seating. Make sure the entire group will see the whiteboard. Allot at least two hours for the brainstorming meeting. Provide refreshments especially caffeine and food if possible. Create an inviting and relaxing environment for the group that will make the group comfortable and creative.

There should be a specific reason for holding this meeting. The leader of the group must establish that as soon as possible. The leader should also supply the group with information to help with the flow of ideas. Know what you will do with the ideas presented at the brainstorming meeting. If the intention is to review the information, know how you are going to conduct the review.

An hour after the meeting is the best time to look over all the ideas and pick out about 10 of the best. Write an overview to distribute to the group and include the 10 best ideas.

Leaders must know how to guide the conversation in the meeting. The leader has to have good listening skills, the right personality, sharp awareness skills and know how to handle people. The leader is the one who uses the whiteboard to write down all ideas as they are presented. If no one fits this criteria then hire a facilitator.

These ideas can help in creating and implementing an effective and creative brainstorming meeting.