Brainstorming Techniques

Most of the time there is a brainstorming process or warm up exercise before the actual brainstorming session begins. This helps kick start the team into motion and gets them energized and ready to start the session

Using a flipchart the team leader writes the problem at the top of the page. This draws the attention of the team to the problem and keeps the team in focus. By having the flip chart in constant view, every team member will look at that chart expanding their focus, which widens their creative flow.

In turn, each team member presents an idea that the team leader writes down on the flip chart. This gets the team organized to continue with the brainstorming process. The team also focuses on the fact that when it is their turn they have to present an idea.

All group members give one idea per turn. This way everyone in the group has an opportunity. This makes the session equal. At times, there may be one team member that has more ideas than another member does. When a team member can only give ideas on at a time, it gives other team members more of an advantage.

All the brainstorming process ideas are written down on the flip chart page. Should the page become full, the team leader hangs up the page on the wall. This shows the team the power of working together as a team. The time actually gets motivated the more ideas they see on the flip chart.

If a team member cannot come up with an idea, they say, "pass" to go on to the next team member. This sort of works as a safety outlet should one to the team members actually not have an idea. This also works with team members that are not completely in focus by having them actually verbalize the word "pass", it brings them more into focus with the group.

Encourage the team to get crazy with their ideas no matter how crazy they sound. A skilled team leader will push and encourage each team member to think outside the box. This can be a difficult task since the everyday work environment tends to make everyone think with that part of their brain.

Details for each idea are not discussed at this point outside of the team leader asking questions to clarify the idea. The team leader is only looking for ideas at this point.

When it comes to the point that everyone in the group says "pass" the brainstorming process session is complete. The team leader also has to think about if enough ideas have been presented. If the team leader feels more ideas are, needed they will, use a brainstorming technique to get the group motivated again.

When a brainstorming process is structured as in this example, it can generate many ideas and keep the team organized and motivated at the same time. A skilled and experienced team leader will instinctively know when it is time to bring in a few brainstorming process techniques to keep the team flowing with positive ideas.