Brainstorming Techniques

Brainstorming rules are only used as guidelines or as rules of conduct for brainstorming sessions. The rules are based on person-to-person interaction. If the rules are broken, that also breaks the creative flow of the group.

Every brainstorming group should create their own brainstorming rules. It gives the group practice in effective brainstorming. Creating brainstorming rules makes each member of the team responsible for their actions and responsible for enforcing the rules. Every team leader must emphasize the brainstorming ground rules before the start of every brainstorming session. Make sure the rules are posted where every team member can see them.

In addition to the brainstorming rules every team may create there own. Here are several that are standard brainstorming rules:

? No team member has bad ideas. Keep the session fun. Involve every team member

? Do not criticize or pass judgment on another team member.

? Build on any idea that is presented.

? It is all about quantity not quality. Make the goal how many ideas can be created.

? The team leader writes down all ideas on a flip chart

? The team leader begins and ends every brainstorming session.

? The length of any brainstorming session should be no more than 1 hour.

? If the problem is not solved during one brainstorming session, schedule another one immediately.

? Do not elaborate on any idea during the session. It's all right to add details to an idea but if a team member wants to take the idea further they must wait until the session has ended.

? Team members are not to interrupt other team members when presenting an idea.

? No killer phrase are to be used. An example would be "we've tried that before and it didn't work" or "that will never work".

? The size of a brainstorming group should be no more than 12 and no less than 6.

? All team members must present ideas quickly

? When the team slows down the team leader will reread ideas of build on

? Team members are to be treated with respect as well as their ideas they present.

? No team member is to talk over another team member. The idea is to present ideas quickly, however team members must wait until another team member is finished presenting their idea.

? A recorder or secretary will record all ideas and notes. Before the brainstorming session begins a team member should be given the duty to take notes.

Team members may create any brainstorming rules they like as long as they are within reason. Team members need to take into consideration the diversity of the group. A brainstorming team should consist of various types of people that have a varied range of background and experiences. Brainstorming rules must be created with them in mind.

Once the brainstorming ground rules have been created, the team leader must review them. After the team leader has reviewed the rules, they are to be presented to the team members to discuss. All team members should agree on all brainstorming rules.