The scene is repeated in boardrooms around the world every day. A problem was identified and a group has gathered to solve the problem. When ideas are needed, the group decides to brainstorming. And too often this exercise leads to a short list of not-that-creative ideas.
We know that if we generate more ideas we have a better chance of finding better ideas. This brings us to the logical conclusion that if we can find techniques to create more ideas, we will be better. But no one technique will provide the perfect solution. Instead your goals should be to have a variety of approaches to help stimulate idea creation in your repertoire. This will improve the overall quality of ideas, having more to choose from.
Whether you are unhappy with the current creativity of the group or are having good success with brainstorming sessions, but I wish they were even better, one of the following eight tips can help.
Looking at problems in different ways. Get the group to change their perspective on the problem. Once people "lock in" a way of looking at things the idea flow will slow to a tickle. People have to take a new character. Ask them to look at the issue from the perspective of another group - accounting, human resources, or sales for example. Ask them to think about how their grandmother or 8 years could solve the problem. These are simple ways to force people into a new perspective and new perspectives will generate more ideas.
Make novel combinations. The ideas that will land on a flip chart or whiteboard in a brainstorming session are typically considered individually. They look like the group with the initial list and look for ways to combine new ideas.
balance of power. Once a group finished with their initial list, provide them with words, pictures or objects. The objects can be random objects, words can come from a randomly generated list and send you a list like that), or from images in magazines or newspapers. When people have their random word, picture or voice, have them create connections between the problem and their voice. Use questions like "How could this item solve our problem?" What attributes of this element could help us solve our problem? "
Make visible their thoughts. You have people drawing! Too often the brainstorming session was all seated, except the person capturing the ideas. Allow users to draw and doodle and you never know what ideas may be spurred.
Think in opposites. Instead of asking your direct problem question, ask the opposite. "How can we ensure that no one has bought this new product?" It could be an example. Capturing the ideas on "the opposite," will illuminate ideas for solving the actual problem.
Think metaphorically. This approach is similar to forcing relationships (and is another way to use your words, pictures or articles). Choose a random idea / item and ask the group: "How is the product as our problem?" Metaphors can be a very powerful way to create new ideas where none existed before.
Prepare. Too often, people are asked to brainstorm a problem with the time the previous thought. If people have time to think about a topic, and let their brain work on it for a while ', will create more and better ideas. Allowing people to be better prepared mentally by sharing the challenges you will be brainstorming some 'time before the meeting, whenever possible.
Set a goal. It shows the research and my experience definitely confirmed that the simple act of giving people a quantitative target before starting the brainstorming session will lead to a longer list of ideas to consider. Set your goal, at least a little 'more than you think you can get - and higher than this group typically achieves. Set the goal and watch the group arrives!
While these suggestions were all written from the perspective of a group generating ideas, they all work very well for individuals too. The next time you need to solve a problem yourself, use these techniques and you will be amazed by the amount of ideas that will generate!
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