Brainstorm is a method of searching for new ideas and solutions. The essence of it is that the participants sound as many variants as possible, particularly the most innovative. They selected the best ideas or solutions from all of them, which everyone can implement in practice. In this article, a free essay writer will tell you how to conduct a brainstorming session properly.
History of the Method
It is believed that American advertising writer Alex Osborne invented the technique of brainstorming, and he was aided in this military experience. During the Second World War, Osborne served as a captain of a van. Once, he received a radiogram about a potential danger – the approach of a German submarine. In considering how to fix it, Osborne guessed a technique used by the brothers of the Middle Ages: in case of trouble, the entire crew would gather on deck to propose their version of the problem on a line-by-line basis.
Osborne did the same thing: he called the crew together and asked everyone to suggest their tactics in case of an attack. However, none of the ideas were used: the German submarine was not interested in the American ship. But Osborne began to develop the theory of brainstorming, which he described in a report in his book “Applied Ouija,” published in 1953.
Main Rules for Successful Brainstorming
To have a practical brainstorming session, it is not necessary to repeat Alex Osborne’s steps and assemble the team in the correct order when the underwater squad of competitors is already approaching in front of you. It is best to adhere to the following rules.
1. Advance Preparation.
It’s unnecessary to surprise the team and announce the brainstorming theme when everyone is already assembled. Give participants fewer than a few days to prepare: May they have time to think over the ideas beforehand.
2. A Productive Atmosphere.
Suppose the room is very cold or hot. In that case, there are not enough comfortable chairs for everyone. There is no paper and pen for each participant and a flip chart for the presenter. All that participants want the brainstormers – so that these gatherings ended as quickly as possible. People should have comfortable conditions for work.
3. More People = More Ideas
The goal of the brainstorming session is to generate as many ideas as possible, from which everyone can choose the best ones. It is essential to gather more participants: for example, not one department of 3 men, but a team of 10. But do not just because of the number of clicks on the brainstorm those people who do not want to take part in it.
4. Detailed Description of the Problem.
Agree on the theme of the brainstorming session ahead of time, and before the session begins, you need to explain the goal of the meeting and what problem you must solve. Make sure that all the participants understand the task correctly and know what they want.
5. No Limits for the Ideas.
An important rule for a successful brainstorming session is that there are no rules during the brainstorming session. Don’t say, “Only come up with ideas that we can implement with our budget in mind,” and so on. Allow participants to say everything that comes to mind – even cooperation with aliens. Participants can’t criticize other people’s ideas, but they can supplement them, so it’s unnecessary to reinvent the wheel and propose what has not yet been heard in any form.
6. Record-Keeping.
Remember everything: exercises, methods, and instructions for improving memory.
During the brainstorming session, it is crucial not only to voice your ideas but also to write them down. All, no matter how utterly fantastic and worded jargon. And it’s better to have not only the returning leader but all the participants, and nobody will not forget any idea.
7. The Possibility of Adding an Idea After the Brainstorming.
The brainstorming session could be over, everyone got into their rooms, sat down on the couch with a cup of beer – and lo and behold, it’s happening! Allow participants to share their thoughts later. But do not drag out the process of generating ideas, but set a clear deadline for one day to one week.
