Idea generation is an art form. It’s about setting a safe, creative space for people to feel like they can say anything, be wild, not be judged – so that new ideas can be born.
To help you generate ideas, some tips used in traditional group brainstorming follow, setting the boundaries of that creative space.
- Defer judgment
Creative spaces don’t judge. They let the ideas flow, so that people can build on each other and foster great ideas. You never know where a good idea is going to come from, the key is to make everyone feel like they can say the idea on their mind and allow others to build on it. Pose non-judgmental questions and provocations so that the ideas can get better.
- Encourage wild ideas
Wild ideas can often give rise to creative leaps. In thinking about ideas that are wacky or out there, we tend to think about what we really want without the constraints of technology or materials. We can then take those magical possibilities and perhaps invent new technologies to deliver them. Embrace the most out-of-the-box notions and build build build…
- Build on the ideas of others
Being positive and building on the ideas of others takes some skill. In conversation, use and instead of but…
- Stay focused on the topic
Keep the discussion on target, otherwise you could diverge beyond the scope of what you’re trying to work on.
- One conversation at a time
This rule applies whenever you have a group session. Make sure you start with this rule in place. Side conversations are very distracting and break down the group process.
- Be visual
In live brainstorms try using markers to write on Post-its that are put on a wall. Nothing gets an idea across faster than drawing it. No matter how terrible your drawing skills are, it’s about the idea behind your sketch. Does an idea from someone else resonate with you? Make an image to go with their idea.
- Go for quantity
Aim for as many ideas as possible during your session. In a great session, up to 100 ideas can be generated in 60 minutes. Crank the ideas out quickly. The job of going back through them comes later, not during the brainstorming session. ____
Have you tried brainstorming your business ideas with others? Make an appointment to brainstorm about your business idea – just one to one at first. (Call Bonnie at 931-456-4910) If you’d like to have a group brainstorming session with others after our initial session, let me know and we’ll put a group of supportive brainstormers together to work on your ideas with you!
Here’s to great brainstorming!
