Creative Brainstorming
You may have tried the brainstorming sessions at your company but it was just not as informative and creative as you expected. This is typically because it was managed well and poorly planned. But we are here to help you with that.
There is a proven method that will trigger ideas. This is based on the brainstorming that has been used by Walt Disney Imagineering, Leo Burnett, and other creative organizations of this same caliber.
Creative brainstorming is not just used for the marketing and advertising industries, it is something that can be used with any company, any goal and any problem. Brainstorming is basically Universal!
First you are going to:
- Write your objective, your goal or mission to accomplish. Pass it to each member of your group and also have it up for everyone to see throughout the session.
- Have a good mix from different backgrounds in your group. If you have a large group of 10 or more, then split them up into 2 groups.
- Set a time limit of 30 minutes up to 4 hours
- State your objective, then explain the rules, which are no judging, negativity or criticism. Everyone has to add ideas and it needs to be said before thinking about it. No thought censoring.
- Have someone write the ideas as they flow.
- Select the best ideas then evaluate
- Assign their next step
Next is the beginning planning steps to a more formal creative brainstorming session.
Write you objective clearly and concisely
- Write one sentence statement that focuses and defines your goal
- Make it specific, it has to be clear to everyone, no generalization
- Have a starting point
- Have your statement printed prior to the session as large as possible. Have it up on the wall or an easel for everyone to see during the session.
Make your team selection
- Choose a team leader, this will be the one to write the focus statement, organize and lead the session. They should have a facilitator personality
- 2 or 3 who know about the project. Choose from the departments that take the most creativity to do.
- 2 or 3 that have no clue of the project, this way they come in fresh with brand new ideas. Choose those that are bright and imaginative, not someone who has a spotless desk.
- Don’t’ invite more than 7 if possible, if there are more that want to participate, plan a second session.
- Stay away from the upper levels or those who may want to show some muscle.
- Send memos to members on the date and time. Include your focus statement and any other background that you would like to add to get them ready.
These are a few tips to help you have a very creative brainstorming session, but this more of the formal process. Either way, this will give you more success because you have a clear and concise plan. Brainstorming is a successful business innovation that is tried and true if you have a plan.
