BRAINSTORMING
“A
journey of a thousand leagues begins with a single step.” – Lao-Tzu
When creating a
program, workshop or event, we often do not know what that first step
referenced above should be. We try to think of ideas and end up either
with too few or even none at all. Often the most difficult part of
a task is just getting started.
Brainstorming can
be an extremely effective “first step” for nearly any project.
It helps generate a creative flow of ideas and also serves as a way
of getting all of your group members actively involved in the planning
process. Although the brainstorming procedure can be whatever you
want it to be, here are a few tips to keep in mind that may help you:
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Write everything
down. Don’t trust your memory when brainstorming. If all
goes well, you will have too many ideas to try to store them in
your head! Writing them on a blackboard or poster paper where
all members can see them will help spark further ideas.
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There is no
wrong answer. Some ideas may seem absolutely ridiculous, but write
them down anyway. Sometimes the most absurd ideas turn into the
most worthwhile projects. Remember what Dick Rutin has expressed:
“What you can do is only limited by what you can dream.”
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Set limits.
Start off with a time limit (such as 20 minutes). Also, limit
the amount of people involved to a manageable number. If you have
a large group (i.e. 20 people), it may be beneficial to break
into two separate brainstorming groups. Each group can select
its top ideas and present them to the entire group.
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Set ground rules.
Verbalize to your group that there should be no criticism of ideas–all
ideas should be written on the board–and each member should
stay focused on this task for the next 20 minutes (or whatever
you choose as your time limit).
-
Quantity, not
quality. This is probably the opposite of the phrase you are accustomed
to hearing, but in brainstorming you want to get as many ideas
as possible. If your group members feel they can express only
“quality” ideas, they may be reluctant to say anything
at all.
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Show of hands.
Once the ideas are down, vote on them to select the group’s
top 5 or so. Be sure to allow your members to explain, clarify
or expand the ideas if necessary prior to voting. Once you have
selected your top ideas, take some time to discuss them (ideas
for advertising, themes, and so forth).
-
Run with it.
After discussing your top choices, select your winner. You may
want to let everyone think about the items for a week and vote
at your next meeting, but don’t let it sit longer than that.
Delays and postponements often result in a loss of enthusiasm.
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Whodunit?
Finally, select the committee to put the ideas in motion. They may
wish to hold future brainstorming sessions of their own to help
formulate details of the event.
Regardless of the
nature of the task at hand, brainstorming can be an effective tool
to get the most creative and successful ideas rolling. It can be used
to overcome mental blocks or to get your group members excited about
your project or organization. Plus, the more input you have from others,
the more likely your group will be able to support the final decision.
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