Free ideas

Brainstorming in Teams

John Bradley "JJ" Jackson

04 Feb 2009 • 1 min read

A great way to create and explore new ideas is to brainstorm with a group people. A diverse group has the ability to run with an individual idea, while adding depth and texture that an individual may miss. Groups are also good at creating a large volume of ideas; some ideas may be absurd while others could be practical.

Here are the steps in a team based brainstorming session:

Name a group leader to facilitate but not dictate; the facilitator should lead but not participate.

Establish a goal or describe a problem to be the subject. Be specific.

Put a boundary around the activity to maintain the focus.

Stay positive. Brainstorming needs positive feedback only.

Crazy ideas are cool as are the mundane.

Encourage everyone to participate. This technique tends to favor extroverts. Yet, introverts may have the better ideas. Draw them out.

Keep it fast paced and fun. A time limit might add some excitement.

Don’t dwell on an individual thought too long. Keep the pace fast.

Write it down. Analyze it later.