Brainstorming Effectively

BRAINSTORMING: The basic tool used in generating many possible solutions to a problem is brainstorming. To use the brainstorming process effectively requires following a prescribed set of rules very closely. These rules are: 1. No positive or negative comments are allowed during the brainstorming phase. 2. Positive or negative non-verbal evaluations are discouraged as well. 3. A group member may ask for clarification if the member does not understand a given suggestion, but it is important to avoid any questions that are directed to "how" or "why" of the idea. In other words, the person suggesting a solution is not to be asked to defend the idea! 4. "Far out" or amusing suggestions are encouraged. Laughter can serve as a good release and help people relax. A seemingly wild or amusing suggestion is listed with the more serious ideas for group consideration, unless the "author" of the idea specifically asks that it be withheld. Sometimes a wild idea can be changed or built upon for creative practical solutions. The idea here is to relax and let the ideas flow. 5. Encourage group members to generate solutions that are based upon changing ideas already presented, (e.g., reversing, expanding, limiting). 6. Combine ideas that seem to compliment each other.

Copyright AE Schwartz & Associates All rights reserved. For additional presentation materials and resources: ReadySetPresent and for a Free listing as a Trainer, Consultant, Speaker, Vendor/Organization: TrainingConsortium

CEO, A.E. Schwartz & Associates, Boston, MA., a comprehensive organization which offers over 40 skills based management training programs. Mr. Schwartz conducts over 150 programs annually for clients in industry, research, technology, government, Fortune 100/500 companies, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. He is often found at conferences as a key note presenter and/or facilitator. His style is fast-paced, participatory, practical, and humorous. He has authored over 65 books and products, and taught/lectured at over a dozen colleges and universities throughout the United States.

---

Top Ten Ways To Jump-Start Your Creativity

1 - Take A Tour of the Great Outdoors Consider... Read More

Creativity and Inspiration

Creativity for the mystic has special meaning. In the world... Read More

Are You A Creative Meathead?

Remember Archie Bunker's description of what a Meathead was on... Read More

Creativity Isnt Just About Art It Is About Healing

Go on, pick up a pen, hold it in your... Read More

Creating and Living Your Ideal Legacy

A legacy is more than a gift that lives on... Read More

Tapping into Your Super Creative Power

Do you consider yourself creative? How about super creative? Most... Read More

Mind Power Games

Want a fun way to tune up your brain? Why... Read More

Fear & Creativity

My fears are most powerful when they're simmering just under... Read More

Finding A Little Adventure

I have had more than my share of exciting times... Read More

Creativity and Innovation Management : Why Products Fail!

There is no sure fire route to commercial success but... Read More

Get Creativity?

Creativity is central to the management of our individual lives,... Read More

New Inventions - From Absurd to Wacky!

New inventions? Heard of a revolving restaurant combination television tower?... Read More

How To Let The Subconscious Mind Do The Creative Work

From time immemorial mankind has wished for an Aladin's lamp,... Read More

The Creativity Creed

I believe that creativity is a natural order of life... Read More

Creativity, Innovation, and Science ? Separate and Distinct or Not?

There is a pervasive belief that creativity and innovation are... Read More

Creativity And You

95 percent of what we know about the brain, we... Read More

Creating Reality ? Discovering the Magician Within

We all create our own reality each and every day,... Read More

7 Things Sapping Your Creativity Right Now

This was a very easy article to write. I was... Read More

The Healing Powers of Journaling

For the past several years, I have found joy working... Read More

The Art of Keeping a Journal

Journal keeping is basically without rules. It is an uncensored... Read More

Creativity Management ? Finding Your Voice

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Re-Energize Your Brain

We all use tools in our work, and all of... Read More

Make Yourself Creative: Two Easy Idea-Generating Methods

Here are a couple of exercises to force yourself to... Read More

Gift of a Letter

"What cannot letters inspire? They have souls; they can speak;... Read More

A Question of Time and Memory

I have been struck recently by a number of questions... Read More

Connect with Your Muse

Lately I've been discussing how to thrive as a creative... Read More

Be Creative: 10 Easy Steps To Increase Your Confidence, Creativity and Cash In The Attention Economy

How can you be more creative? How can you turn... Read More

Courage and Creating

Doing anything creative often brings up fears, anxieties, insecurities. Courage... Read More

How to Make Time for Art

The key to making time for art is the ability... Read More

Charge Your Imagination (1)

"The challenges are not in the marketplace. They are in... Read More

What Open Stage is Teaching Me About Life

After many years of performing as a vocalist, I switched... Read More

Overcoming Artists Block (Part 1)

How many times does an artist stare down at that... Read More

Connect with Your Inner Artist

In the "Roadblocks to Creativity" e-course, we look at the... Read More