An old saying says that “Aotwo heads is better than one”. It is true and continues to be relevant. Higher productivity can be achieved when two or more minds are joined. Brainstorming is essential for every organization to generate many ideas on a particular topic.
How brainstorming was born
Brainstorming is a technique that has been used since 1942 to generate solutions to problems. Alex Osborn, an American advertising agency BBDO, coined the term after he was frustrated by his team’s output. He began to research and experiment to discover ways he could tap into the creativity of his team. He published his book, “AoApplied Imagination”, in 1953. It introduced brainstorming. He emphasized the importance of brainstorming in groups to produce better results than individuals working alone. It also stated that it was important to defer to judgment in order for effective idea-sharing.
Additionally, Osborn suggested new rules when brainstorming,including:
Ai brainstorming should not be used to criticize ideas. It should create an environment that welcomes all ideas. Participants are discouraged from sharing what’s on their minds by judging them.
Encourage the production of many ideas. The more ideas generated, the greater the number of solutions that a group can find. There should be no limit on the number of ideas that can be shared with the group.
Motivatingparticipants to suggest unconventional ideas ,Ai sometimes, even the mostunconventional ideas can be brilliant ideas.
When ideas are combined, teams can produce better results.
Brainstorming defined
A facilitator directs the flow of brainstorming activities. Brainstorming usually involves a group. The success of brainstorming depends on how open and honest participants are in sharing their ideas in a safe environment. The setting is informal, which encourages participants and encourages them to share more. The goal of the method is to identify a problem, whether complex or simple, and then generate a variety of ideas that can be accepted or rejected later. Participants share their ideas, which stimulate the mind and help solve the problem.
Tips for a successful brainstorming session
Brainstorming has been proven to be a great technique for generating ideas. It is useless if it is not done correctly. Here are some tips to help you have a productive brainstorming session.
Do not wait to hear the verdict. This is the most important tip, as judgments can ruin a person’s confidence in themselves and their willingness to share. Brainstorming is not the place to judge ideas. There is no bad idea or good idea at this point. The team must accept or reject ideas before judgments can be made.
Individual brainstorming. Individual brainstorming should begin with people writing down their ideas privately. This is especially helpful for introverts who are uncomfortable sharing their ideas. This helps to avoid biases and judgements. This part of the process can use any medium that members feel comfortable with. They can use pens and paper, whiteboards and other materials.
Group brainstorming. The group brainstorming should begin after everyone has written down their ideas. It will be easier to share ideas at this point and everyone will have their ideas ready to go.
Encourage even the most absurd ideas. Even the most absurd ideas can be made viable later. Groups should not be restricted to serious ideas. They should encourage thinking outside the box.
Encourage a fun environment. It doesn’t need to be boring, and brainstorming doesn’t have any such limitations. Groups should be fun and informal. People are more likely to share when they are having fun and relaxed. Leigh Thompson, who is a psychologist, says that people are more open to sharing when they are having fun.
