Not everyone is a brainstorming pro and that’s okay. Even if you’re completely new to the brainstorming process can still get a lot out of the Crainstorm web app. Let us introduce you to some of the basics of hosting a brainstorming, along with some tips and tricks to make sure you get the most out of your first Crainstorm.
What is a Brainstorm
First things first, a brainstorm is a group discussion that attempts to solve a problem or come up with new ideas. As a host, your job is to help guide your contributors and keep the ideas flowing as you work as a team to overcome the challenge you have presented.
Be Prepared
It might feel strange to put time into preparing for a session that is simply about coming up with new ideas in a group. Shouldn’t it all be collaborative and come together on the fly?
But laying the groundwork for your brainstorm is the best way to be successful. Whether you’re hosting a brainstorm, or contributing to it, having a clear idea of the subject and goal of the brainstorm helps everyone jump right into creativity and keeps things from derailing mid-brainstorm.
Timing is Key
What’s your most creative time of the day? A 2011 study suggests that the part of your day that feels the least productive is the best part of the day to get creative.
If you’re a night owl, you’re more likely to have an a-ha moment in the morning, and if you’re a morning person, it might be best to wait until the afternoon.
The slump that comes is marked by a loss of inhibitions that frees up your creativity. By scheduling your brainstorm for the slow point of the day, you’re more likely to forget about constraints and come up with the type of out-of-the-box ideas that move projects forward.
Know Your Hat
By hat, we don’t mean bowler vs. fedora, we mean innovator vs. executor.
It’s important to decide if the purpose of the brainstorm, or your role within the brainstorm, is to come up with the ideas (innovate) or plan the best way to get them done (execute). By separating the two tasks, you ensure you don’t lose any potential ideas by only innovating to the level at which you can execute.
(insert chart from Proximity Paradox demonstration ceilings and lost potential)
Beware the First Idea
It can be tempting to get stuck on the first idea presented in the brainstorm. Maybe it’s amazing, but it’s important to continue exploring. You never know what great ideas might be waiting if you pivot and explore new directions. A few ways to keep from getting stuck on the first good idea are:
- Pre-plan prompts – write down some words, topics or exercises that can take the conversation in a new direction.
- Make space for rebels to challenge ideas. Some people take control of brainstorms with their ideas, while others need to sit and stew a bit before they contribute. If you notice someone is taking over the bulk of the conversation, assign them a new brainstorm identity to make sure you hear from other contributors.
- Apply constraints – if your group is stuck, apply a new constraint to make sure you explore new territory. For example, you have no marketing budget; your marketing budget triples overnight; or you can only use email marketing to get your message across.
The Lifecycle of a Brainstorm
Every brainstorm has a lifecycle. Anticipating the stages can help you transition and make the most out of every minute.
Stage One – Awkward Start
It can take a while to get a group of strangers to open up and share ideas. We suggest a quick icebreaker to give your brainstorm a jumpstart (link to icebreaker post).
Stage Two – Rush
Once the first idea is shared, it often results in a rush of ideas as members gain sudden confidence. Let the ideas flow in and make sure to document everything.
Stage Three – Plateau
As time ticks on, the ideas begin to come slower as people grasp for their next idea. Ideas can become cheesy or silly sounding. Don’t be afraid or self-conscious to share. What might seem like a crazy or even stupid idea, could spark a brilliant one with further discussion and collaboration.
Stage Four – After Effect
Collect all the ideas and information from the brainstorm and carry them with you for a while. New ideas can strike any time, so be prepared to write them down. Set a deadline for the next day to revisit your notes with any new additions, and to evaluate the ideas from the brainstorm after sitting with them.
