How To Guide

The quick and dirty guide to getting things done Crainstorm style.

How To Guide2021-02-20T03:23:59-06:00

Whether you’ve got a brilliant idea that you want to put through the wringer as a host, or brilliant insights you’d like to share with the world as a contributor, we want to make the Crainstorm experience as easy as possible.

Our 101 Guides will get you going in the right direction!

Brainstorming 101 – Contributors

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 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 contributor, your job is to help work with the team generate ideas and offer potential solutions to your host’s challenge.

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?

Preparing in advance as a contributor can help you kickstart your ideas and develop some thoughts before everyone else chimes in. The more unique ideas you can offer, the more you contribute to the brainstorm’s success.

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 applying for brainstorms that are scheduled at 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 understand the purpose of the brainstorm, and your expected role within it. Are you being tasked with innovation and generating ideas? Or are you to focus on execution and planning the best to implement existing ideas? By separating the two tasks, your host can ensure they don’t lose any potential ideas by only innovating to the level at which they can execute.

(insert chart from Proximity Paradox demonstration ceilings and lost potential)

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. As such, your host may begin with a quick icebreaker to give the 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. Now is the time when the ideas are most likely to flow. If you find yourself bursting with ideas, be sure to take notes so that none of them get lost in the shuffle.

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

You may find that your creative juices continue to flow well after a brainstorm. It’s okay to sit with ideas and keep ideas that weren’t presented in one brainstorm on hand for the next time a similar brainstorm occurs.

Brainstorming 101 – Hosts

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:

  1. Pre-plan prompts – write down some words, topics or exercises that can take the conversation in a new direction.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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