Brainstorming Techniques
Brainstorming TechniquesToday, in most companies around the world, new products and services that are launched are direct results of various brainstorming techniques. It is universally acknowledged that these kinds of interactive decision making activities go a long way in coming up with creative inputs. Different companies follow different methods for their brainstorming, but the main pattern remains the same. The following is a way in which you can plan out your own brainstorming technics in your workplace. Here you play the role of the team leader. Quantify and Describe the Problem This is always the first step at brainstorming. You have to set up the problem in a single question and display it on a prominent place, such as on the whiteboard. The question must be to the point, like "What is our product lacking that we can give it within our existing budget?" Inviting the Participants Not all of your employees will be productive in a brainstorming session. You have to think who will be an asset to you during such a session. When you have made your list of people, send them invitations a little in advance. This helps them in generating their own ideas over the period and come prepared. You will also have to call in some people to just sit and watch the session. These people will be the quite important to you, because they will be looking at the problem in a neutral manner and will probably give you the layperson's viewpoint of the problem. Also remember to include someone to record everything that goes on. Starting the Session When all participants are assembled, lay down the rules of conduct, emphasizing on the point of fair criticism. Explain to them the makeup of the problem and give them some cooling off time before you begin. Then invite the participants to provide their ideas on the issue. Ideating This is the most important part of the brainstorming techniques that you will be using. You have to ideate. If the people in your session are coming forth with ideas, each one of them must be reviewed thoroughly, or at least recorded for later review. If the ideas are not forthcoming, then you may suggest what you have in mind. As a team leader, you might have some answer to the problem you have set yourself. During a brainstorming session, you have to pronounce your own idea too, and see how it is received. Narrowing Down Here's where you will need some basic math. Whether it's an electrical or a baseball problem you must have put forth, there will surely be a lot of idea generation after you have implemented the brainstorming techniques. Now, you have to narrow down the ideas. Record all the ideas that come in and then weed out all the impractical ones. From what is left, ask the participants to narrow down further. This is where you must begin prioritizing the ideas. Finalizing When only a few ideas remain, ask your participants to cast a vote. Follow up the idea that gets the best vote. You can continue further discussions by allowing the participants to debate for and against this single idea till mutually acceptable solutions emerge. If they don't, select the next best in the list. The main purpose of your brainstorming techniques should be to put several heads together so that they can bring forth mutual solutions. It is a good way of enhancing the creativity and productivity that goes in your business. |