What do you do if your brainstorming session for Strategic Communications is hitting a roadblock?

1 Identify the root cause

The first step is to figure out why you are hitting a roadblock in the first place. Is it because you lack information, inspiration, motivation or direction? Is it because you have too many or too few options, constraints, opinions or expectations? Is it because you are facing a complex, unfamiliar or ambiguous problem? By diagnosing the source of your frustration, you can address it more effectively and move forward.

2 Change your perspective

Sometimes, the best way to break out of a rut is to look at the problem from a different angle. You can do this by asking yourself some challenging questions, such as: What would your audience say, think or feel about your message? What would your competitors, allies or critics do or say differently? What would happen if you did the opposite of what you are doing now? What are the best and worst case scenarios? By changing your perspective, you can discover new insights, opportunities and alternatives.

3 Use brainstorming techniques

There are many brainstorming techniques that can help you generate more and better ideas for strategic communications. Some of the most popular ones are: mind mapping, which is a visual way of organizing your thoughts and connections; SCAMPER, which is an acronym for seven ways to modify your existing ideas (substitute, combine, adapt, modify, put to another use, eliminate, reverse); and SWOT analysis, which is a tool for assessing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of your situation. By using brainstorming techniques, you can stimulate your creativity, logic and critical thinking.

4 Seek feedback and input

Another way to overcome a brainstorming block is to seek feedback and input from others. You can do this by inviting more people to join your session, such as colleagues, experts, clients or stakeholders. You can also ask for their opinions, suggestions, questions or criticisms. You can use tools like surveys, polls, interviews or focus groups to gather more data and perspectives. By seeking feedback and input, you can benefit from the diversity, experience and knowledge of others.

5 Take a break and relax

Finally, sometimes the best thing to do when you are stuck in a brainstorming session is to take a break and relax. You can do this by stepping away from your problem for a while, doing something else that you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, exercising or meditating. You can also use techniques like breathing, stretching or laughing to reduce your stress and tension. By taking a break and relaxing, you can refresh your mind, boost your mood and energy and restore your focus.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?