How do you brainstorm with others?

1 Choose the right method

There are many ways to brainstorm with others, depending on your goals, preferences, and resources. Brainwriting, for example, involves each participant writing down their ideas on a sheet of paper or a sticky note, and then passing it to the next person who adds more ideas or comments. This method can reduce pressure, increase diversity, and avoid groupthink. Mind mapping is another technique which involves each participant drawing a central topic or question on a large paper or board and branching out with related subtopics or questions. This method can help organize, visualize, and connect ideas. Lastly, SCAMPER is a method that uses a set of questions based on the acronym SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse) to modify or improve an existing idea or product. This method can stimulate lateral thinking and generate novel solutions.

2 Set the rules and goals

Before beginning a brainstorming session, it is important to establish some ground rules and goals to ensure that it is productive and respectful. These may include defining the problem or question clearly and concisely, encouraging quantity and diversity of ideas without criticism or rejection, building on or combining ideas from others and acknowledging their contributions, setting a specific number or time limit of ideas, and assigning roles such as facilitator, recorder, timekeeper, or evaluator. Doing so will help ensure a successful brainstorming session.

3 Prepare and warm up

To brainstorm effectively with others, it is important to prepare yourself and your environment beforehand to warm up your creative muscles. For example, do some research or background reading on the topic or problem and gather relevant information or materials. Additionally, choose a comfortable and stimulating space to arrange the furniture, equipment, and supplies accordingly. Inviting diverse and motivated participants, and briefing them on the purpose and agenda of the session can also be beneficial. Finally, using icebreakers or games to break the ice, build rapport, and activate your brain can help get the creative juices flowing.

4 Generate and share ideas

Brainstorming with others is all about generating and sharing ideas in a collaborative and constructive way. To achieve this, you can use prompts or stimuli, such as images, words, questions, or scenarios, to trigger associations or responses. You can also try different modes or formats, like verbal, visual, or physical, to express your ideas. Furthermore, you can use different perspectives or angles, such as customer, competitor, or expert, to view the problem. Finally, feedback or reflection can help refine your ideas; for example, praise, questions, or suggestions.