Mission Statement

Brainstorming : How to Brainstorm

Ground Rules

1. Open the meeting to discussion, making clear that all opinions will be respected. Do not evaluate or judge any of the ideas presented, including nonverbal communications (gestures, etc.), praise or criticism. Don’t judge.
2. Recorder is responsible for writing down all expressed idea and communicating them in the minutes of the meeting as brainstorming session ideas.
3. The team leader is responsible for moving the team to the decision-making part of the brainstorming session when appropriate.

Define the Problem

1. Clearly define the problem or subject to be discussed by having a well-formulated question.
2. Review the topic by asking "why", "how", or "what" questions.
3. Give team members time to think over the problem.

Generating Ideas

1. Record all ideas.
2. The more ideas the better the brainstorming session.
3. Remember there are no right or wrong ideas.
4. Build on each others’ ideas.
5. Some ideas may not seem appropriate at one moment but may be useful later.
6. Combine ideas that are similar if the team agrees.
7. Ask clarifying questions.
8. No discussion on any idea proposed during the generation process.

Time Management

1. If your team is pressed for time, you can have team members brainstorm before the meeting and come prepared with their ideas in writing. This will facilitate the brainstorming session and help the recorder transcribe the ideas.
2. Set up an e-mail system generating ideas to each other via e-mail before the meeting and come prepared to discuss the ideas at the brainstorming session.