BRAINSTORMING

If  your team is faced with a difficult problem try using a brainstorming session to generate ideas to solve it.

Here’s a handful of tips to get you started

* Choose an enthusiastic leader

* Explain the rules

       Start with a warm up exercise with some common object, such as a brick.

     Try to get as many ideas as possible no matter how “crazy” they may seem.

       Get them written up so all can see them.

       Ban criticism  or comments at this stage.

* Define the problem

     Use simple terms and probe for the real problem.

       Set a deadline for the finish of the exercise.

       Try to put your group under pressure.

* Ask for Ideas and let them flow

       Don’t allow interruptions.

       When enthusiasm declines, take a break.

       After the break try putting solutions into a priority order, the impossible, the unlikely or the possible.

       Discuss and compare them looking for ways to combine or improve ideas.

* Decide on the best solution

     Plan how it can be put into practice and discuss implications.

Geoffrey Moss (Moss associates.co.nz)

“Imagination is more important than knowledge but it dies under the withering heat of criticism.”

For those in need download our FREE book “NO JOB! WHAT NOW? available from our website.

Source: Time-Savers, Moss Associates.Ltd  New Zealand; McGraw-Hill, Australia & Times Business Books,  a Federal Publication, Singapore and Time Management Secrets, Thomson.