Rules For Success - Brainstorming Ground Rules Are Essential To Brainstorming Session."A group process used to generate a large number of ideas about specific issues in a non-judgmental environment." That is the textbook definition of brainstorming. We have all heard the term before; however, few of us really understand the process. Even many of those who are involved in brainstorming and are not too familiar with the steps. In brainstorming, there are specific steps to the process. One of the most important steps is Brainstorming Ground Rules. Brainstorming Ground Rules are important to any brainstorming session. It helps to contain things, and keep the people involved on track, all the while never getting in the way of the brainstorming itself. The question remains, what are the Brainstorming Ground Rules? The first rule in the Brainstorming Ground Rules is to avoid criticizing ideas. There are bound to be plenty of ideas flying about the room, it would be wise to remember that in brainstorming, all ideas are valid. The second rule of the Brainstorming Ground Rules is creating as many ideas as possible. This is a brainstorming session, and the more ideas the better. After all that is the aim of a brainstorming, session is it not. If ideas are limited then people instinctively will start to temper their ideas, and in turn submit less radical and new ideas. Ideas are key, good or bad, sane or crazy; you never know when a great idea is going to be born, no matter how crazy it may sound at first. The third in the series of Brainstorming Ground Rules is to go where the ideas take you. Do not, under any circumstances, allow yourself or others to censor any ideas. Any disturbance or interruption in the session can cause things to fall apart rather quickly. It is import to stick to this rule and keep the flow of the meeting going. The fourth rule in the Brainstorming Ground Rules is to listen to other ideas. Some might say that listening is the most important thing you can do, however, when brainstorming listening is just half the equation. The other part is to try to piggyback your ideas on the backs of other people suggestions. The fifth and final of the Brainstorming Ground Rules is to avoid direct discussion of any ideas or more importantly of any questions. The time for diving into the details about a particular idea will come. What needs to be realized is that that is not the focus of a brainstorming session. It is one of throwing out new and innovative ideas. Working out the adoption of said ideas is another session for another day. |