How can you use brainstorming to negotiate better?

1 What is brainstorming?

Brainstorming is a process of generating and exploring many ideas in a group or individually, without judging or criticizing them at first. The goal is to stimulate creativity, expand the range of possibilities, and discover new connections and perspectives. Brainstorming can be done verbally, visually, or in writing, using various tools and methods.

2 Why brainstorming matters for negotiation?

Brainstorming can enhance your negotiation skills in several ways. First, it can help you prepare for the negotiation by identifying your interests, alternatives, and criteria, as well as anticipating the other party's needs and concerns. Second, it can help you conduct the negotiation by creating a collaborative atmosphere, fostering mutual understanding, and avoiding deadlock or conflict. Third, it can help you close the negotiation by generating win-win outcomes, resolving trade-offs, and adding value to the agreement.

3 How to brainstorm effectively?

To use brainstorming effectively, you need to follow some basic principles and steps. For instance, you should define the problem or goal clearly and concisely. Additionally, set a time limit and target number of ideas. Furthermore, encourage quantity and diversity of ideas without censoring or evaluating any of them. Build on and combine existing ideas and record them in an organized fashion. Finally, evaluate and select the most promising, feasible, and desirable ideas for further exploration or implementation.

4 How to brainstorm with others?

Brainstorming can be done either alone or with others, depending on the situation and the purpose. When done with others, it can provide more ideas and perspectives, as well as engagement and commitment. Additionally, it can help build trust and rapport. However, brainstorming with others can also lead to groupthink and conformity, dominance and inhibition, or conflict and criticism. To overcome these challenges, you need to create a supportive and respectful environment for brainstorming with others. This can be achieved by choosing the right participants, setting ground rules, using a neutral facilitator, alternating between generating and evaluating ideas, and celebrating and appreciating ideas.

5 How to brainstorm online?

Brainstorming online can be a great way to collaborate with others remotely, especially in the current context of social distancing and virtual work. However, it’s important to make some adjustments and adaptations. Firstly, choose a reliable platform that allows for synchronous or asynchronous communication, as well as document and visual sharing and editing. Secondly, prepare the problem statement, agenda, instructions, and any other materials before sending them to the participants. Thirdly, test your internet connection, audio and video devices, and platform features prior to the session. Fourthly, use icebreakers or energizers to build rapport with the participants, as well as polls or games to keep them interested. Fifthly, use diagrams, charts, images or icons to illustrate your ideas and tools like MindMeister or Miro to create and share online brainstorming maps or boards. Finally, summarize and document the results of the session for feedback and confirmation from the participants. Assign tasks and monitor the implementation of ideas.

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?