How do you brainstorm with your team using issue trees?

One strategy is to identify the problem is calling a face to face meeting. And make sure that each member of your team participates in discussion. Ask each team member to share his problem and create a list. Once done, you will share your problem. And mutually decide that which problem is the urgent and needs to resolve ASAP. In this way, you will be able to identify problems one by one and solve it on time. I do this with my copy writing agency. I ask them about the issues they are facing and then put my concerns. We solve all the problems by mutual discussion.

Before you start brainstorming, ensure that everyone on the team has a clear understanding of the problem at hand. A well-defined problem serves as the trunk of your issue tree and sets the direction for the rest of the brainstorming session. Try to make the problem statement as concise and specific as possible, and consider different perspectives on the issue.

Making branches also includes the causes and factors causing the problem. Like: -Why do the posts isn't upto mark. -Which premium subscription do we need to write a better copy? -Why did the client request revision

Start by identifying the major issues or factors related to the problem. These represent the primary branches of your issue tree. They should be independent from each other, collectively exhaustive (meaning they cover all possible aspects of the problem), and should be logically connected to the problem statement. These primary branches can then be further divided into sub-branches or smaller issues, following the same principle of being MECE (mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive).

The ability to solve problems is hidden in many people, organizations or people need to be trained and create a suitable platform for this ability to emerge. Holding regular meetings, dividing big problems into small parts and continuous practice of solving small problems increases this capability in the team or organization. Practice solving small problems with the right strategies so that you can overcome big problems

This is where you request your team members to put their inputs. They must be logical and practical. As a freelance copywriter, I ask my team copywriters to find out their best time and place to work to make sure we deliver quality copies to my clients

The team should use the issue tree as a basis for generating hypotheses and potential solutions. Each branch or sub-branch of the tree represents a different aspect of the problem, and hence a different opportunity for solving it. By systematically addressing each branch, the team can develop a set of well-grounded solutions that collectively address the entire problem.

It's essential to document the process and results of the brainstorming session, including the final version of the issue tree and the hypotheses and solutions generated. This documentation serves as a reference for future discussions and decision-making, and helps ensure that all team members are on the same page. Furthermore, assign follow-up tasks related to each branch and sub-branch to ensure the implementation of the solutions.

To make the process more interactive and engaging, consider using collaborative software tools that allow team members to contribute to the issue tree in real time. And remember, the ultimate goal is not to create a perfect tree, but to foster a productive dialogue that helps your team tackle complex problems more effectively.

I love to share a CHECKLIST: 20 Tips for a perfect brainstorm: 1. Define a relevant challenge. 2. Create with the sponsor an assignment 3. Create momentum 4. Invite people for whom it is relevant. 5. Invite people for content as well as decision-making 6. Include outsiders 7. An mix of participants 8. Invite the senior problem-owner 9. A special venue 10. An safe environment 11. Never at the office 12. Spend twice as much time on the convergence - as on the divergence process. 13. Combine idea-generating techniques 14. Be open to suggestions 15. Make sure it is enjoyable 16. Time box 17. Keep up the pace 18. Appoint an expert facilitator 19. Make the output concrete 20. Creating together to generate buy-in