LIVE DANGEROUSLY - Trying New Brainstorming Techniques

When employees enter into a brainstorming session, they are often given a set of rules to follow or an exercise to ensure the employer gets some actionable results. There are numerous published brainstorming rule books widely available that many companies swear by. My suggestion is to adopt a different, even somewhat dangerous approach. Before we get into the heart of this unique and possibly risky approach, we’re going to throw out the old rules. 

Out with the Old

The main brainstorming rule to be broken is “there are no silly ideas.’ Looking back on my first session as a young equipment designer, this rule was accepted as gospel. However, once I began sharing my thoughts and immediately experiencing the laughs, eye rolling and that “warm flush” of embarrassment flow over my being, I vowed never to share my thoughts again. More than several years have passed, and now with many brainstorming sessions under my belt, I have a few suggestions to help make time spent more productive. 

New Rule Number 1

Rather than recite the rules as to how the group should function, appoint one person to enforce them. This requires a special talent: someone who has the ability to underscore the rule without embarrassing the eye rollers and the person with the idea. This is actually a favorite tool of mine; it creates an opportunity to restate the rule while avoiding any lasting embarrassment. Now, this may be a challenge when someone makes a funny suggestion. Actually the more humorous the better, just say (address the person by name) “you know your idea sounds funny at first glance and your use of humor to get everyone’s attention was well played. Let’s get into the meat of your idea and discuss how to implement it.”  This not only moves the conversation forward and allows the facilitator to hold the room, so-to-speak, but you never know what kind of ideas this may generate. It may be something brilliant. During the session, remember to always ask smart open ended questions; who, what, where, how and why. They may have to be asked several times, offering you the opportunity to demonstrate your patience and lead by example. Employing the SMART method of decision making to determine proper timing. From indeed.com, “SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-based. Each element of the SMART framework works together to create a goal that is carefully planned, clear and trackable.”

New Rule Number 2

Here comes the dangerous and risky brainstorming method. My team came together to find out what works the most effectively for us. Rather than work from a book of suggested brainstorming techniques, breakout sessions, or musical chairs, our group picked a game that everyone, even those who had never played before, welcomed the opportunity to learn. The fun and challenging game of Pool. Yes, our office has a pool table where a conference tabletop usually perches. 

Pool Sessions are usually near or after hours and include food and drink. Contrary to the normal beliefs, there are a few exercises and/or tasks that we humans can do better after consuming just one drink. Brainstorming is on that list. As the leader of the group, it’s your job to lead the group and glean as many ideas as possible within that one drink window. Designate a server for the one drink, then the “bar” is closed until the brainstorming session is declared done and all the ideas recorded for review. Shooting pool and enjoying a cocktail together as a team works well. The server also keeps an eye out to ensure a limited amount of alcohol is consumed. Keep safety first: we also always have a designated driver or a taxi available so no one drives under the influence. 

CONCLUSION

For brainstorming sessions with your team and wrangling many different personalities and ideas, it’s vital to think outside of the box. By offering creative solutions to both adapt and set a precedent of inclusion, these suggestions help keep everyone on task. Never be afraid to take the risk of tossing out the old rules and discovering what new techniques might spark something wonderful.