Brainstorming Effectively

BRAINSTORMING: The basic tool used in generating many possible solutions to a problem is brainstorming. To use the brainstorming process effectively requires following a prescribed set of rules very closely. These rules are: 1. No positive or negative comments are allowed during the brainstorming phase. 2. Positive or negative non-verbal evaluations are discouraged as well. 3. A group member may ask for clarification if the member does not understand a given suggestion, but it is important to avoid any questions that are directed to "how" or "why" of the idea. In other words, the person suggesting a solution is not to be asked to defend the idea! 4. "Far out" or amusing suggestions are encouraged. Laughter can serve as a good release and help people relax. A seemingly wild or amusing suggestion is listed with the more serious ideas for group consideration, unless the "author" of the idea specifically asks that it be withheld. Sometimes a wild idea can be changed or built upon for creative practical solutions. The idea here is to relax and let the ideas flow. 5. Encourage group members to generate solutions that are based upon changing ideas already presented, (e.g., reversing, expanding, limiting). 6. Combine ideas that seem to compliment each other.

Copyright AE Schwartz & Associates All rights reserved. For additional presentation materials and resources: ReadySetPresent and for a Free listing as a Trainer, Consultant, Speaker, Vendor/Organization: TrainingConsortium

CEO, A.E. Schwartz & Associates, Boston, MA., a comprehensive organization which offers over 40 skills based management training programs. Mr. Schwartz conducts over 150 programs annually for clients in industry, research, technology, government, Fortune 100/500 companies, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. He is often found at conferences as a key note presenter and/or facilitator. His style is fast-paced, participatory, practical, and humorous. He has authored over 65 books and products, and taught/lectured at over a dozen colleges and universities throughout the United States.

Creativity blossoms
Boston Globe, United States - 7 hours ago
... 35 wooded acres off Sunset Rock Road, on Wednesday celebrated the grand opening of its newly completed Dahod Center for Community and Creative Learning. ...

Times Online
Wave of creativity
Times Online, UK - 14 hours ago
The evolution of Tuath/North is more akin to a creative journey than a straightforward self-build experience. “Around 10 years ago we saw the site in a ...

Tour de Fat bicycle parade rolls on creativity, sustainability
The Coloradoan, CO - 2 hours ago
Mateo Kowal, the Tour's creative director, said the event combines festivity with awareness. "It's about your more fun self, your more whimsical self, ...

For some, creativity just comes naturally
Carson Times, NV - 4 hours ago
Shannon O'Keeffe and her husband, Demian, seem unstoppable with their ideas and their creative energy. And the eclectic collection of "stuff" people give ...

Creativity, business conflict at Art Hop
BurlingtonFreePress.com, VT - 4 hours ago
By Adam Silverman, Free Press Staff Writer • September 7, 2008 The poster featured a photograph of a plastic baby doll, its eyes open, covered in a blanket ...

Businesses need creativity to prosper in hard times
Dayton Daily News, OH - 7 hours ago
By Alexandra Hazlett DAYTON — A hard economy means businesses need to be more efficient, and sometimes creative in the ways they cut costs and run their ...

That's the spirt: New jobs can stir creativity
Fresno Bee (subscription), CA - 6 hours ago
Fresno City college coach Tony Caviglia told The Bee last week that if he wasn't a football coach he'd want to be a winemaker. Which got The Local Scene ...

Aurora’s FAMFest provides venue for artists to show value of ...
Grand Island Independent, NE - 10 hours ago
"I think everybody has hidden creativity and often you don't have the opportunity to express it," Eckerson said. She said having this venue for FAMFest is ...

Creativity, courage needed in 1918 — just as they are now
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WI - 16 hours ago
In a time of economic stress, he took steps that demonstrated both political courage and creativity. As we experience similar stress today, ...

Washington Post
Beanie's injury tests Buckeyes' depth, creativity
ESPN - Sep 4, 2008
... so let's see how he handles the spotlight I've gotten more than a few e-mails from Buckeyes fans criticizing a lack of creativity among the coaches, ...
Video: Terrelle Pryor Might Play in Ohio State Opener AssociatedPress
all 1,967 news articles

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

Drawing On Creativity: How To Trick Your Brain