Guide to Brainstorming

I. Prepare for brainstorming.
A. Chose a location with a relaxed environment.
B. Chose a facilitator to guide the session and encourage participants.
C. Supply materials to write down ideas – paper, pen, white board or flip charts.
D. Invite a diverse group of people to the session.
II. Conducting the session.
A. Define the problem or issue as a creative challenge.
B. Set a time limit and a minimum number of ideas to obtain.
C. The facilitator should list all ideas for everyone to see.
D. Allow no criticism of ideas.
E. Chose the five best ideas for follow up.
F. Rate each of these to determine the number one idea.
III. Follow up after the meeting.
A. Apply the best idea to the situation.
B. Maintain the list so that if the chosen idea fails others can be considered.