7 ways to get the ideas flowing at your next brainstorm session.

In part, innovation is hard because years of education and work have 'trained it out of us.' Many are taught to deal in facts and not to let "our imaginations run away with us." But that is exactly what we are asking people to do for idea generation. So, take some time and experimentation to get the right key to unlock your team's creative potential.  

Make sure your team is open to failure - the best ideas are happy accidents. So-called failure is often the proving ground for the really great ideas.

Innovation Needs Space 

Start with a great space to think. The more open, airy, and relaxed, the better. Make it fun - so have:

• refreshments available for participants

• a mix of standing and sitting options

• craft-style materials for building (such as blocks and paper)

• flip charts and whiteboards with lots of colored pens

Prime the Pump

Get the participants into the vibe of innovation by sharing a story or playing a TED talk on creativity. If you know of a group doing innovative things, have them come and demonstrate their journey, pitfalls, and outcomes. Get them to start the process for your team with the tools they used.

The art of innovation | Guy Kawasaki  

How great leaders inspire action | Simon Sinek

State the Case

The group needs to agree on the target or targets for innovation. If the scope is broad, break it into sub-topics and allow the teams to choose which they will work on. Presenting too focused or too broad topics can create ideation 'brick walls' for participants.

Document as you go

Nothing is worse than a great idea that is forgotten. Capture the process and content. Random notes won't be enough to bring the idea to life later. Make sure the idea is understood and following the ideation session. So make sure you capture the substance with:

• define the scribe role to document the work as they go

• notes and flip charts

• photos and video of the process and content

• storyboard to put the idea into context 

• note the key point, assumptions, and issues to investigate and resolve later

Innovation ends with clarity

The innovation process is and should be somewhat fuzzy to let the ideas flow. However, the ending of every session needs to include:

• idea capture

• vetting and selection

• action and next steps

Brainstorming sessions don't have to use only one approach. Each person has a unique way of looking at things and approaching problems. So use various approaches (different methods can be used in parallel or consecutively in one session to get the best from everyone).   

 You never know how and when lightning will strike.

7 Idea Generation Techniques

Situational

Situational techniques require we understand the environment, roles and people involved. They help us think through the experience of the user and ideate new ways of working, processes or products. Make it real or completely aspirational. Ask your team to think beyond the current state to a future that works better for all.

Rapid Fire

This “don't think - just create” approach can help by breaking down the natural barriers and the desire to self-edit that we all face when trying to come up with an idea.  Don’t go for just one idea. Go for lots of ideas and pare-down afterwards. Start with an fun ice breaker to get people ready create and to add energy to the team.

Systematic

These methods may seem easier, but in fact, they require more planning and foresight. The upside is that they can lead to big ideas, especially for technical and scientific groups or groups working virtually. The downside is that the structured processes may be treated as a “crutch” by participants, falling back on tried and true instead of innovation. So try to use another method in combination if possible.

So what do you think? Do you use a different approach? Would you mind sharing your best brainstorming story in the comments below?