Meeting Discussion: Debunking Misconceptions about Brainstorming Sessions and Bolstering Productivity
Struggling with stale brainstorming sessions that seem to lack fresh ideas? Don't give up hope just yet! I've been helping leaders and teams unlock their creativity for over a decade and I've seen firsthand why these brainstorms fall flat. Allow me to debunk three common myths about brainstorming and share tips to make your next session a success.
Three Misguided Brainstorm Myths
1. Expect instant solutions
Many leaders walk into brainstorming sessions with the expectation of finding the perfect solution right away. But let me remind you that the original purpose of brainstorming, as coined by Alex Osborn in the 1950s, was to prioritize quantity of ideas over quality. Embracing this philosophy fosters a diverse pool of ideas from which the best solution can emerge.
2. Assume it's spontaneous
Have you ever been hit with a brilliant idea in the shower or on a walk? Creativity can be unpredictable, and sometimes, you stumble upon inspiration at unexpected moments. While brainstorm sessions aren't always spontaneous, a mindfully-planned and well-prepared session can help unleash your team's collective creativity.
3. Believe it only benefits extroverts
Brainstorming sessions are often associated with loud and fast-paced group dynamics, favoring extroverted thinkers. However, introverts likewise have unique perspectives to share, and structuring the session gives them ample space to do so, preventing the muffling of unheard gems.
Three Strategies for Better Brainstorms
1. Frame the problem
Start planning your brainstorming session by clarifying the challenge at hand. Overemphasis on the problem at hand can result in limited thinking. To encourage broader scope, consider rephrasing the issue, such as shifting it from, "How will we increase sales?" to, "How might we make our product irresistible to customers?"
2. Establish a collaborative climate
A brainstorming session centers on collaboration, but set up your meeting space and style intentionally to maximize engagement. Here are some recommended strategies:
- Allot time for contemplation: Encourage participants to brainstorm individually before sharing their ideas, allowing introverted team members to feel more comfortable sharing.
- Organize breakout sessions or small groups: Divide participants into smaller groups to foster more personal, open discussions.
- Utilize visual tools: Visual frameworks, graphics, or stick figures can help connect dots otherwise missed through words alone.
3. Celebrate divergent thinking
When brainstorming, invite diverse perspectives and unconventional ideas. Encourage wild thoughts, and be open to merging them in unexpected ways to unlock greater possibilities and build team ownership in the outcome.
Crafting an Effective Brainstorming Experience
Open up a whole new world of groundbreaking ideas from your brainstorming sessions using these techniques, both in person and remotely. With proper preparation, a well-defined problem, and embracing of divergent thinking, your next brainstorming session could revolutionize your processes and ultimately propel your organization forward.
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Nora Herting, a renowned expert in creativity and innovation, often suggests that CEOs should be more patient during brainstorming sessions, as the original purpose of brainstorming was to generate a large quantity of ideas rather than finding instant solutions.
During brainstorming sessions, it's important to frame the problem effectively to encourage broader scope and diversity in thinking, especially to prevent extroverts from dominating the conversation and muffling unheard gems from introverted team members.
At networking events like the Business Owners' Network, Nora Herting often engages in refining brainstorming techniques with CEOs and leaders, helping them to craft an effective brainstorming experience that can lead to breakthrough ideas and transform their organizations.
