Brainstorming can be used in many situations. This technique is usually used to solve problems, but it can also be applied in positive and developmental situations, such as when thinking about the growth of a company, for example.
Some situations in which to apply the exercise:
A) Advertising: When developing ideas for campaigns.
B) Team formation: With discussions about ideas, expanding creativity.
C) Product development : Both for the development of new products and for the improvement of existing ones.
D) Problem solving: Thinking focused on analyzing consequences and finding a solution.
E) Project management: Identify deliverables, resources, tasks and responsibilities.
F) Process management: Look for ways to improve the company’s internal processes.
The Advantages of Brainstorming
By using brainstorming during group dynamics, it is possible to develop several interpersonal skills. The first of these is interactivity, because this activity generates the exchange of information between participants.
In addition, everyone learns to express their ideas. In the corporate environment, this leads to another benefit, which is the appreciation and development of employees . During brainstorming, employees are heard and their opinions are taken into consideration, generating even more motivation for their day-to-day work.
This technique also encourages teamwork and, therefore, also greatly helps in the relationship between participants, creating a more relaxed and peaceful environment to work in. Communication is also improved during brainstorming, as participants feel more comfortable expressing themselves and are more encouraged to put into practice the ideas generated in this dynamic.
For those who use brainstorming individually, creative thinking continues to be greatly stimulated. Doing it this way is advantageous when it is difficult to reconcile the schedules of all the necessary people. If your company’s employees do not adapt to brainstorming, but you still need this dynamic to execute your projects, doing it alone is the best solution.
How to do a Brainstorming?
Brainstorming isn’t just about getting a bunch of people in a room and asking each person to share an idea. This will cause a huge commotion and the activity won’t achieve its goal. To get a satisfactory result when using brainstorming, you need to pay attention to these 6 points:
1. Choose a leader for the activity
Having a leader leading the brainstorming session will ensure that the activity is well executed. This is because he or she will focus on completing the steps and organize the team, avoiding problems during the process. This leader will direct and moderate potential conflicts, as well as command and evaluate all the steps of the brainstorming session.
2. Encourage collaboration from all members
The more people participate, the more ideas will emerge! So, encourage and stimulate everyone, even if these ideas are not used in the end. This will increase the creativity of those who are participating and instigate many qualities in your team, such as proactivity and a sense of argumentation. Finally, participants will feel free to give their opinions, increasing their sense of trust in the company.
3. Don’t criticize any ideas
The more ideas, the better. So don’t criticize anything so that you don’t reduce the number in the end. This will help in case the idea you choose isn’t a good one. With lots of options, it’s easier to find the perfect solution. When you realize you have enough ideas to go on, organize everything and summarize the ones that seem repetitive.
4. Schedule note-taking time
Timing your team’s notes will increase their concentration on brainstorming ideas, reducing distractions and keeping them focused. Having a predetermined time to brainstorm ideas will increase creativity.
5. Record all ideas
Write down everything that comes up during the brainstorming session. This way, no information will be at risk of being lost during the analysis. Taking notes in a place where everyone can see them is very advantageous, as all participants will be able to follow the development of ideas. They can be written on poster board, a whiteboard, post-its, or whatever is most accessible to the group.
6. Select the best ideas
After brainstorming, you need to critically analyze and select the ones that best fit the objective of that brainstorming session. Also, pay attention to whether the selected idea is possible to execute.