Rules for Productive Brainstorming Session

1. Encourage all ideas however foolish they may sound at first. Criticism, or sarcasm or lack of interest, no matter how subtle will quickly stamp out enthusiasm for innovative thinking. Managers are taught to be quick, critical and judgmental. It is important to turn that off. 2. Record all ideas. The great Walt Disney’s brainstorming sessions included a large bulletin board where all idea cards were pinned and photographed to be used in future sessions. 3. Build on others’ ideas using developmental thinking. Tell your teammate three things you like about his idea and then give him an itemized response on your areas of concern. 4. Select a “problem owner” for the session who will facilitate and encourage discussion without dominating. Bosses are the worst “problem owners”. 5. Use creativity tools. 6. Bring in people from different backgrounds. Bring in customers. 7. Make the session happy, enjoyable and fun.