You may have often heard the word "brainstorming". However, have you practiced it often? If yes, think again about how effective your brainstorming has been?
Brainstorming itself is believed to be an effective method for sparking someone's creative ideas. Searching for ideas in this way is very popular because it is done with an informal approach, giving a relaxed impression. Creative ideas will emerge more easily.
Even though it tends to be relaxed, Canadian public speaking expert and motivator, Brian Tracy, revealed that there are several keys to a brainstorm. According to him, the main key for brainstorming to be effective is that the problem or question being discussed must be conveyed clearly so that it is understood by all participants. Take a little time to explain to your colleagues if someone doesn't understand the problem or the idea you are looking for. Good understanding will improve the quality of various creative ideas proposed by participants.
So, from the brainstorming session itself, it is hoped that as many ideas as possible will emerge. It usually takes 15–45 minutes to carry out the session. However, Tracy said, the ideal time for brainstorming is 30 minutes. So you don't need to do it for hours just because you want to get as many ideas as possible. Remember to continue to be effective and efficient, OK?
Apart from that, the number of brainstorming participants also has an influence. Tracy said, ideally the brainstorming participants are four to seven people. Less than four people, and you will lack stimulation for creative thinking. Meanwhile, if there are more than seven people, there may not be enough opportunities for everyone to contribute their ideas.
The next key, brainstorming in general certainly requires a leader. They serve as stimulators for participants so they can express creative ideas flowing. This refers to the most important rule in brainstorming, namely avoiding evaluating ideas during the process. Because, the main focus is on quantity, not quality. Evaluation and discussion of ideas can be done after the brainstorming session ends.
This is a picture of brainstorming that is commonly carried out. However, what you need to know is that since brainstorming was first coined by advertising executive, Alex Osborn, in 1941, this technique has continued to develop. Now, there are dozens of brainstorming methods to choose from. It's all there to accommodate each person's different conditions. So, here are five examples.
Not everyone can talk freely about their ideas. There are those who enjoy writing more, for example, so brainwriting could be an alternative choice.
To do this technique, initially everyone writes down their three ideas related to the brainstorming topic for 4-5 minutes. Then, give the paper to the person on the right/left side. Let them develop existing ideas by adding points or creative strategies. After a few moments, pass the paper until it finishes around the table. Once the ideas have been gathered, the group discusses them and decides which ideas are best to pursue.
So, for this technique, choose a famous figure who is not in the room, it could be a public figure, world figure, fictional character or even your boss. After that, discuss how the figure thinks about a problem and idea. Sometimes it is best to consider other people's points of view.
Through rolestorming, this will anticipate doubts. By taking cover under the character of a figure, brainstorming participants will be more likely to be open to ideas rather than putting forward them in their own name.
The 5 Whys technique was originally created by Taiichi Ohno which he later popularized at Toyota as a standard process for analyzing the root of a problem down to the core of the problem.
For the process, imagine that you are being asked by a toddler, "why", "why", "why", "why", "why". You will continue to be asked question after question after you give one answer. The 5 Whys will encourage open dialogue that can trigger the emergence of new ideas about a problem.
Do you like the sensation of being chased by a deadline? Or will your brilliant ideas emerge when you are already pressed for time? So, the rapid ideation method will be suitable for you to apply.
This method is essentially a matter of time. Each person writes down as many ideas as possible in the allotted time. In it no ideas are discussed, criticized, or refined. Everyone focuses on getting as many ideas out as possible while there is still time.
Brain-netting is a popular brainstorming technique in the digital era. This is most suitable for teams whose members do a lot of remote working. Brain-netting allows teams to share ideas from anywhere via various applications such as Slack, Zoom, Webex, and so on.
The way teams carry out virtual collaboration is quite varied, for example the team leader can ask general questions such as "What does our team want regarding customer experience?" From these questions it can then develop into a discussion. Apart from that, it can also be combined with other techniques, such as role storming and rapid ideation.
Well, there are lots of ways to spark creative ideas, right? Try checking which techniques you have tried or which techniques interest you the most?