It is frequently stated that inspiration comes when you least expect it, however, this is an unproductive method to generate innovation and creativity . Consider a time when you or a team you were a part of had to deal with a specific problem. It might be as easy as selecting a theme for a corporate party or developing strategies to meet your quarterly targets. Your mind becomes blank as soon as you start thinking of ideas.
To get your creative juices flowing, you’ll need a plan. And brainstorming is the answer. Brainstorming as part of your problem-solving process encourages collaboration and creative thinking, as well as the creation of the greatest ideas. Learn how to brainstorm ideas like a pro by following these four steps.
What exactly is brainstorming?
Brainstorming, as the name implies, is the process of using one’s intellect to come up with innovative solutions to an issue. It’s a technique for coming up with new ideas and inspiring creativity.
Some Common Methods for Brainstorming
Brainstorming has taken the globe by storm (pun intended) since its debut. To get their creative juices flowing, everyone adopts brainstorming techniques. There are now several strategies for conducting more efficient brainstorming sessions, such as:
- Analysis of the 5 Whys
- Mind Mapping
- Starbursting
- Ideation occurs quickly.
5 Methods to get the Creative Juices flowing
You assemble your team for a brainstorming session, expecting ideas to flow freely, but none do. This is frequently the case when you are under a lot of pressure to come up with your next fantastic idea. If you rethink your thinking and hunt for inspiration in unexpected places, you’ll be astonished at how many ideas will occur to you.
Remember that thinking outside the box or even outside the office may be beneficial. Here are five proven ways to get the creative juices flowing:
1. Improve quantity
It’s preferable if you have a lot of ideas. Rather than attempting to come up with a single major concept, strive towards quantity in order to generate as many ideas as possible. This strategy will provide you with additional possibilities and may motivate others to come up with fresh ideas. Not every idea will be brilliant, but one terrible idea can lead to numerous wonderful ones.
2. Do not criticize
There is no greater thought because criticizing ideas diminishes the number of ideas transmitted, thereby opposing Osborn’s first rule of quantity above quality. Avoid negativity as long as you can as it has no place in a brainstorming session.
By removing criticism from the equation, an atmosphere is created in which people may freely communicate their views without being judged.
3. Be open to novel ideas
Encourage the expression of all ideas, no matter how odd. While unique, unconventional, and even quirky ideas are not always possible, they might generate inventive solutions that you had not previously considered.
Welcoming unconventionality into a brainstorming session fosters an open environment for creativity and increases the number of ideas presented.
4. Combine and enhance ideas
Ideas should be expanded upon. Naturally, your team will not be able to execute all of the suggestions, but you may use them as a source of inspiration.
New solutions can be created by combining concepts. Examine each idea to evaluate which are the most viable, innovative, and well-suited to attaining your goal. There isn’t such a thing as a perfect idea. Even if it wasn’t your idea in the first place, you can still help improve it.
5. Remove ‘but’ possibly
The word ‘but’ constructs a mental barrier. One time, we employed a ‘but’ button, which triggered a buzzer whenever someone mentioned ‘but’ during a brainstorm. It immediately broke the habit.
So, break out of your creative rut and get your mind ready for a productive brainstorming session!
