16 Sep 4 AMAZING TIPS FOR BRAINSTORMING

BRAINSTORM MORE EFFICIENTLY, EVERY TIME

In the world of business, finding time to brainstorm through new project ideas or solutions to problems can seem like a luxury. After all, time is money, and what time isn’t spent actively fixing a problem is probably spent recovering from the exhausting tasks you’re faced with each and every day. But what you might not realize is the true value that brainstorming carries; not only does it help you approach new problems and issues with a more thorough set of opinions and ideas, but it also encourages collaboration and teamwork.

Here are four great tips for brainstorming better.

ENCOURAGE FREE THINKING

Brainstorming can be an intimidating process for many people, especially those in subordinate positions in a company or those who are new to the ropes. The key to creating a brainstorming environment that is truly fruitful is to encourage free thinking among your employees or colleagues. If they feel encouraged to really explore their minds for solutions, without pressure or intimidation, they’ll feel more at home sharing their ideas and are more likely to work as a team to find a solution or new approach.

“THERE ARE NO WRONG ANSWERS”

Brainstorming is not a pop-quiz type scenario, but many intimidated employees can feel like it is. Simply remind them that their opinions and ideas are valuable, no matter the relevance or expertise behind them. Creating an environment where people feel free to communicate, speak up and debate one another’s ideas is the quickest way to a truly stellar brainstorming session.

BE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT MATERIALS AVAILABLE

Many a company has conducted a brainstorming session without the necessary materials to get the session’s subsequent ideas written down. Don’t hold a brainstorming session in a room without a white board, for instance, and make sure you remind your employees to bring a computer or a notepad to the session so they can do physical brainstorming as well as mental brainstorming.

KNOW WHEN TO TAKE A BREAK

Like any exercise, brainstorming is exhausting and needs ample break time between sessions to be truly effective. Encourage your employees to go outside for a few minutes, get some water or walk around the office or parking lot after a particularly taxing session. Chances are, they’ll return to the drawing board refreshed and with a  better perspective on the problem or issue at hand.

Brainstorming has tons of benefits, for both companies and individual employees; how does brainstorming help your business stay ahead of the game?