When it comes to brainstorming, there are a lot of ways one can tackle the overwhelming amount of content that needs to be translated to paper. From keywords to pie charts, the meat of the meeting usually lies in how effective the brainstorming portion turns out to be. Here are some of the methods that can ensure an efficient brainstorming session.
Summarize The Problem In 7 Words
The first step to ensure that the brainstorming group is in the right direction is to identify the crux of the problem. What is the problem that needs to be solved at the end? Once the problem is identified, attempt to formulate it in seven words to create a purpose statement that can keep everyone on track. Seven words give the statement good allowance for keywords to stay and clears up any contradictory intentions.
For example, a restaurant needs more ideas on how to improve its customer retention system. This can be affected by its menu items, service crew, location, prices, and promotions. In order to brainstorm about a solution, pick one aspect and trim it to its most dominant factor. Say the final problem statement is, “High prices make the restaurant seem exclusive”, then the ideas will concentrate around the factors that account for such high prices, and subsequently solve the ambiance issue.
Come Up With Ideas Alone First
When a group of people come together and everyone is trying to speak over the other, most of the ideas get lost or people concentrate on a singular point collectively. Instead of getting everyone to chip in, consider giving at least 15 minutes for each member to deliberate about how they will tackle the problem alone. This way will allow everyone to work on the same problem with their own set of objectives and creativity.
Brainstorming loves a myriad of ideas. Once all the ideas are presented, identify the advantages and/or disadvantages of certain points that are interesting, and continue working from there.
Remember To Take Action After
Most of the times when brainstorming fails, it is because after the session, no action is taken with regards to what was discussed. It is understandable that the generated content is usually heavy and varied after an intensive session, but leaving the discussion to quietly fade into oblivion is not the solution here. If no concrete action is taken after the session, then the efficiency of brainstorming will never be tested.
Consider employing someone to take the minutes of the meeting. Afterwards, craft feasible action plans to enforce the solutions, and keep track of its progress. Have specific teams monitoring the results. If something works or does not work, bring it up during the next session. There is a reason why these points were brought up in the first place, so immediately incorporate it back into work and prove that it can add value to the company as a whole.