Too often brainstorms lead to a lack of valuable ideas and alignment. But did you know that brainstorming sessions don’t have to be a drain? Consider the following strategy tips to create an environment that spurs innovation. These are strategies that the experts use to crank out the types of ideas that could change the world. No promises you’ll be the next Steve Jobs. But let us know if these work out for you.

Gather a Team

Nothing demonstrates the power of synergy quite like bright minds coming together. Whatever you do, don’t try to go about brainstorming alone. Gather team members from across departments - even those with strong opposing opinions. You will find that there is immense value in differing perspectives.

Differing skill sets and frames of reference are critical for brainstorming a solution. To take advantage of this, you have to…

Ask the Right Questions

Brainstorming should center around a question. To do this, you have to first be clear on the problem or challenge you are trying to solve. From there, develop it into a question. Questions are inherently approached with curiosity and answers. Centering your brainstorming efforts around them should predispose your team to innovative ideas.

A great question framework, as used by Stanford’s d.school, is to ask questions that begin with “How might we…”. For example, if you are brainstorming a way to reduce traffic in your city (because don’t we all need that?!), ask a question such as, “How might we design our city’s traffic flow such that getting across town at rush hour is as easy as any other time of day?”

Questions formed this way do a couple of crucial things. First, they make the solution very clear. Though you still need to figure out the route to get there, everyone focuses on the defined outcome. Second, and perhaps even more important, is that the “how might we” language communicates achievable solutions. This is motivating to the team. Take the traffic example above – the best solution might be unclear or difficult to achieve, but the question is set up to elicit unique ideas.

To get unique and innovative solutions, you have to…

Defer Judgment

Have you ever had an idea that you thought was really cool, but were afraid to share it with others because of fear that it would be rejected?

Fostering the right environment for people to work effectively applies in brainstorming as much as it does in regular business areas. Deferring judgment is so important that IDEO, a thought-leading innovation and design company, put it at the top of their brainstorming rules. For people to share their thoughts freely, they need to know they will be emotionally supported. Speaking ideas freely can be vulnerable, especially if a person is not typically involved in strategy work in their day-to-day role.

At the beginning of each brainstorming session, remind the team that all ideas are good ideas and that none shall be judged. That applies intrapersonally and interpersonally. With everyone clear on that rule, creative inhibitions will be cast out. And then everyone is free to…

Build Off Eachothers Ideas

Group brainstorming generates a wider variety of ideas than brainstorming solo. You may find that this often sparks more creativity in the room. One person’s ideas are another’s catalyst for creativity.

This is best explained as having a “yes, and…” mentality. Approach every idea with the intention to build from its strengths, instead of poking holes and finding flaws. Instead, use others’ ideas as creative prompts and add your own flavor. Doing this means your brainstorming session might…

Get Wild

Give yourself the creative freedom to think big! The best brainstorms result in wild and transformative ideas. The grandiose nature of these thoughts gives them a lot of innovative potential. From there, you can fit them to the specific needs of you or your customers.

But don’t just take it from us. Alex Osburn, widely known as the father of brainstorming, said it beautifully: “It’s easier to tame down a wild idea than it is to invigorate a weak one.” In an atmosphere where everyone embraces all the ideas, the wild and crazy ideas are the most fun and lead to further productive discussions. Give yourself permission to dream.

Now, Start Brainstorming

Brainstorming done right is a fun and collaborative exercise. Oh, and it might just lead to some pretty epic ideas, too. Use this outline above to put the thunder back into your brainstorming 🌩️