Brainstorming: 5 Steps to Success

Lack of capital investment is often the easiest scapegoat for limiting the success of continuous improvement projects. However, some of the most cost effective solutions may be overlooked when initial brainstorming sessions fail to yield truly out-of-the-box ideas. Here are 5 quick steps to improve the output of your brainstorming sessions:

1.  Primer
In order to maximize the participation of the group, give everybody the opportunity to ruminate on the issue by giving members adequate notice with a concise problem statement. Set a brief agenda for the brainstorming meeting and what the expectations are in terms of participation.

2.  Kick-Off
Encourage participation and set the tone for the meeting. A brainstorming session should be informal but structured. Consider providing shared snacks to lighten the mood. Lay out the ground rules before giving the floor to the group. The goal is to just capture ideas and not assess feasibility. Therefore, there is no criticism during this phase and no dwelling on suggestions. Have a list of wacky ideas to kick off the session that demonstrates that every possibility is on the table.

3.  Brainstorm
Use a combination of brainstorming formats that appeal to each personality type:

• Pass the Baton – cycling through the group members one suggestion at a time until all the ideas are exhausted.
  Benefits: gives everybody an opportunity to provide input
  Limitations: public speaking not suitable for everyone   

• Individual/Ballot Submission – individuals can prepare written suggestions and submit anonymously if preferred.
  Benefits: opportunity to provide input without fear of being judged
  Limitations: if anonymous, unable to get clarification if required

• Team Whiteboard Session – free form approach with a visual communal board.
  Benefits: less stress to come up with ideas, collaborative nature
  Limitations: may not get even contribution

Consider the following techniques to fish for ideas:

• Bad Ideas – think of the worst idea possible and work backwards from there. Understanding what makes an idea bad can lead you in the right direction.
   
• 5M’s – Manpower, Materials, Machines, Methods, Measurement. Think about solutions that address each of the contributing factors.
   
• Sky’s the limit ­– think of solutions where money is not a factor and where there are no rules or internal policies. Then think of ways you can achieve the same results on a budget or modify the current procedures/policies to suit your needs.
   
• Process Flow – think of solutions for each process step

4.  Keep the Flow
It is important to keep the momentum and the ideas flowing. As there are likely personalities that like to dominate the conversation or Debbie downers in each group, you must employ some strategies to keep the meeting in scope. Make sure to keep a short time limit on each suggestion and remind everyone of the original problem statement if you feel the scope begin to creep.

5.  Follow-Up
Today’s good idea may be just an iteration of yesterday’s bad idea. Give the group some time to sit on the ideas and look at them from a different perspective.